Vintage Prom Dresses: Retro Styles Making a Comeback
Prom night is all about dressing up and dressing in a way that you love. If you love vintage format dresses, then what better way to dress for prom than with a vintage prom dress? Even if you want a new dress, retro styles are making a huge comeback, with corset dresses, full skirts, beaded styles, and 70s-inspired looks. Vintage prom dresses offer a timeless elegance and unique flair that modern designs often lack. From the glamorous 1920s to the chic 1980s, vintage prom dresses provide a diverse range of styles to suit every taste. Here are some fun details to know about vintage prom dresses, and where to find the perfect formal dresses for your special night.
Why Choose a Vintage Prom Dress?
Vintage prom dresses offer a one-of-a-kind look that you won’t find in contemporary designs. These dresses often feature intricate details, high-quality fabrics, and unique silhouettes that set them apart. Whether you’re drawn to the flapper-inspired fringe of the 1920s, the full skirts of the 1950s, or the bold colors and patterns of the 1980s, a vintage dress ensures you’ll make a memorable impression. Even if you want a new dress you can use these vintage styles as a reference point for finding a new dress with vintage influences.
Retro Can Be a Timeless Look
Vintage dresses have stood the test of time for a reason. They exude a timeless elegance that is often missing in today’s fast fashion. The classic cuts and refined details of vintage dresses can make you feel like you’ve stepped out of a bygone era, adding a touch of sophistication to your prom look.
Sustainable Style
Choosing a vintage prom dress is also a great way to embrace sustainable fashion. By opting for a second-hand or upcycled dress, you’re reducing your environmental footprint and supporting a more eco-friendly approach to fashion. Plus, vintage shopping is an adventure in itself, allowing you to discover hidden gems and unique pieces.
Popular Vintage Prom Dress Styles
Here are some of the most popular styles of dress from bygone eras that still look amazing in a modern setting.
1920s: The Art Deco and Flapper Era
The 1920s were all about glamour and extravagance. Flapper dresses, characterized by their loose fit, fringe details, and intricate beadwork, are perfect for those who want to channel the roaring twenties. These dresses often feature drop waists and shorter hemlines, making them a fun and daring choice for prom. If you like this look, but need to buy new, look for details like sequins and beaded details, midi lengths, fringe, and flow drop waist styles. Use styling references from the Art Deco movement and books and movies set in that time period like The Great Gatsby.
1950s: The Full Skirt
The 1950s brought us the iconic full skirt, often seen in tea-length dresses. These dresses typically have fitted bodices and voluminous skirts, creating a flattering hourglass silhouette. Look for dresses with sweetheart necklines, cinched waists, and layers of tulle for a classic 1950s prom look. Watch old Aflred Hitckcok movies or follow Grace Kelly’s looks from that era to see how elegant these 50s dresses were!
1960s: Mod and Mini Dresses
The 1960s were a time of change and innovation in fashion. Moving away from the demure styles of the 1950s, the 1960s brought us short and modern shifts. Mod dresses, with their clean lines, bold colors, and geometric patterns, became popular. The mini dress also made its debut during this decade, offering a fun and youthful option for prom. Go for a dress with a high neckline, a bold color or print, and A-line shape for a true 60s vibe. Modern-day Lilly Pulitzer and Palm Royale’s Palm Beach style can be a good reference for this look!
1970s: Boho Chic
The 1970s embraced a more relaxed and bohemian style. Look for maxi dresses with flowy fabrics, earthy tones, and floral patterns. Empire waists and bell sleeves are also key features of this era. These dresses are perfect for a prom night with a laid-back, ethereal feel. If it’s a 1970s look you’re after, you’re in luck right now, because many designers are influenced by this style and creating new reinterpretations of the vintage look
1980s: Bold and Bright
The 1980s were all about making a statement with bold colors, oversized bows, and dramatic silhouettes. Think puffed sleeves, sequins, and ruffles. If you want to stand out and embrace the fun, playful side of fashion, an 80s-inspired dress might be just what you’re looking for.
Where to Find Vintage Prom Dresses
There are more than a few ways to find a vintage prom dress, from online stores to estate sales, and consignment shops in your town, here are a few ways we recommend you start your search for your vintage prom dress.
