A wedding dress is like a time capsule—one photo speaks to the decade with scary accuracy…from the mod chicness of the 60s to the free, bohemian looks of the 70s and the cringe of an 80s puff sleeve. While every bride has their own distinct style, there are still unmistakable signature looks from each era. Here are the most popular wedding dress styles from the year you were born!
1960s: All about the Mod and Mini
The ’60s were all about streamlined, minimalist vibes for brides, combining the elegance of Audrey Hepburn with the rebelliousness of Twiggy. We’re talking clean A-line silhouettes and shorter knee-length hemlines paired with high necklines and quarter-length sleeves. Fabrics were simple, and dresses were often paired with a cropped veil or a pillbox hat. Dresses were more tailored than embellished, though you might encounter a few daisy embellishments.
1970s: Bohemian Romance
1970s fashion was all about free and flowing style. Romantic bohemian looks were the norm, with flower-child-inspired floral headpieces and flowing dresses that merged whimsy with more traditional looks.
A crochet dress wasn’t uncommon, and neither was a bat-wing sleeve. The more classic looks that veered away from a hippie look were reminiscent of the Victorian era.
1980s: Bigger Was Better
The 1980s were characterized by extravagant drama; this was not a subtle era, and it was evident! Gowns featured shoulder pads, puffy sleeves, oversized bows, and voluminous silhouettes made from fabrics with frills, taffeta, lace, and enough tulle to fill a room. Necklines were typically high and embellished, while flowing sleeves bunched at the wrist. Unlike the 60s, a dramatic train and a long veil were more than welcome in this era.
1990s: Minimalism Takes Over
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was a major inspiration for 1990s bridal fashion. Unlike the previous decade, which was about dramatic and glammed-out headturners, the 90s opted for a different direction.
Wedding gowns of this era were typically more pared back and sleeker, drawing influence from slinky and form-fitting red carpet looks worn by celebs.
You’d likely find a simple satin gown or slip dress with spaghetti straps and a clean column silhouette. Looks were more polished than princess, with an elegant, modern aesthetic.
2000s: Strapless and Sparkly With a Dash of Ultra-Feminine
The early 2000s embraced femininity with its take on bridalwear, designed to glimmer on the dance floor. Swoon-worthy, romantic sweetheart necklines were often paired with a fitted bodice or a corset detail. Ball and princess gowns were all the rage, and other popular silhouettes included a mermaid or sheath cut, often in a blush or champagne tone. You might rock a satin or crystal-embellished sash, or a tiered ruffle skirt.
Embellishments were present but simple, often showing up in the form of a beaded bodice.
2010s: Lace Makes a Major Comeback and Versatility Reigns
Lace was back in the 2010s, now in a more fitted interpretation, as were long, sheer sleeves.
Dresses might have an asymmetrical design, and popular cuts included bodycon, fishtail, mermaid, and a princess silhouette. The latter was interpreted literally, since this was an era deeply inspired by royal wedding dresses worn by Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. Thus, more covered-up looks with an air of simple elegance surged in popularity, but so did dresses with open backs, sheer panels, and plunging necklines.
2020s: Airy Fabrics, Modern Jumpsuits and Exposed Corsets
Thus far, the brides of the current era are embracing dreamy and ethereal fabrics, often sustainably sourced.
Halter neck dresses reign, as do exposed corsets and boning, which are currently dominating the fashion industry. Many brides are also opting for plunging necklines, as well as more unconventional silhouettes like two-piece suits and jumpsuits, and equally unusual color choices like pastels and even blacks. Due to shows like “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” classy and minimalist looks from the 90s are also experiencing a comeback.
