Wedding trends have evolved and changed over the years, and it is interesting to observe how some of them gradually return. Women's fashion underwent major changes over the past few decades, and this also influenced wedding dress fashion. Changes in men's formal fashion were less pronounced and only concerned minor details. That is why when choosing formal – wedding – attire, we should focus on quality and a good fit. And even though formal etiquette has increasingly relaxed rules, a wedding is still an event where etiquette is justified. Take a look with us at the evolution of wedding fashion across the decades of the 20th century.
The beginning of the 20th century
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Art Nouveau style prevailed, which led to a new and hitherto untraditional style in fashion. Corsets and large skirts with crinolines gradually disappeared from women's fashion, and the first blouses and skirts were added to wardrobes. The emancipation of women was also evident in the form of masculine elements in women's clothing. Clothing in Slovakia was influenced mainly by Vienna and Budapest.
After the First World War, the change in clothing is even more noticeable, clothes became simpler and more comfortable. A typical feature of the fashion of the 1920s was long sashes on women's dresses. Front and back necklines, strapless dresses, headbands across the forehead, long gloves, ruffles, and face-framing hats were characteristic. Grooms wore suits with a subtly emphasized waist, which gradually lowered towards more casual cuts, jackets, and tuxedos with patent leather. At village weddings, those sitting in the suit also wore boots and placed a smaller hat on their head. In Slovakia, wedding attire for brides and grooms often had elements of traditional costumes, or they simply dressed in traditional costume with everything that goes with it. If the couple got married during the groom's military service, he wore a uniform.
Fashion up to 1947
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The wedding of abdicated King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson in 1937[/caption] In the 30s, the waist moved slightly higher again – on women's dresses and men's jackets. The successful fashion designer Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel also gained more and more ground in fashion, who was inspired by men's cuts and created comfortable women's leisurewear from them. Thanks to her, the "little black" (dress) is part of almost every woman's wardrobe. The war period, however, contributed to the shortage of various things, which also affected fashion. For example, skirts were shortened precisely due to the lack of fabric. Stockings, however, were a sign of elegance and according to etiquette, they were not allowed to be missing on certain occasions. Women therefore tanned their legs to visually convince people that they were wearing them.
The transformation of the silhouette also affected other more formal wedding garments such as the jacket and tuxedo, which, however, have survived to this day in almost unchanged form.
Post-war fashion
The wedding of American President J. F. Kennedy and Jacqueline in 1953[/caption] Fashion after World War II was substantially richer. The breakthrough in the fashion world was caused by the Dior brand in 1947 (then led by designer Christian Dior) and its New Look collection. Long dresses with gathered skirts emphasized femininity and also influenced women's wedding fashion. The men's suit – single-breasted and double-breasted – changed mainly in the material used and small details. The jacket was initially relatively long, often making the groom look a few sizes larger, the shoulders were always emphasized with pads. From the mid-50s, jackets gradually began to narrow at the waist and shorten, and accordingly, the trousers also narrowed. Shoulder pads were less pronounced, the shirt for formal occasions was still only white – complemented by subtle patterns and colors on accessories (ties, pocket squares). In addition to natural wool, synthetic materials, which are durable, easy to maintain, and do not shrink, began to be used for sewing suits.
Wedding fashion in Slovakia was still very much influenced by folk culture. Wedding dresses were without necklines and with prominent collars. Brides and grooms often dressed in traditional costume.
Children of flowers and bells
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The wedding of Princess Caroline of Monaco and Philippe Junot in 1978[/caption] At the end of the 60s, the hippie movement came to the fore, rejecting social conventions, which was also reflected in formal wear, which was somewhat more relaxed.
In Czechoslovakia at that time, socialism prevailed and clothing was a shortage item. People bought with coupons at Tuzex, in East Germany, or had fashion clothing tailored. Women drew inspiration from magazines such as Burda, Dorka, Praktická žena, and similar. Tailors and dressmakers were a very popular profession at that time.
Years of eccentricity
The wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer in 1981[/caption] The 80s and the beginning of the 90s are usually associated with less tasteful periods. Kitsch and extravagance were represented by large shoulder pads, striking makeup on women, long jackets, women's suits, unmistakable "flappers", and so-called disco fashion. Some of these elements also appeared in wedding fashion. The most fashionable wedding dresses were with large "puff" sleeves or shoulder pads, wide "cake" skirts, ruffles, and large hats. However, flowing dresses with petticoats decorated with lace and a ruffled collar also appeared.
Today's wedding fashion is versatile, and the clothing adapts to the overall style of the wedding that the couple chooses. You can find our tips for men, how to dress for your own wedding here.
Look for other articles from the Wedding category here. Take advantage of our promotion and buy a wedding suit in our stores or in the e-shop from 299 euros. You can now buy selected suits with a discount of up to 40%. Stop by us and we will help you choose a complete outfit including a shirt, shoes, belt, and other accessories.
