Vintage Wedding Dresses That Will Take You Back in Time

Feeling nostalgic? Check these gowns out.

Photo courtesy of Costarellos,Photo by Lara Jade,Photo courtesy of Temperley London

Updated Mar 20, 2020

If you're obsessed with the flapper style of the Roaring '20s, the retro look of the '50s or the dreamy vibe of the '70s, that should be reflected in your wedding dress. Your wedding day outfit should reflect your unique style and personality, so rock whatever makes you feel most beautiful. To help with your search, we've rounded up our favorite vintage wedding dresses that will transport you to a different era. Whether you want to feel like you're partying at Gatsby's house or you're stepping out of Woodstock, we've got a wedding gown for you. Find inspiration from these vintage wedding dresses by saving the ones you like the most. Once you get an idea of what you like, work with a bridal consultant to find the wedding outfit of your dreams.

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In this article:

Vintage Short Wedding Dresses
Vintage Ball Gown Wedding Dresses
Vintage Mermaid Wedding Dresses
Vintage Fit-and-Flare Wedding Dresses
Vintage Tea-Length Wedding Dresses
Vintage Wedding Jumpsuits and Pantsuits
Vintage A-Line Wedding Dresses
Vintage Trumpet Wedding Dresses
Vintage Sheath & Column Wedding Dresses
Vintage Two-Piece Wedding Dresses
Vintage High-Low Wedding Dresses
Vintage Slip Wedding Dresses
Vintage Midi Wedding Dresses
Vintage Empire Wedding Dresses

Vintage Short Wedding Dresses

If you don't want to wear a long gown for your nuptials, you can still pull off an old-school aesthetic with a short dress. Style a sweet lace mini dress with a chic birdcage veil and a red lip, or rock a flapper-inspired dress with sequin tassels. If you're looking to make more of a statement, look for a frock with an oversized accessory like a flower or bow. Whether you wear a mini dress for the whole day or change into one for the reception, these vintage short wedding dresses are perfect for your taste.

Vintage Ball Gown Wedding Dresses

The phrase "vintage wedding dresses" may bring sleek sheaths or classic A-line gowns to mind. But if you've been dreaming about a ball gown silhouette, details like illusion sleeves, tiered skirts or ivory hues will help give this popular style an old-world touch. Show off your unique style in these vintage ball gown wedding dresses.

Vintage Mermaid Wedding Dresses

If you want to show off your gorgeous curves, a mermaid wedding dress is the best way to do it. This bold silhouette is fitted through your bust, torso and hips and then dramatically flares out. Put a retro spin on the style with a cut-out neckline, ruffled sleeves or old-school cat-eye cups.

Vintage Fit-and-Flare Wedding Dresses

Fit-and-flare is one of most popular wedding dress silhouettes, and we can see why. The flattering style hugs your body through the bust, torso and hips and then flares out slightly. The shape of the gown is classic, so the vintage style comes from all the details. Look for gowns with oversized swirling lace patterns or dresses with sheer statement sleeves. These subtle details paired with a timeless cut make for the ultimate vintage fit-and-flare wedding dress.

Vintage Tea-Length Wedding Dresses

Tea-length dresses are perfect for vintage weddings, as the style is inherently old-school. This style of dress hits right at your ankles, letting you show off your gorgeous wedding shoes. Lean into your retro vibe by opting for lace tea-length gowns (the fabric feels equal parts classic and old-school). See our favorite vintage tea-length wedding dresses, below.

Vintage Wedding Jumpsuits and Pantsuits

True story: you don't have to wear a dress. You should wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. If that's a jumpsuit or pantsuit, you're in luck. Pants are having a major moment on the bridal fashion week runways, so there are more options than ever before. Put an old-school spin on the modern style with details like statement shoulders, wide-leg pants, oversize blazers or sheer cape accents. Styled with complementing shoes, hair and makeup, these vintage wedding jumpsuits and pantsuits will take you back in time.

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Vintage A-Line Wedding Dresses

This popular silhouette hugs your figure through your bust and flares out softly for a pretty and understated look. The A-line silhouette lends itself to many different styles—and vintage is definitely one of them. Sleeves are going to be the star of the look here. Rock a vintage a-line wedding dress with sheer flutter sleeves, statement shoulders or old-school cap sleeves.

Vintage Trumpet Wedding Dresses

Is the mermaid silhouette a little too much drama for you? A trumpet gown might be your perfect option. It's fitted through your bust, torso and hips and then flares out to create a bell shape. Find the perfect vintage trumpet wedding dress by looking for gowns that have higher necks and lace patterns (like the ones below).

Vintage Sheath & Column Wedding Dresses

Sheath and column gowns are sleek, slim-fitting dresses that don't have any volume. This minimalist wedding dress style can look retro with the right details. With everything from ivory satin to scalloped necklines to lace cap sleeves, these vintage sheath and column wedding dresses are a great way to show off your unique style.

Vintage Two-Piece Wedding Dresses

Searching for the perfect vintage two-piece wedding dress? It's all about proportion. Choose a slightly longer skirt and pair it with a cropped, voluminous top. The result is a vintage two-piece wedding dress that's adorably chic.

Vintage High-Low Wedding Dresses

If you want your retro wedding shoes to be the star of the show, a high-low dress is a great option. This style's hemline is long in the back and shorter in the front. Freshen up your old-school look with these chic takes on vintage high-low wedding dresses.

Vintage Slip Wedding Dresses

The slip dress lends itself well to a retro wedding style, as the loose, unstructured fit is reminiscent of flappers from the roaring '20s. Embrace your nostalgic style by rocking a vintage slip wedding dress with a blush-colored fabric or sequined tassels.

Vintage Midi Wedding Dresses

Trend alert: midi wedding dresses are having a massive moment on the Bridal Fashion Week runways. But details like a high-neck bodice or a tiered skirt can make this of-the-moment wedding gown style feel much more vintage.

Vintage Empire Wedding Dresses

Calling all boho brides. If you're a '60s or '70s bride, the empire wedding dress may be your perfect fit. The style, which is fitted through the bust and flows out softly, will embrace your inner flower child. For a vintage empire wedding dress style, look an airy, tulle gown. With this cascading style, you can jam out to your favorite tunes all night long.