Having a vintage wedding dress and accessories can be a way to express your personal style. Vintage fashion is timeless, but it’s also different from purchasing a dress from a traditional bridal shop. Here are five tips to keep in mind when looking for a vintage dress.
#1 – Know What Vintage Fashion Is
Vintage means finding items that are old and classic. While there are no real guidelines to identify vintage fashion, 20 years or older is a good timeframe. If you want to take vintage fashion a step further, 100 years is considered antique. At its core, vintage fashion is something from a previous era.
#2 – Look Everywhere and Take Recommendations
When looking for vintage items, you probably will have to search outside of a traditional bridal salon. Look in thrift stores and vintage clothing boutiques for pieces that could work together. Asking your favorite vintage shop for help as they generally have a network in the area. Even online you may find accessories or shoes that help complete the look.
#3 – Shop Early
Vintage fashion means you may need to go to more than one store, or your search may take longer than you expect. Start first with finding your dress after you get engaged as this leaves time for alterations and to compliment your dress with vintage accessories. Another good thing to keep in mind is that if you see a piece you like, buy it. Even if it doesn’t work for your wedding, you can always use it to enhance an outfit for a dance or meeting in the future.
#4 – Pick Your Era
Finding vintage pieces can be difficult enough, but looking for pieces in the same era can pose another challenge. If you want the 1950’s, look for a voluminous skirt with a fitted waistline and a decorative neckline. Brides in the 1960’s were going for shorter gowns sometimes with hemlines above the knee. In the 1970’s there were empire waists and flowing sleeves. The 1980’s had bigger wedding gowns with lots of volume and big shoulders.
#5 – Keep An Open Mind
Even if you research the style and decade you want, keep an open mind. When looking at vintage pieces, you’ll uncover what’s actively available at the time of your search. Keep an open mind for accessories to pair with your gown. Don’t be afraid to mix “eras” as a crossover look; it can be very appealing.
#6 – Check the Garment Inside and Out Before Buying
Checking a garment should be paramount because you could find something that isn’t treatable or correctable. Remember, vintage apparel has already been worn, and you want to make sure the garment is as pristine as possible. Some stains cannot be removed by any cleaning process. A dry cleaner specializing in stain removal can help remove minor stains. On the exterior, check for any beading, lace, or other design elements that may be loose and can be repaired.
When looking for vintage clothes, it’s always good to shop around to find the perfect dress for your personal style. If your personal style does not lean to vintage, check out our bridal collection if your in the market for a wedding dress.