Factors to Consider When Buying a Vintage Prom Dress

A vintage prom dress is one that is a dress from theto the store selling such dresses, bring the tape with
1940, 1950 or 1960. The styles from these decadesyou and measure the waist line of the dress. Once
are very popular in formal gowns and help you createyou find one that does fit your measurements, you still
a really unique look for your prom night. There arehave to try it on to make sure it does fit. You still may
some locations in the larger cities where you will beneed to have alterations done to the dress to get a
able to find such a gown, such as at thrift stores andproper fit for you.
stores that sell second-hand clothing. If the termIf you are looking for something more natural, try going
second-hand clothing turns you off, then you want toback farther in time for dress styles. In the 1920
buy a new prom dress, not a vintage one. Becausecorsets and girdles were not in fashion so these
the vintage dresses are from an earlier time, the onlydresses may fit you better. You will have to start your
way you can buy one is by buying one that has beensearch early though because these dresses are hard
previously used. However there are many locationsto find. The dresses from the 1940 and 1950 were
that have new dresses in the same designs.fitted in the bodice and waist line areas of the dress.
Look through old pictures to find out what styles areThe skirts were usually full so that if you have full hips,
available in this type of prom dress. You will find manythis would be the style that would suit your figure.
different vintage styles to choose from when youSince bullet bras were in style during these decades,
shop online. There is one thing that you must keep inyou may find that the bust of the dress is way too big
mind and that is the difference in sizing. The sizes offor you even if the waist line is the right size. A good
today are not the same as they were 50 years ago.seamstress can easily make changes to this so that it
A size 12 dress from back in the 1960 is probably afits you just right.
size 6 or 8 in today sizes. This is why you cannot lookThe length of the dress is also important. During the
at the sizing tags to help you find the right vintage1960 shorter dresses were the style, but there are
dress. Back in those days many women wore corsetssome floor length ball gowns from that era that was
to flatten their tummies so that they could fit into themade with stretchy fabric that will enhance your
dress and crinolines were very popular with someperfect figure. If you are looking for something a little
styles. These are other factors that you have to takelater, such as in the 1970 and 1980, these are easier to
into consideration when you are buying.find. You may even find something in your mother or
To start shopping for the perfect vintage dress, yougrandmother closet that will look perfect on you and
have to take your body measurements. When you gosave you money in the process.