A Typical Atypical

1930′s Inspired Wedding Dresses April 20, 2010

Reader Rebecca contacted me to see if I could help her with a 1930s inspired fashion enquiry:

I’m getting married in September. Any advice on a source for 1930’s style bias cut gowns? Preferably budget friendly (under $1000)

Thanks!
Rebecca

Well, being as I am now a bit of a 1930s fashion addict, I simply couldn’t resist the chance to hunt for some seriously gorgeous dresses. You see, in my opinion bias cut 1930s gowns are perfectly matched to weddings, as they work well with long stretched of fabric – and consequently will work brilliantly in a blinding white or ivory. Even better, there is something sleek, elegant and pure about the simplicity of 1930′s dress design, and I can see this working wonderfully for a wedding dress.

So, what bias cut wedding dresses can I find?

Well, I started with looking for some actual vintage dresses, Obviously you are more restricted on sizes with these sorts of dresses, although a good seamstress will be able to take them in and generally make them fit well – it is only if they are too small that you have a problem! My go-to source for these was Etsy, which is definitely one of the best places for affordable vintage – I would keep checking back on it to see what the Etsy sellers get in.

Exquisite Vintage 1930s Wedding Dress

Ivory Lace Vintage 1930s Wedding Dress

The first dress here is, quite simply exquisite. It is also less than $500, which for a piece of this quality and elegance is pretty rare. Even better, this is a vintage dress that manages to look modern at the same time. The second dress needs a bit more work – but if you get rid of the horrible puffy sleeves you could have something wonderful for only $200.

There are a lot fo other vintage wedding dresses here.

For the modern 1930s inspired wedding dresses I have included a range of options and sellers. They range from just about the $1000 limit (the time has come to haggle…) to a bargain basement $200, to give you lots of choice.

Bias Cut Hemp Silk Wedding Gown

The pure simplicity of this bias cute dress from Conscious clothing meant that I simply had to include it. It isn’t fancy, it isn’t over the top, but it is beautiful. Of course, this is the most expensive gown, coming in at $1,140.

Bias Cut J. Crew Wedding Dress

Interestingly, this J. Crew dress is not only the cheapest, but it is one of my favourites, It may not be the obvious place to shop for a wedding dress, but with examples like this it definitely ought to be considered! Remember, don’t shop exclusively in bridal shops, as many evening dress providers will sell bias cuts. Oh, and this particular example is for sale for $275 with free shipping.

Bias Cut Chiffon Wedding Dress

I love the chiffon in this dress, it makes a nice change from all the millions of satin bias cut dress. Satin does work well cut on the bias, of course, but I think seeing something a little more summery and floaty!

The Wildcard Bias Cut Ruffled Wedding Dress

Finally, a dress that although bias cut, isn’t perhaps as vintage inspired as the rest. I suppose you could have seen something with this kind of base and trail, but you definitely would never have seen all those ruffles in the 30s! Oh well, I had to put it in – and mention that it costs $449…

Hopefully this will have helped, and will have given you some ideas! Let me know if you find your dress!