1960 Wedding Dresses: Iconic Styles & Timeless Inspiration

The 1960s marked a dramatic shift in bridal fashion. Moving away from the opulent, voluminous gowns of the 1950s, brides embraced simpler and more modern silhouettes, reflecting the changing cultural landscape and evolving societal norms of the decade. From classic elegance to youthful mod-inspired looks, 1960s bridal gowns offered variety, creativity, and timeless appeal.

Early 1960s: Classic Elegance

In the early part of the decade, wedding dresses retained a sense of traditional elegance. The silhouette often featured:

• Full Skirts: A-line or ball gown shapes that provide a structured look.
• High Necks and Long Sleeves: Modesty was still a significant consideration, with many dresses featuring high collars and long sleeves.
• Luxurious Fabrics: Materials like satin and silk were popular choices, adding a touch of opulence to the bridal attire.

Mid to Late 1960s: Embracing Modernity

As the decade progressed, there was a noticeable shift towards more modern and relaxed styles:

• Empire Waists: Dresses with raised waistlines just under the bust became fashionable, offering a more youthful and less restrictive silhouette.
• Shorter Hemlines: Reflecting the influence of the Mod fashion movement, many brides opted for knee-length or tea-length dresses.
• Simplified Designs: Brides began favoring minimalist designs with less embellishment, focusing on clean lines and simplicity.

Iconic Styles and Silhouettes

1. Empire Waist Gowns

One of the most iconic styles of the 1960s wedding dress was the empire waist gown. Characterized by a high waistline just under the bust, this silhouette was flattering and comfortable. It allowed for a flowing skirt that moved gracefully, often made from lightweight fabrics like chiffon or lace.

2. Mini and Tea-Length Dresses

Inspired by the Mod fashion movement, many brides in the mid-1960s chose shorter wedding dresses. Mini dresses, which ended above the knee, and tea-length dresses, which fell just below the knee, became popular choices for their youthful and modern appeal.

3. Sheath Dresses

For a sleek and sophisticated look, sheath dresses were favored. These form-fitting gowns followed the natural line of the body, often made from silk or satin, and were perfect for brides seeking a minimalist aesthetic.

Fabrics and Materials

The choice of fabric played a crucial role in defining the look and feel of the 1960s wedding dress:

• Chiffon: Lightweight and airy, chiffon was a popular choice for creating flowing, ethereal gowns.
• Lace: Often used as an overlay or in sleeves, lace adds a touch of romance and vintage charm.
• Satin: With its glossy finish, satin was favored for its luxurious appearance and drape.
• Organza: A stiffer fabric that adds volume and structure to dresses, often used in skirts or overlays.

Color Trends

While white remained the traditional color for wedding dresses, the 1960s saw a subtle shift:

• Ivory and Champagne: These off-white shades gained popularity, offering a softer and more modern alternative to stark white.
• Pastels: Some brides experimented with pastel hues like pale pinks and blues, reflecting the era’s embrace of color in fashion.

Influential Designers and Iconic Brides

Several designers and brides left an indelible mark on 1960s wedding fashion:

Ann Lowe: The African American designer who created Jackie Kennedy’s iconic silk taffeta gown for her 1953 wedding to John F. Kennedy. The dress featured a portrait neckline, pleated bodice, bouffant skirt, scalloped hem, rosettes, and wax orange blossoms. Despite its classic silhouette, the dress incorporated playful embellishments and hidden details like a blue ribbon for luck and a label bearing Lowe’s name.

Yves Saint Laurent: Introduced innovative designs, including a white damask cotton wedding gown in his 1964 spring collection.

Priscilla Presley: Married Elvis Presley in 1967, wearing a white chiffon gown with an empire waistline, lace sleeves, and pearl embellishments, purchased off-the-rack from a local department store. In order to keep the wedding a secret, Priscilla shopped for her dress in disguise with Charlie Hodge, Elvis’s musician friend, posing as her fiancé.

Cultural Influences

The 1960s were a decade of significant social change, and bridal fashion mirrored this transformation. The early part of the decade retained some traditional elements, but as the years progressed, there was a noticeable shift towards more relaxed and unconventional styles. This evolution was influenced by:

• The Mod Movement: Emphasizing youth culture and modernity.
• The Space Race: Inspiring futuristic designs and materials.
• The Feminist Movement: Encouraging women to express individuality and autonomy in their choices.

Styling Tips for a 1960s-Inspired Wedding

For brides seeking to incorporate 1960s elements into their wedding attire:

• Opt for Empire Waist Gowns: These dresses are flattering and timeless.
• Incorporate Lace Details: Whether in sleeves, overlays, or veils, lace adds a vintage touch.
• Choose Shorter Hemlines: A mini or tea-length dress offers a playful and modern look.
• Select Lightweight Fabrics: Chiffon and lace create a flowing, ethereal appearance.
• Accessorize with Vintage Pieces: Consider pillbox hats, elbow-length gloves, and bold eye makeup.

Where to Find 1960s Wedding Dresses

For those interested in acquiring a 1960s-inspired wedding dress, consider exploring:

• Vintage Boutiques: Many specialize in authentic period pieces.
• Online Marketplaces: Platforms like 1stDibs offer a curated selection of vintage wedding dresses.
• Modern Reproductions: Some contemporary designers create gowns inspired by 1960s styles.

The 1960s were a transformative decade for bridal fashion, blending classic elegance with youthful modernity. From the refined full-skirted gowns of the early 60s to the playful mini and tea-length dresses inspired by the Mod movement, this era offered brides a variety of styles to express individuality and timeless beauty. Fabrics like lace, chiffon, satin, and organza, along with subtle color variations in ivory, champagne, and pastels, added versatility and charm to wedding attire.

Whether you are drawn to the classic sophistication of early 1960s designs or the modern, minimalist appeal of mid-to-late 60s styles, there is a 1960s-inspired wedding dress to suit every bride. Exploring 1960s bridal gowns, vintage 1960 wedding dresses, or even short 60s wedding dresses allows modern brides to capture the spirit of this iconic decade while creating a look that is uniquely their own.