FashionLondon style
Style in Motion
A century of stylish weddings
Hat from "Lavand"
We love weddings and of course love fashion, but have you ever wandered about how the wedding outfit has evolved over time... We take a look... T-bar shoes from "DuneLondon"
1900 – 1920s
The bridal gown has for decades been one of the priciest items of clothing and this was the case too in the early 20th century. The award winning period drama, Downton Abbey has re-ignited the 1920’s bridal fashion for the modern generation to enjoy sparking a number of “1920s themed” weddings and parties. The gowns from the early 20th century or late Edwardian era were precious hand stitched garments. Women wore S-shaped corsets, soft silk, frilly layers and puffed sleeves. One item we need no excuse to start wearing is the cloche hat such as this one available from a selection at Lavand in Carnaby Street and T-bar shoes like this pair from DuneLondon
1930s, 40s, and 50s
1960s, 70s, and 80s
The 1930s speak easy style characterised by smart waistcoats layered under tweed or houndstooth patterned jackets, and matching trousers held up with braces. The style oozes cool factor so it’s no wonder that the “vintage wedding” has been popping up everywhere recently in the form of matching groomsmen attire.
Inspired by Hollywood movie stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly from the1950s the “sweet heart” neckline, ballerina length dresses, long gloves, lacy tiered dresses and pill box hats with flowing veils become popular trends.Wedding dress styles varied from the 1970s onwards ranging from hippie frocks to fairytale princesses. Strong in tradition, men still wore the traditional morning suit. Tuxedos and bow ties remained fashionable attire for weddings.
In addition, this is the decade that men’s hats became more popular. Wide, round brimmed hats for men were highly popular this time with formal choices such as homburg, porkpie, trilby and even the bowler hat. All were commonly worn with the iconic pin stripe suit.
"White Stuff", Goldfinch waistcoat
1990, 2000... and beyond
by Abi Adesoun
“Doing it my way” weddings in recent days are popular. The rise of the unplanned Las Vegas eloping and the trend in alternative weddings seems to be the tip of the iceberg as the Millennial generation (recognised as those born between 1979 – 2000) are coming of age and are more savvy about what they spend their hard earned cash on. High street wedding dresses are now considered an ok option with H&M’s new eco-friendly wedding dresses and with ASOS launching a mid – range collection of gowns. It seems that whilst some are keeping to traditional styles others are now breaking the trend as the choice in wedding attire continues to develop. FashionLondon 62
Tuxedo jacket "Burton Menswear" HM.com exclusives
HM.com exclusives