Basics of Vintage Evening Wear

Evening wear is the term for clothing worn during formal evening events.  As the eras changed, the styles manufactured and worn changed to reflect the period.  Women’s vintage eveningwear and vintage inspired gowns from the 1920s to the 1970s is currently rising in popularity. 

The 1920s

This decade is coined the “Flapper Era.”  Women began to wear more colorful and flowing fabrics, and hemlines that were shorter than ever.  Dress lengths rose several inches to just below the knee.  Amongst the most popular styles was the flat breast top with a drop waist.

The 1930s

Shiny, slinky, and long gowns made from silks, satins, and silk lace emerged.  The era saw the introduction of scoop shoulder dresses with the back exposed.  The natural waistline and longer floor length skirts returned for dresses.  Hollywood movies dictated this decade’s signature looks, like distinct silhouette shapes.

The 1940s

Crepe, silk, and taffeta were popular fabric choices during this decade.  The beginning of the decade constituted material rationing due to World War II, therefore, many women had to create there own evening wear out of older clothing.  After the war, glamour and prosperity returned.  This is apparent in late 40s full skirts made from layering large amounts of fabric.

The 1950s

The 1950s saw the emergence of cocktail dress evening gowns.  This is a dress with a hem length right at or above the knee.  Gloves that covered the hands and forearms were popular.  Bullet bras and girdles were all the rage.  These under garments exaggerated the woman’s figure rather than create a natural figure.

The 1960s

The silhouette of many evening dresses remained the same but the look changed drastically from the 50s.  Fashion that is more youthful emerged with the short baby doll dress.  This was even popular for formal affairs.  Colorful and clashing printed fabrics rose in popularity while wearing hats and gloves declined.