Wedding Dresses of the 1920s: A Guide for Today’s Bride

Do you want to get married in a 1920s wedding dress? Are you in love with Downton Abbey ? If you’re a fan of the famous series and wished you could have lived in those Roaring Twenties, this inspiration guide will help you reinterpret the style in a modern way and find your 1920s wedding dress.

More and more brides are looking for a 1920s-inspired wedding dress, like “Downton Abbey,” with a flowing, vintage look, but they worry about feeling like they’re in costume if they choose this decade for their style. Keep reading and we’ll give you the keys to getting your look right.

WHAT IS A 1920S WEDDING DRESS?

But you might ask: WHAT ARE 1920S STYLE WEDDING DRESSES LIKE?

It is a straight-cut suit, made with fluid fabrics that do not cling to the body, and generally hip-length.

Bias cuts and V-necklines are also very characteristic of this style. Furthermore, nothing better represents the spirit of the 1920s than fringe and beading , which accentuate the bride’s movement and sensuality and are perfect for dancing.

If you are a bride-to-be and a lover of vintage style, we explain the differences between the available options.

TYPES OF WEDDING DRESSES IN THE 1920s

Where to begin ? Before you start your search, keep in mind that there are three options for a Gatsby wedding dress:

• A good reproduction of a 1920s wedding dress
• Wedding dress with a 1920s feel
• A REAL 1920s wedding dress

1. A good reproduction of a 1920s wedding dress

Ivory and pastel or powdery tones are best for these brides, and both feathers and pearls are all the rage this year. Our advice is to look for a good reproduction made with fine fabrics and good rhinestones, one that is not too shiny and is well embroidered, to avoid unpleasant surprises.

2. A wedding dress with a 1920s feel

If you don’t want to recreate the exact art-deco look, and you’re afraid of feeling like you’re in costume, you can opt for a modern dress that has a 1920s feel . The rebellious and carefree spirit of flapper girls can be achieved with the cut and textures of the dresses of that era. Bias or A-line cuts, and the fluidity and texture of silks, satins and velvets, are ideal for achieving the effect, as seen in some models from the Belvedere and Bohème collections.

Jumpsuits, which were a true revolution in the mid-1920s, are a very comfortable and sophisticated option, ideal for an urban civil wedding .

At L’Arca Barcelona we also make fully personalized wedding dresses, with original antique lace from the 1920s, a good option for the bride looking for a more sustainable wedding.

3.- An authentic 1920s wedding dress versus a reproduction dress.

Many brides dream of getting married in an authentic 1920s dress or a truly vintage wedding dress. If you don’t have one from your grandmother, the ones actually made in that decade can be found, with luck, in specialized vintage shops, antique stores, or online. You should know that these will be vintage party dresses, since brides in 1920s Spain typically wore black and rather understated attire. It’s increasingly difficult to find a genuine “flapper” or “ Charleston-style” dress in good condition, and it’s likely to be quite heavy due to the type of beading used at the time. In any case, don’t forget the basic rules for buying vintage clothing. Carefully inspect the condition of the clothes and discard any that have tears or sweat stains.

COMPLEMENTING A 1920S WEDDING DRESS: FROM HEAD TO TOE

How to put on the veil?

To complete the bridal look, a long veil or mantilla worn in a pirate style or a Juliet cap will be the ideal complement to a tulle gown. Laura Ponte is one of the iconic Spanish brides who knew how to wear an antique lace mantilla with an art-deco inspired dress by Miguel Palacio. The ever-present model Kate Moss, with her Juliet Cap-style veil over her loose hair, also set a trend.

The veil can be a mantilla or embroidered tulle decorated with rhinestones or pearls; it should be worn close to the forehead, with the hair loose and flowing or in a very low but firm updo.

“A woman should be two things: elegant and fabulous.”

Coco Chanel

Headpieces to elevate your look

If you don’t want to wear a veil and opt for a headpiece, there are several options. . The tapes They were one of the most used accessories on the bob hairstyle, or medium-length hair, due to the influence of the Charleston and jazz. They can be found with touches of rhinestones, or with feathers if you’re looking for a bolder effect.

Another trend from the 1920s is headbands . They come in a thousand different styles, whether adorned with rhinestones, feathers, or the so-called “jeweled headbands.” They’re the perfect touch to embellish your head, regardless of your haircut or length. A turban is also a great option for a more formal, civil wedding look.

Jewelry for a perfect flapper bride

In the 1920s, jewelry became a very important part of dressing up. They generally consisted of Art Deco fashion jewelry pieces, geometrically cut and made of silver and marcasite. Brooches, bracelets, and headbands are particularly noteworthy. The brooch was placed in strategic locations to hold the ornaments. Double-strand pearl necklaces always work to add the finishing touch to an outfit.

The ideal shoes for a Gatsby-style dress

You have to take care of your style from head to toe. To dance and be comfortable on your wedding day, you can opt for “Mary Jane” or ” Merceditas” shoes, which are back in style. For a more glamorous look, ankle-strap mid-heel shoes like Rachel Simpson ‘s are the perfect finishing touch to your outfit.

Fur stoles, or those made of synthetic fur or feathers, are a great way for the more eco-conscious brides to make a grand entrance, as well as keeping you warm.

The flapper bride’s makeup

Not only are clothes and accessories reinterpreted in current fashion, but also aesthetics, and makeup and hair are very important.

It’s pointless to do what they did in the 1920s and pale your skin with talcum powder, but do use a very light foundation, or a nude tone, to highlight red or plum-colored lips. Long eyelashes accentuated by a well-defined eyeliner on the mobile eyelid, or if you dare, a “smoky eye” effect. There are professionals who offer special sessions for this type of makeup.

The ultimate flapper-inspired hairstyle is a medium-length bob with defined waves and a rhinestone headband. If you have long hair, it’s not difficult to create a bob hairstyle, camouflaging your hair. Finger waves are the quintessential 1920s hairstyle, but be careful because they don’t suit everyone and can sometimes look over the top. 2020 marks the centenary of that decade: the perfect time to pay homage to the Roaring Twenties. At l’Arca we’ll be waiting for you to celebrate.