1970s Wedding Dress Styles: A Decade of Fashion
Wedding dresses from the 70s – The 1970s witnessed a significant shift in wedding attire, reflecting the broader societal changes of the era. Moving away from the structured formality of previous decades, 70s wedding dresses embraced a more relaxed and flowing aesthetic, often incorporating elements of bohemian chic and disco glamour.
70s Wedding Dress Silhouettes
The dominant silhouettes of the 1970s showcased a departure from the restrictive styles of the 1960s. While A-line dresses remained popular, offering a flattering and versatile shape, the decade also saw a rise in empire waist gowns, emphasizing a flowing, romantic look. Sheath dresses, with their sleek and form-fitting designs, provided a more modern alternative. In contrast to the 1960s, which favored more structured A-lines and tailored silhouettes, the 70s embraced fluidity and a softer, less constricting approach.
| Silhouette | Neckline | Sleeve Style | Overall Shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-Line | V-neck, sweetheart, bateau | Long sleeves, bell sleeves, short sleeves, sleeveless | Fitted at the shoulders, gradually widening towards the hem |
| Empire Waist | Sweetheart, off-the-shoulder, halter | Sleeveless, short puff sleeves | Fitted bodice just below the bust, flowing skirt |
| Sheath | V-neck, scoop neck, high neck | Sleeveless, long sleeves | Close-fitting, straight from shoulder to hem |
| Bell Sleeve | V-neck, scoop neck | Bell sleeves | Close-fitting bodice with flaring bell sleeves |
| Wrap Dress | V-neck, scoop neck | Short sleeves, sleeveless | Wraparound style with a fitted waist and flowing skirt |
Fabrics and Materials
The fabrics chosen for 1970s wedding gowns reflected the decade’s emphasis on flowing, lightweight materials. The popularity of bohemian and hippie styles contributed to the use of softer, more natural fabrics. Synthetic materials, such as polyester, also played a role, offering affordability and easy care.
- Lace: Often used for delicate detailing and embellishment.
- Silk: A luxurious choice for flowing gowns, often used in heavier weights for structure.
- Polyester: A more affordable and easy-care option, often used in flowing fabrics.
- Crepe: Provided a smooth, elegant drape for both fitted and flowing silhouettes.
- Satin: Used for a sleek, glamorous look, often paired with lace or other embellishments.
Necklines and Sleeves, Wedding dresses from the 70s
Necklines and sleeves in 1970s wedding dresses varied widely, reflecting the diverse styles of the era. V-necks, bateau necklines, and halter necks were popular choices, offering a range of looks from demure to daring. Sleeve styles ranged from long bell sleeves to short puff sleeves and sleeveless options, allowing for both romantic and modern aesthetics.
Here are three examples illustrating the diversity of neckline and sleeve combinations:
- A flowing A-line gown with a V-neck and long bell sleeves, creating a bohemian, romantic look.
- A fitted sheath dress with a halter neck and sleeveless design, embodying a sleek, modern style.
- An empire waist gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline and short puff sleeves, offering a delicate and feminine silhouette.
Embellishments and Details
Embellishments on 70s wedding dresses often reflected the era’s eclectic style. Lace, beading, and embroidery were common, sometimes used sparingly for subtle elegance, other times lavishly to create a dramatic effect. Compared to the more restrained embellishments of previous decades, 70s dresses often featured a more free-flowing and less structured approach to decoration.
- Lace appliqués: Added delicate detailing to bodices and sleeves.
- Beaded embroidery: Created intricate patterns and designs on the bodice and skirt.
- Floral motifs: Reflected the era’s embrace of nature-inspired designs.
Influence of Popular Culture
Source: etsystatic.com
The fashion of the 1970s was heavily influenced by popular culture, and wedding dresses were no exception. The rise of disco, bohemian styles, and feminist movements all contributed to the evolving styles of bridal attire. Movies and television also played a significant role in shaping perceptions of ideal wedding attire.
The increasing independence and evolving roles of women during this decade also impacted wedding dress design. Brides began to choose dresses that reflected their personalities and desires, moving away from purely traditional styles.
Popular Questions: Wedding Dresses From The 70s
Were 70s wedding dresses always white?
While white remained popular, 70s brides embraced a wider palette, including ivory, cream, and even pastel shades reflecting the era’s more relaxed approach to tradition.
How did the length of 70s wedding dresses vary?
Lengths varied greatly, from floor-length gowns to midi and even shorter styles, showcasing the diversity of the era’s fashion.
Wedding dresses from the 70s often featured flowing silhouettes and bohemian details. A modern update to this style could incorporate a structured element, such as a corset back for wedding dress , which provides a flattering shape while maintaining a sense of vintage charm. This contrast of structured and flowing elements could create a unique and stylish 70s-inspired wedding gown.
What kind of headpieces were popular with 70s wedding dresses?
Flower crowns, simple veils, and headbands adorned with beads or flowers were common accessories, adding to the bohemian or romantic feel.
Were 70s wedding dresses typically very fitted?
No, while some sheath styles existed, many 70s dresses emphasized flowing fabrics and less restrictive silhouettes, prioritizing comfort and movement.