39 Best Vintage-Inspired Wedding Dresses of 2021

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vintage real wedding — PHOTO BY ROBIN HARPER

Whether you're drawn to the romance of the Renaissance-era, the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, or the free-spiritedness of the 1970s, a vintage wedding dress is the perfect way to celebrate your personal style, while paying homage to your favorite decade. Plus, these dresses come in scores of iconic silhouettes that will read timeless no matter what era you choose to embody.

When it comes to vintage-inspired wedding dresses, there are so many options to choose from. If you're a lover of the Regency-era, you can't go wrong with frilly frocks and empire-waist silhouettes. For Jazz Age enthusiasts, no wedding day look is complete without shimmering gowns in allover beading and swishy fringe. Looking to channel Lauren Bacall's iconic style? Opt for fitted tea-length dresses and boudoir-inspired gowns, reminiscent of the 1940s and '50s.

From gowns that ooze Old Hollywood glamour to mod mini dresses, we've found the best vintage-inspired wedding dresses to suit all retro aesthetics.

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Most 1920s–Inspired: Richard Quinn Crystal and Bead-Embellished Silk-Tulle Midi Dress

beaded dress — Courtesy of Matchesfashion

If you're looking to channel Zelda Sayre from The Great Gatsby, then you can't go wrong with this gown inspired by the Roaring '20s. Style it with a faux fur shrug and a sparkly headband to get her signature look.

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Most Renaissance Inspired: Danielle Frankel Tulle-Trimmed Wool and Silk-Blend Satin Gown

Shirred tulle sleeves and a square neckline lends this gown a decidedly Renaissance-era look. An open back adds to the overall allure and romance of this vintage-inspired silhouette.

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Most 70s-Inspired: Ronny Kobo Belted Dress

If you're all about '70s fashion, then a velvet wedding dress should definitely be on your radar. This floor-length gown is crafted from fabric with a slight sheen, making it perfect for a formal winter wedding with groovy vibes.

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Most 50s–Inspired: By Watters Lynette Gown

This tea-length dress is giving us serious 1950s vibes with its cinched waist, a-line silhouette, and exaggerated full skit. Our favorite detail? The sexy bustier bodice.

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Most Romantic: Markarian Esmeralda Gown

puff sleeves gown — Courtesy of Markarian

This achingly elegant gown offers a flowing a-line silhouette, with Regency-era-inspired pouf sleeves, and a flattering fitted waist. Style hair with loose tendrils at the front and keep makeup soft and subtle.

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Most Old Hollywood-Inspired: Reformation Open-Back Dress

If this doesn't scream Old Hollywood glamour then we don't know what does! We love this gown's gorgeous open back, fluid fabric, and elegant fit. Accessorize with pearl drop earrings for an effortlessly polished look.

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Most Elegant Neckline: Giambattista Valli Tiered Bridal Gown

With a '50s-inspired silhouette and neckline that even Grace Kelly would approve of, this ruffly gown strikes the perfect balance between classic and romantic.

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Best for Dancing: Halfpenny London Fringed Satin Skirt

If your wedding is all about the music and live band, then you need a dancefloor-ready dress. This flapper-inspired style has tons of movement thanks to its fun and flirty fringe skirt.

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Most Ethereal: Erdem Marlyn Bow-Detailed Crinkled Crepe Maxi Dress

black bow dress — Courtesy of Moda Operandi

Embody the romance of the Victorian-era in this billowing maxi dress featuring an alluring open back adorned with a black bow. Wear your hair in loose curls and keep makeup simple and subtle.

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For a Daytime Wedding: Marta Ferri Belted Floral-Embroidered Linen Gown

damask dress — Courtesy of Matchesfashion

Cut from fabric that resembles antique damask, we love this dress for a daytime wedding. Style yours with pearl accessories, cream sandals, and a berry lip.