Online Vintage Stores
There are many online retailers that specialize in vintage clothing, making it easy to find the perfect prom dress from the comfort of your home. Here are a few we’ve found
Etsy is a treasure trove for vintage fashion. Many sellers offer curated collections of vintage prom dresses from various eras. You can filter by decade, style, and price to find the perfect dress. Some of the best sellers we saw were VivianeEliseVintage MadVintage GeronimoVintage and Vintage Vixen Portland Ghosts from the Past Vintage SilhouettetsyVintage, Vintage Dress Closet
Mod Cloth sells new dresses inspired by retro style. Their special occasion styles range from 1950s influences to mod styles.
Heart My Closet Clothing these are new dresses made in the style of the day. These dresses are used on film and TV studios and have a range of vintage style influences. These dresses are perfect if you have a specific time period you’d like a dress from and a particular color that you’d like to wear.
eBay is known for antiques and that extends to dresses! You’ll find lots of retro styles here. Search by the decade as well as your size for the best chances of finding what you’re after.
Poshmark sells used styles under their vintage section which includes everything from as recently the early 2000s all the way to the 1940s. The dress selection is a bit hit or miss, but some of the accessories are great!
Unique Vintage is another spot that has vintage inspired styles, with many new prom dresses made in the retro style.
Another shop for new dresses with vintage inspiration is Ivy City Co, which has lots of styles with the 1950s style in mind.
Local Vintage Shops and Thrift Stores
If you prefer to try on dresses before making a purchase, visiting local vintage shops and thrift stores can be a great option. These stores often have a unique selection of vintage dresses, and you might even find a hidden gem at a bargain price. Plus, shopping locally supports small businesses and allows you to see and feel the quality of the dresses in person. Some stores will set aside a rack of special occasion styles, or help you find the perfect dress when they go on buying trips to source out vintage styles.
Consignment Shops and Boutiques
Consignment shops and boutiques often carry high-quality vintage and designer dresses. These shops typically have a curated selection of clothing, ensuring that each piece is in good condition. Look for shops that specialize in formal wear or vintage clothing for the best selection of prom dresses.
Specialty Vintage Events and Fairs
Vintage fairs and specialty events can be a great place to find unique prom dresses. These events often feature multiple vendors selling vintage clothing, giving you a wide range of options to choose from. Keep an eye out for vintage fairs in your area, or consider traveling to a larger event for an even bigger selection.
Handmade Using Vintage Patterns
If you’re having trouble finding just the right dress, you can sometimes find just want tyou’re looking for from old patterns. Many dresses of earlier eras were lovingly handmade, so the handmade style of dress is already what you might find. If you don’t know how to sew, you can sometimes find someone who will sew it for you locally or through Etsy online.
Tips for Buying Vintage Prom Dresses
Buying vintage styles especially when they’re true vintage, and not reproductions, is a bit of an art form. Here are some tips to make sure you get the right dress for prom.
Know Your Measurements
Vintage sizes can differ significantly from modern sizes, so it’s important to know your measurements. Measure your bust, waist, hips, and the length from your shoulder to the desired hemline. Compare these measurements to the sizing charts provided by online retailers or ask for measurements when shopping in-store.
Check for Quality
When buying vintage, it’s crucial to check the quality of the dress. Look for any signs of wear, such as stains, tears, or loose seams. If shopping online, read reviews and ask the seller for detailed photos of the dress. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the condition of the dress and any previous alterations. Some wear is certainly expected since it’s an older piece, but you’ll want to be sure that there’s not a mark or a rip that will keep you from feeling your best.
Consider Alterations
Even if a dress isn’t a perfect fit, consider whether it can be easily altered. Simple alterations like adjusting the hem, taking in the sides, or replacing a zipper can make a huge difference. If you’re not confident in your sewing skills, consult a professional tailor to see what can be done. And remember, its easier to take a bigger size in than it is to let a smaller size out, so look for dresses larger than your size with the idea that they can be taken in or recontructed in some way.
Embrace the Search
Finding the perfect vintage prom dress can take time, so be patient and enjoy the process. Visit different shops, browse online listings, and don’t be afraid to try on dresses that you might not initially consider. The hunt is part of the fun, and you’ll have a great story to tell about how you found your perfect dress.
Vintage prom dresses offer a unique and stylish way to stand out on your special night. Their timeless elegance, high-quality craftsmanship, and sustainable appeal make them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to make a statement. Whether you shop online or in-person, plenty of options are available to help you find the perfect vintage dress for your prom. Embrace the retro vibes, and enjoy your journey to find a dress that makes you feel special on prom night.