A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Vintage Dress for Every Occasion

Vintage dresses have an undeniable allure and a timeless elegance that is unaffected by ever-changing fashion trends. Each style tells a story of bygone days and gentler times, and offers a sense of nostalgia that is welcome at any event in today’s busy world. 

Knowing how to choose the right vintage dress is vital to create your distinctive look. This guide will help you select the perfect vintage dress for every occasion, ensuring that your ensemble stands out in a world of throw-away trends. 

Era Specific Vintage Dresses 

Each decade had its own unique era specific vintage dresses. 

Let’s take a look at the highlights:

The 1920s – The 1920s offered a revolution in fashion from the staid, dull dresses worn in the past. Named the Roaring Twenties, this era celebrated the excitement and spirit of change that defined the decade. Chic flapper dresses, with dropped waistlines, loose silhouettes, flowing fringe details and lavish sparkling beadwork, epitomised the carefree spirit of the newfound women’s liberation.

The 1930s – The 1930s saw a shift to more refined elegance and a return to conservatism. Women chose bias-cut gowns featuring sleek lines that clung to the body. Floral prints replaced extravagant beading, reflecting the influence of the Great Depression. Films played a large part in influencing fashion with stars like Jean Harlow and Shirley Temple becoming fashion icons and wearing classic dress styles. 

The 1940s – World War II saw women choose fashion focused on practicality. Tea dresses with modest hemlines, shoulder pads, and functional designs became prevalent. The era’s iconic silhouette was defined by nipped-in waists and A-line skirts that emphasised femininity in the face of adversity. Many women working in war factories donned male-style outfits, dungarees and boots. Later in the decade, rationing of fabric saw the birth of the bikini, a fashion statement that remains to this day.

The 1950s – This decade returned to opulence with full skirts, cinched waists and the famous hourglass figure. The New Look introduced by Christian Dior showcased a celebration of femininity with exaggerated silhouettes and voluminous mid-calf skirts. The 50’s dress style celebrated coordinating sweater sets, often embellished with handcrafted embroidered motifs. 

The 1960s – Twiggy set the scene for the decade with the sensational mini skirt and Mary Quant’s Bazaar boutique in London was the place to be seen. Bold patterns and shift dresses characterised the swinging sixties. The mod style embraced geometric designs and a youthful, energetic vibe. 

The 1970s – The 1970s is still known to this day as a unique time in history. With the influence of the counterculture hippie era, maxi dresses, gypsy styles, bold prints and psychedelic patterns were prevalent. Leather tassels, flat thongs, headbands and bell-bottom jeans  were a must-have. This was also the disco era, where glamorous wrap dresses, jumpsuits, and bohemian-inspired fashion epitomised the eclectic and rebellious spirit.

Occasion Specific Dressing 

No matter what the event, at CyberShop Australia, you will find a vintage dress for every occasion. Here is a guide to selecting occasion specific vintage outfits. 

Casual Day Outings – Set off in a cute rockabilly floral print dress with a matching belt to cinch in your waist and enhance the fit-and-flare skirt. We have adorable Hell Bunny Sweetie dresses and Angela Dresses that are fresh, fun and feminine. Tie a scarf around your head with a bow on top to complete the innocent look. 

Formal Evening Events – Vintage styles are perfect for formal evening events. Wear a body-hugging pencil dress or a Banned Apparel Pleasure Is All Mine outfit. These LBDs make a statement when paired with sky-high heels and vibrant red lips. Or, go Hollywood with a luxurious floor-length gown that exudes elegance and sophistication.

At the Office – Our Hell Bunny Pinafore Skirt is the perfect professional vintage look for the office. Team it up with a sweater for cooler weather or a soft lacy top for hot days. The modest hemline, structured silhouette and stylish demeanour showcase your Boss Vibe in the boardroom. 

Weddings – You don’t want to overshadow the bride, but a vintage dress will certainly make you stand out on wedding occasions.  Choose a 1950s-style cocktail dress with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt, offering a perfect balance between formal and festive.

Cocktail Parties – A cocktail party calls for a glam, slinky flapper dress embellished with lavish sequins and gems. For a more demure look, our delicate Marilyn 50’s dress looks spectacular when teamed up with a soft cashmere throw. 

Garden Luncheons and High Teas – Be light and airy in a tea dress from the 1930s adorned with lace details, offering a whimsical and romantic touch. Wear a large floppy hat to shield you from the sun and don’t forget the designer shades.

Themed Costume Parties – Dressing vintage for events is a dream with our range of retro dress ideas. You can be a cute Miss Muffet or a dangerous seductress in a Python Rose 50’s dress. Choose themes for Lady Cruella, Foxy Roxy or fun Lollies. For Goth-inspired events, we have the perfect black Victoria Lace Neck dress that can be enhanced with long black gloves.  Embrace the 70’s in a carefree Moondance Mini Dress or a fun Petals dress decorated with flowers and hearts. 

Understanding Your Body Type for the Perfect Vintage Dress

Always look for a dress that compliments your body type so that you can feel comfortable and stylish. Here is our vintage style guide for different body types. 

Hourglass Figures – When choosing vintage dresses embrace the classic glamour of the 1950s with styles that cinch the waist and feature full skirts to highlight your curves. 

Pear-Shaped Figures – Choose dresses that draw attention to the upper body, like A-line dresses from the 1940s or 1950s. Consider dresses with embellishments around the bust to balance your proportions.

Apple-Shaped Figures – Vintage dresses with empire waists create a high waistline and draw attention away from the midsection. A-line dresses from the 1960s can be especially flattering.

Rectangle Figures – Vintage outfit selection for this body type is best enhanced by fitted sheath dresses from the 1960s. This style adds curves to your shape and you can use decorative belts to further define your waistline.

Vintage Dress Fabrics

Fabric plays an important part in creating an authentic rockabilly vintage look. If possible, try to choose a fabric that suits the weather. You don’t want to swelter in velvet in the summer heat or shiver in lightweight cotton in mid-winter. 

Here are some of the most common fabrics used in vintage dresses. 

Silk – Synonymous with luxury and elegance, silk is a popular choice. The 1920s and 1930s saw the use of lightweight Crepe de Chine, known for its delicate drape. In the 1950s, Dupioni silk was used to create glamorous textured ball gowns.

Cotton – Cotton is natural, lightweight and breathable. In the 1940s, cotton dresses with cheerful prints were popular daywear. In the 1950s, cotton eyelet and lace added a touch of romance to summer dresses.

Wool – Wool is a staple for colder seasons, providing warmth and structure. In the 1940s, wool crepe was used for tailored dresses during wartime austerity. 

Rayon – Rayon was used as a more affordable alternative to silk. In the 1930s and 1940s, Rayon satin and crepe were used for evening gowns, creating a luxurious feel.

Lace – Lace added a touch of luxuriousness and romance to vintage dresses. Chantilly lace was sought after in the 1930s for evening gowns.

In the 1950s, scallop-edged lace adorned tea-length dresses for a timeless, elegant look.

Velvet – Opulent velvets are at the top of the list when it comes to vintage fabrics. They exude glamour and sensuality and come in a choice of rich deep tones of red, green, blue, purple, and black. 

Brocade – Brocade is a rich, decorative fabric with raised patterns, that added opulence to cocktail and evening dresses in the 1950s. 

At CyberShop Australia, you can style your vintage dress with confidence, knowing that your killer look will wow for every occasion.