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For a Roaring 20s-Inspired Wedding: Ranna Gill Marilyn Gown

If your upcoming wedding is full of details that pay homage to the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, then you need this showstopping gown. Opt to forgo the silk lining and pair the sheer outer layer with a bodysuit for a sexier look.

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For a Black-Tie Wedding: White by Vera Wang Lace Overskirt Wedding Dress

overskirt dress — Courtesy of David's Bridal

As stunning as it is versatile, this Victorian-era-inspired wedding dress features removable puff sleeves and a detachable overskirt. We love this statement-making ballgown for a formal wedding with romantic details.

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Most Whimsical: Reformation Collard Neckline Dress

1950s fashion was all about cinched waistlines, sexy pin-up silhouettes, and shirt dresses. Channel your retro side in this vintage-inspired frock from Reformation.

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Most Feminine: Catherine Deane Lita Gown

Details like pearl trimmed charmeuse, delicate lace sleeves, and a modest neckline, make this vintage-inspired dress an especially fitting choice for the bride who loves all things Downton Abbey.

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Best Short Dress: Lela Rose "Positano" Mini Dress

This pleated, point d’esprit tulle mini dress is fun and flirty, and moves when you move. A sculptural flower adds an element of romance and whimsy to this playful frock.

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Most Glam: Watters Diamanté Drop Crystals Gown

Who doesn't want to be dripping in diamonds on their wedding day? This breathtaking gown features allover crystal embellishments for a look that oozes Old Hollywood glamour.

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For the Rehearsal Dinner: Reformation Off-the-Shoulder Dress

For the bride whose style is Bridgerton meets boudoir, this silky number will complement your wedding aesthetic perfectly and would make a romantic choice for your rehearsal dinner or reception look.

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Most Boudoir-Inspired: Bronx and Banco Feather Trim Satin Robe Gown

It's impossible not to be reminded of Lauren Bacall's dreamy robe from The Big Sleep when looking at this glamorous gown. Slip into this boudoir-inspired style for your second, or even, third bridal look.

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For the Boho Bride: LoveShackFancy Cornelia Dress

vintage dress — Courtesy of LoveShackFancy

Victorian-era meets prairie chic: it's the combination you never knew you needed. This gauzy gown is as sweet as ever for a boho-inspired wedding.

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Best Slip: Grace Loves Lace Slip Dress

You can never go wrong with an impossibly chic slip dress à la Carolyn Bessette. Style yours with a simple blusher, or cathedral length veil for an utterly timeless look.

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Best Budget: TFNC Long Sleeve Sateen Maxi Dress

We can't help but picture this 1940s-inspired dress at a formal wedding full of glamourous touches. Dazzling statement earrings will make this look all the more breathtaking.

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Most Relaxed Fit: Reformation Tiered Puff Sleeves Dress

As romantic as your walk down the aisle, this lighter-than-air dress is a stunning choice for the bride who appreciates the combination of a laidback fit and feminine details.

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Best Jumpsuit: Emilia Wickstead Jumpsuit Pictured with Matching Jacket

jumpsuit + jacket — Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

This jacket and jumpsuit combo feels very Audrey Hepburn. Channel her iconic 1950s style and wear your hair up with side-swept bangs.

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Most Art-Deco-Inspired: BHLDN Beaded Dress

We love this shimmering dress for its embodiment of old-world glamour and art-deco-inspired beading. Delicate flutter sleeves deliver beautiful and subtle coverage.

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Most Sexy Back: Nouvelle Amsale "Gavin" Gown

This fluid satin dress is beyond gorgeous for the bride looking for understated sexiness. Pin thin straps give way to a soft cowl-back with embroidery details, for a silhouette that's both timeless and elegant.

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Best Bell Sleeves: ASOS EDITION Lace Kimono Sleeve Wedding Dress

Carefree brides looking to embody the free-spiritedness of the '70s will love this effortless lace creation featuring bell sleeves, a plunging neckline, and a floor-length silhouette.

