How to style a vintage bridal look? Vintage is one of the most popular wedding styles. In this article, we look at how you can combine beautiful accessories from bygone eras to complement your bridal look.
What does vintage mean?
The term “vintage” usually describes a historic style or time period that has come into fashion again. For example, the Roaring Twenties with its distinctive flapper look is popular at weddings and parties, as is 1950s pin up glamour.
Start your bridal look with the dress
If you’re going to style any bridal look, choose the dress before you pick the accessories to go with it. This particularly important with vintage styles as they can vary greatly. Let the dress material, colour, neckline and details guide you to your overall look.
Sticking to a specific design era
If you want a very defined vintage look, you’ll need to focus on one design period. Start with vintage fashion books or bridal websites to find out which style you’re most drawn to.
Watch our slideshow for inspiration:
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Vintage era quick reference guide:
Rococo/Late Baroque: Outragous hoop skirts, big hair, “more is more”
Victorian: Corsets, pearls and feminine up-do’s
Edwardian: Modest high-neck dresses, bustles and lace
1920’s: The flapper look, Great Gatsby, Downton Abbey
1980’s: Big hair, colourful accessories, geometric shapes
Don’t mix vintage styles
Don’t mix vintage eras. Retro 50’s hair won’t look right with a long 70’s hippy dress. You can make small allowances, combining periods close in time and style. For example, a Victorian corset dress would work with Edwardian antique earrings.
If you just want a touch of vintage
If you don’t want to create a specific vintage look, adding just a touch of old fashioned charm can make your wedding day style stand out. There are two materials that achieve this for you easily.
Lace gives an instant antique feel to almost any dress shape, headpiece or bouquet decoration.
Pearls are the ultimate vintage accessory, whether sewn on to your dress or worn as jewellery.
Vintage jewellery
Certain jewellery styles were more prominent during different eras. For instance, 18th century jewellery was most often made with yellow gold and colourful gems. On the other hand, the Art Deco era featured lavish diamond designs. Read our Guide to Vintage Jewellery Styles to find your ideal look.
Where to shop for genuine vintage items
If you love shopping, you’ll have a ball searching for antique accessories. Vintage clothing shops, antique markets, Etsy and Ebay are great places to look. Or you may already own a dear old jewellery piece or vintage purse inherited from your grandmother.
Imitation pieces work just as well
Sometimes the idea of vintage is not the same as the reality. A genuine antique item may not look as good as you imagined. Or it can be hard to find genuine vintage items that aren’t damaged or yellowed.
If that’s your experience, go for items that are “vintage inspired”. There are plenty of bridal retailers and fashion stores that offer contemporary items designed in vintage styles.
19th Century styling tips
For an opulent 19th century look go for eye-catching accessories: an extravagant diamond necklace or a cathedral veil. But be careful not to add too many big items all at once. Especially if your dress already has lots of ruffles or sparkle. Otherwise it may all look “too much”.
Una publicación compartida de Novia Sensuelle (@novia_sensuelle) el
1920s styling tips
Brides going for The Roaring Twenties (Great Gatsby/Downton Abbey) era can choose a flapper-style dress. A forehead band really evokes the style of this era. Feathers, sequins or a clutch bag with pearl detail would also go well with this style.
Una publicación compartida de 🌸Sabrina🌸 (@makeup_by_sabrinakinzer) el
1940s and 50s styling tips
Are you wearing a short or below-the-knee 1940’s to 1950’s prom-style dress? A small hat with a “birdcage veil” (with netting that only covers the face) and red lipstick will add quirkiness and glamour.
Una publicación compartida de Helen Entwisle (@memoillustration) el
1970s styling tips
A 1970’s bride wearing a long boho dress will want an alice band or wreath made with real flowers. Jewellery should show ethnic or hippy influences, like Hamsas, florals, and hearts.
Una publicación compartida de Hawaii Bride (@hawaiibridesguide) el
A final bit of advice…
Whatever you choose, do respect your personal style. Your wedding is not the time to choose accessories that you’re not 100% comfortable wearing. The key is to go with your heart and consider how the each piece makes you feel. If you feel excited and can’t wait to wear them on your wedding day, you can’t go wrong!
How to style a vintage bridal look? Vintage is one of the most popular wedding styles. In this article, we look at how you can combine beautiful accessories from bygone eras to complement your bridal look.
What does vintage mean?
The term “vintage” usually describes a historic style or time period that has come into fashion again. For example, the Roaring Twenties with its distinctive flapper look is popular at weddings and parties, as is 1950s pin up glamour.
Start your bridal look with the dress
If you’re going to style any bridal look, choose the dress before you pick the accessories to go with it. This particularly important with vintage styles as they can vary greatly. Let the dress material, colour, neckline and details guide you to your overall look.
Sticking to a specific design era
If you want a very defined vintage look, you’ll need to focus on one design period. Start with vintage fashion books or bridal websites to find out which style you’re most drawn to.
Watch our slideshow for inspiration:
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Vintage era quick reference guide:
Don’t mix vintage styles
Don’t mix vintage eras. Retro 50’s hair won’t look right with a long 70’s hippy dress. You can make small allowances, combining periods close in time and style. For example, a Victorian corset dress would work with Edwardian antique earrings.
If you just want a touch of vintage
If you don’t want to create a specific vintage look, adding just a touch of old fashioned charm can make your wedding day style stand out. There are two materials that achieve this for you easily.
Vintage jewellery
Certain jewellery styles were more prominent during different eras. For instance, 18th century jewellery was most often made with yellow gold and colourful gems. On the other hand, the Art Deco era featured lavish diamond designs. Read our Guide to Vintage Jewellery Styles to find your ideal look.
Where to shop for genuine vintage items
If you love shopping, you’ll have a ball searching for antique accessories. Vintage clothing shops, antique markets, Etsy and Ebay are great places to look. Or you may already own a dear old jewellery piece or vintage purse inherited from your grandmother.
Imitation pieces work just as well
Sometimes the idea of vintage is not the same as the reality. A genuine antique item may not look as good as you imagined. Or it can be hard to find genuine vintage items that aren’t damaged or yellowed.
If that’s your experience, go for items that are “vintage inspired”. There are plenty of bridal retailers and fashion stores that offer contemporary items designed in vintage styles.
19th Century styling tips
For an opulent 19th century look go for eye-catching accessories: an extravagant diamond necklace or a cathedral veil. But be careful not to add too many big items all at once. Especially if your dress already has lots of ruffles or sparkle. Otherwise it may all look “too much”.
1920s styling tips
Brides going for The Roaring Twenties (Great Gatsby/Downton Abbey) era can choose a flapper-style dress. A forehead band really evokes the style of this era. Feathers, sequins or a clutch bag with pearl detail would also go well with this style.
1940s and 50s styling tips
Are you wearing a short or below-the-knee 1940’s to 1950’s prom-style dress? A small hat with a “birdcage veil” (with netting that only covers the face) and red lipstick will add quirkiness and glamour.
1970s styling tips
A 1970’s bride wearing a long boho dress will want an alice band or wreath made with real flowers. Jewellery should show ethnic or hippy influences, like Hamsas, florals, and hearts.
A final bit of advice…
Whatever you choose, do respect your personal style. Your wedding is not the time to choose accessories that you’re not 100% comfortable wearing. The key is to go with your heart and consider how the each piece makes you feel. If you feel excited and can’t wait to wear them on your wedding day, you can’t go wrong!
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