What are The Different Types of Retro Dresses – Then & Now

The retro look returns every now and theme. Whether it is a party theme or an event where you want to dress differently, retro dresses can be your saviour. Dating back to the 1940s, the fashion and style of the retro collection evolved and inspired the youth. Even today, the bravura of these types of dresses don’t seem to die down. 

Whilst this is a distinctive fashion trend out there, some styles are unique and synonymous with retro clothing in UK. For example, there are wiggle dresses, shirt dresses, Hawaiian sundresses, peasant dresses, and mini dresses, to name a few. 

Wiggle Dress – The Retro Style

In the following years post the Second World War, women started wearing fitted dresses for a bold and daring look. Wiggle dress was the most popular style. The style of the dress fits snugly hugging the bust, waist, as well as hips. The dress line then follows closely beside the thighs to reach the legs, ending right below the knees. Either the dresses had slits in front or at the back to ensure, the lady could walk.

Today, similar types of dresses are much appreciated in the gothic culture. Combine this with a gothic handbag for a complete look. 

Shirt Dress

Shirt dresses are trending everywhere. It is not just retro dresses in UK or alternative style but also a mainstay for fashion lovers. In the 1950s, retro dresses featured fitted wait and full skirting. Shirt dress became a popular style because it was different. The dress was styled just as a button-up shirt with a pointed collar. It had gathered and full skirting, falling below the knees, fitted to the waist. These stylish dresses also included narrow fabric belts similar to the dress. 

Mini Dress

Mini dresses became popular in the 1960s. it is one of the most distinctive and fashionable dresses of the era. The varied design makes these dresses surprisingly beautiful and elegant. Some feature empire waists, while others had full skirting or puffed sleeves. Some of the dresses were A-line - fitted above and flowing as well as widening towards the hemline. The length of the hem of these mini dresses extended a few inches above the knees. Then, some dresses would barely hug the buttocks; these were known as “micro” minis.  In the gothic subculture, women wore a gothic cape over these to create a more dramatic look.

Modern Retro Dresses

Today, the retro style has evolved manifolds. You can now choose from magnificent, dramatic, and alluring dresses. Retro dresses in UK are also referred to as vintage clothing. While it is a generic definition of clothes originating from another era, fashion never becomes outdated. 

Victorian fashion and era is a great inspiration for today’s designers. The style displays class, beauty, and wealth, all in one. Skirts and dresses are layered beautifully to lend a regal look. Victorian fashion is all about large dresses, modest coverings, and poke bonnets. As the era came to an end, the silhouettes graduated to become simpler, making way for the Edwardian generation. Bloused bodice and puffed waistline became the norm then. 

Adding vintage clothing elements to the look not only transforms the look but also adds a royal touch and romantic vibes. The best part – these trends never go out of fashion. 

Statement Sleeves

The modern version of retro dresses is more dramatic. Leaving a statement with every move, those sleeves are elegantly puffed, also called bishop sleeves, but with an added contemporary twist. This timeless style belongs to the Victorian era. The bulbous sleeve, often called mutton sleeves, were signature elements. In the 20th century, this style belonged to the royals and actresses. Gradually, the common people also wore mutton sleeves and added a gothic handbag to their look. 

Detailed Collars

Collars marked the vintage fashion of the Victorian era. Today, you can choose from ruffles, peter pans, and Johnny collars. Give an awe-inspiring look to everyone around and make a style statement with these dashing collars. 

Princess Diana’s Peter Pan collars were grand and matched her iconic silk wedding gown. You can choose your vibe and wear the oversized collar like a Victorian damsel. 

Romantic Ruffles & Feminine Frills

Fancy ruffles and frilled outfits are utterly feminine. These dresses take you back to your school romance. These daintily frilled dresses are every woman’s dream. Flounces, frills, and ruffles are the apparent stuff. Skirts and blouses are historically the most important elements of these designer dresses. 

Historically, these ruffled dresses have that ancient history attached to them.

Final Word

For all those stunning women out there, the combination of ancient and modern-day dresses is absolutely gorgeous. You can be sensual and feminine even in these trendy vintage clothing and transform yourself into a graceful dazzling diva. Choose your retro clothing in UK from Jordash. 

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About Author

Hello, I am Tyler Baker, a Digital Content Writer, writing on behalf of Jordash Clothing. Jordash Clothing is a global wholesaler of a fashion brand that is passionate about gothic, vintage, ethnic, retro, and alternative clothing.