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Most Mod: Carolina Herrera Double-Faced Wool Mini Shift Dress

If your style icon is Twiggy, then this mod-inspired mini is the perfect fit for your wedding day look. Statement earrings and classic mary janes will give this style extra 1960s flare.

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Best Allover Lace: B by Yolancris Strapless Gown

This stunning strapless gown was designed with vintage touches of the '30s and '70s motifs, and pairs beautifully with a woven boater hat and birdcage veil.

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Best Movement: Marchesa Notte Embellished Fringed Tulle Gown

With long tiers of fringe and a 1920s flapper-inspired silhouette, this Marchesa Notte gown looks beautiful in motion. We love this dancefloor-ready dress for your reception or after-party look.

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Most Unique Neckline: Stella McCartney Ariette Embellished Column Cape Dress

This crystal-embellished cape gown has a decidedly Bond girl feel to it. Style with glittering silver earrings and a bright red lip for a bombshell wedding day look,

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Best Maxi Dress: Shona Joy Circle Sleeve Backless Maxi Dress

If you're a '70s wild child, barefoot kind of bride, we can't think of a better option than this effortlessly cool dress from Shona Joy. Pair with a simple wildflower posy for a carefree and bohemian vibe.

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Best Ruffles: Odylyne the Ceremony Gwendolyn Gown

Crafted from light silk organza and featuring gauzy ruffles and puffed sleeves, this enchanting gown is the embodiment of romance. A strapless fitted bodice accentuates your shape and highlights beautiful shoulders.

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Most Versatile: Christopher Kane Feather-Trimmed Chantilly-Lace Gown

Nothing says old-world glamour quite like a feather-trimmed gown. This lace number features a body-skimming silhouette and detachable ostrich-trimmed cuffs for a unique and versatile look.

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Best Print: Monique Lhuillier Floral Dress

This floral ballgown looks like it stepped right out of a Renaissance painting. If you're drawn to the beauty of the English countryside, then this garden-inspired gown should definitely suit your romantic aesthetic.

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Most Unexpected: Daughters of Simone Crochet Lace Dress

For a look that's totally unique and pays homage to iconic '70s style, opt for this crochet gown. Follow the styling lead and wear yours with your favorite pair of boots and layered jewelry.

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Most Modest: B by Yolancris Macarella Gown

For an impossibly chic look, you can't go wrong with this body-skimming gown featuring delicate puff sleeves and a thin waist-cinching belt. We love this full-coverage style for the modest bride.

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Most Dramatic Sleeves: Spell Lace Gown

If your style icon is Stevie Nicks then you can't go wrong with this '70s-inspired wedding gown. Keep makeup simple and add a fresh or faux floral crown to complete your look.

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Best Shift Dress: Little White Dress Crepe V-Neck Dress

Fun and flirty, this fab mini dress should be part of any bride's wedding wardrobe. Style with matching block sandals and a colorful clutch for an unexpected touch.

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For an Outdoor Wedding: Daughters of Simone Floral Chiffon Gown

vintage wedding dress — Courtesy of Daughters of Simone

This gorgeous design crafted from floral fabric has us dreaming of the spring and summer months. Gauzy puff sleeves and a body-skimming silhouette strike the perfect balance between romantic and sexy.

Shopping FAQs

Are you a retro bride-to-be? We've answered three common questions brides have when shopping for a vintage-inspired wedding dress.

What is a vintage-inspired wedding dress? A vintage-inspired wedding dress is designed to emulate iconic styles and silhouettes from a certain decade.
How can I accessorize my vintage-inspired wedding dress? This really depends on what decade you choose to embody. For example, the 1920s were all about glamourous headbands and long pearl necklaces, while the 1950s were more about gloves, fascinators, and eye-cat glasses.
What should I wear to a vintage-inspired city hall wedding? We love tea-length dresses, tailored bridal suits, and boudoir-inspired slip dresses for a courthouse wedding.

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