Vintage Party Dresses

Going vintage shopping is so much fun, as you never know what gems you might discover lurking in the racks of a vintage shop. And finding gorgeous vintage party dresses from the twentieth century should not be too difficult to find in your local store.

A Touch of Hollywood Glamour

Wearing a vintage party dress is a great choice if you want to look and feel glamorous. A bit of timeless luxury is a great way to enter a party with confidence.

Take the fabulous screen sirens of the 50s into consideration when choosing a showstopper look for your next formal party. The gowns worn on the red carpet in the middle of the last century were classically feminine and very elegant in style (as well as sexy of course, super fitted wiggle dresses are definitely of this era).

If you are planning an outfit for an evening ball or perhaps prom, why not go to check out the racks of stunning silk and taffeta vintage party dresses for some inspiration. Maybe you'll even stumble upon a vintage chanel dress or a gorgeous handmade designer sequin gown.

Fabulous Flapper Party Gowns

For the most desirable evening look, opt for vintage evening dresses from the 1920's and early 30s. These floor length numbers were super embellished and incredibly detailed. Don't expect to find one that fits perfectly, as the dress is most likely tailor made to it's former owner, so take it to a seamstress to have it adjusted to fit your body shape.

Halter neck, drop waist, beading, tassles, lace detailing, and plenty of chiffon are some key trends from this fashion era. Update the dress with some well chosen accessories.

Of course if you are looking for a vintage wedding party dress, then the 20s and 30's are a gorgeous era to search through for amazing white lace gowns and vintage wedding dress patterns.

A Perfect 1960's Vintage Cocktail Dress

The sixties were a time for change, and shortened hemlines of course. Pretty summer party dresses with beautiful flower prints, structured geometric prints on fabulous flared gowns and psychedelic print jumpsuits that look like dresses. Fashion got more fabulous and creative in the 60s especially with print.

60's dresses make the most amazing vintage tea and garden party dresses, especially the matching coats and mini dresses and other ensembles. Babydolls are fun and flirty and the perfect party piece for Christmas or homecoming, and Audrey style empire line cocktail dresses are amazing for a formal evening out.

Vintage Inspired Style Party Dresses

There are many online stores that sell fantastic reproduction items, with great quality fabrics. Vintage style party dresses can be found in high street stores, as well as on specialist vintage websites, and they range from cheap repros to more expensive tailored apparel.

Get inspired by searching through vintage costume books and visiting costume museums for ideas on classic tailoring and formal wear. For instance, take the practical 1940's silhouette for cotton day wear, and vamp it up at night in an 80s inspired bright pink ruffle dress!

Websites to find more information and online vintage stores:

My Vintage Dresses - A fantastic resource for finding more information about where and how to buy quality vintage party dresses.

Bows and Bandits - Vintage Austrian clothing store online, with traditional items from Austria, with a rock and roll edge, to help create an individual day look.

ModCloth - Vintage and reproduction dresses and apparel; timeless classics brought into the 21st century, with excellent quality and heaps of style.