Maybe it’s because I spent a lot of time around my grandparent’s house rummaging through old clothes, but I have always had an obsession with the looks of different eras. Personally, I am the classic vintage hourglass shape – a blessing and a curse. It means that anything of 40s and 50s era looks perfect for me but I find it super difficult to take advantage of the Great Gatsby look that has become so popular.
If you’re planning on a vintage wedding, there are so many options to choose from in terms of style and there’s nearly always an era to suit everyone’s style and taste.
In nearly every decade, the fashionable figure to have changes. From athletic looking 1920s flappers, the pin-ups of the 1950s and the re-emergence of waif like ladies of the 90s. Luckily for you, practically every shape possible has been popular over the decades, so there will definitely be a vintage look for you.
Hourglass
The hourglass is said to be the most coveted female shape, but if you’re an hourglass yourself, you probably know how frustrating it can sometimes be. An hourglass look typically have a generously endowed bust with hips in roughly the same proportion with a comparative smaller waist. But it’s super easy for this look to appear frumpy if dressed in the wrong era:
- Defining your waist should always be at the forefront of your mind. This is the key to giving you shape. Not defining your waist can sometimes make it appear that you are holding the shape from your bust down, making you appear larger than you are.
- Wrap dresses work well as they follow your curves nicely.
- Anything that nips the waist and is also high waisted – showing off the smallest part of you.
- Avoid 1920s flapper dresses. Yes, they are gorgeous but the are designed to do the opposite of a typical 40s or 50s look. Sometimes they work but more often than not, they don’t.
- Avoid 1960s A-line shift dresses. A large bust doesn’t benefit from the ultra mod shift dress.
Pear Shape
Pears tend to have a slim upper half and a fuller lower half from the tummy down.
- Empire waistlines of 1970s and maxi dresses look perfect as they accent your slender parts and skim from your problem areas.
- Unlike a busty hourglass, you’re able to get away with 60s mod looks and A-lines.
- 1940s and 80s shoulder pads help to balance out your hips.
- Avoid pleated skirts or hip hugging jeans.
Rectangle
You are slender everywhere… you lucky so and so! You may sometimes give about your lack of sexy curves but a huge bonus is that you can get away with any era.
- 1920s flapper dresses were designed with your body shape in mind so take advantage of the current trend.
- The same goes for the mod chic look that belonged of Twiggy.
- Other eras will more than likely suit you too. Create an illusion of curves with a tightly fitted waist or belt.
- Enjoy backless when you can… You can get away with them easily!
All images courtesy of the lovely Cabaret Vintage
