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    The vintage wedding dresses that’ll never go out of style

    A vintage wedding dress might be the perfect option on your big day. The classic and timeless cuts and fabrics will never have you questioning the modern styles. See the best vintage-inspired gowns here...

    By Marie Claire
    Published 16 April 2019 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    vintage wedding dress
    (Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))
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    Especially when you look back at those wedding pictures

    Vintage wedding dresses are a trend that will never go away. The classic and timeless cuts and fabrics are a sure way to look elegant and ethereal when you walk down the aisle.

    Just look at Meghan Markle's Givenchy wedding dress, which reminded us of Audrey Hepburn's one, which was also by the French Couture house.

    They're especially a good solution if you've seen all of the minimalist bandeau bridal gowns with their contemporary cuts and structures and haven't been wowed, or just aren't keen on the fashion-forward separates and sexy fishtail gowns.

    But make no mistake, opting for a vintage style doesn't mean you'll look like you've borrower your granny's wedding dress. This season's spin on antique gowns isn't all frumpy ruffles and ruching - think delicate lace, embroidery and silk with a variety of trains, necklines and cuts.

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    1950s wedding dress

    A good way to start is to look at which style eras you fancy the most, to get an idea of what shape you'll go for. The 1950s tea-length full skirts are often a popular choice, that goes especially well with a Hollywood wave and a red lip. Or like Meghan's, a simple floor-length silhouette can look very modern if you keep details minimal.

    If it's a sleeker silhouette you're after, 1930s and 1940s silk dresses and fitted styles are a sure way to add a touch of understated elegance to the aisle.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    1920s wedding dress

    If you're a bit less traditional, then 1920s cuts have made a surprising comeback this year, and it's all about the beading. Our love of all things 70s also shows no sign of going away any time soon, and we've seen brides opt for bohemian off-the-shoulder designs and even crochet dresses for a beach wedding.

    Vintage lace wedding dresses

    Of course, you'll never go wrong with a classic fishtail champagne lace dress either - we guarantee you'll never look back at wedding pictures and regret your sartorial choice.

    In terms of accessories, we encourage you to have a bit of fun and stick to a vintage theme, whether that's a dazzling brooch in side-swept hair, a pearl sautoir, velvet bow belt, or, if you want a really dramatic effect, white opera length gloves like the ones Sophia Amoruso wore with her vintage Alexander McQueen gown on her wedding day. The choice is yours.

    From Grecian cinching to Hollywood silhouettes, we've rounded up the best of the more classic and traditional wedding dress designs. From Vivienne Westwood and Marchesa to Ghost and Monsoon, here are the timeless styles that you'll never look back on and question...

    vintage wedding dresses

    CATHERINE DEANE Oyster Kendal Bridal Dress, £480 at T.k.maxx
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    vintage wedding dresses

    GIAMBATTISTA VALLI Ivory cape-effect crochet lace dress, £4,095 at Harvey Nichols
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    vintage wedding dresses

    CAROLINA HERRERA Off-the-shoulder satin gown, £5,380 at Net-A-Porter
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    vintage wedding dresses

    COSTARELLOS Lace-paneled polka-dot flocked tulle gown, £2,825 ay Net-A-Porter
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    vintage wedding dresses

    DOLCE & GABBANA Cherub and floral-lace cotton-blend maxi dress, £1,650 at MATCHESFASHION.COM
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    vintage wedding dresses

    ROCHAS Tiered cotton broderie-anglaise dress, £2,585 at MATCHESFASHION.COM
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    vintage wedding dresses

    JOSEPH Tilda Midi-Dress, £325 at Liberty London
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    vintage wedding dresses

    Nasty Gal Get Low Maxi Dress, £50
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    vintage wedding dresses

    Phase Eight Mae Wedding Dress, £350
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    vintage wedding dresses

    Phase Eight Poppy Embroidered Wedding Dress, £450
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    vintage wedding dresses

    Ghost LILLY WEDDING DRESS, £495
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    vintage wedding dresses

    TEMPERLEY LONDON Felicity off-the-shoulder lace-trimmed silk crepe de chine gown, £1,195 at Net-A-Porter
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    vintage wedding dresses

    SELF-PORTRAIT Primrose crepon-trimmed guipure lace gown, £750 at Net-A-Porter
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    vintage wedding dresses

    Monsoon FLORENCE EMBELLISHED BRIDAL MAXI DRESS, £499
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