Weddings are a time of celebration and joy, but choosing the perfect outfit for the big day can be a challenge, especially for mothers of the bride. For centuries, mother of the bride dresses have had a special place in wedding fashion, and as time has progressed, there have been many different trends and changes. Let’s take a look back into history to see how mother of the bride dresses have evolved over time.
The Beginning of Change: The 1920s
As the roaring twenties kicked off, fashion took on a new, exciting form. The mother of the bride was no exception; she stepped into the decade with a fresh sense of style. Dresses in this era featured beaded detailing, delicate lace, and decadent fringe that flowed generously. Hemlines lifted a bit higher, and waistlines dropped a bit lower. The loose, flowing fabrics that defined the decade lent themselves seamlessly to the traditional grandmother of the bride look, with added touches that exuded modern cool. The mother of the bride in the 1920s was a woman who embraced change and was ready to set new trends. Elegant, fashionable, and forward-thinking, the dresses of the time captured the spirit of the era perfectly. Today, we can look back on this era with fondness for the beautiful dress designs that remain iconic to this day.
The Early Years: 1930s-1950s
In the early years of mother of the bride dresses, long and flowing gowns were all the rage. The 1930s saw floor length gowns made from luxurious fabrics like satin, silk, velvet and lace. These gowns often featured details like elaborate necklines or intricate embroidery on the bodice and sleeves. In order to keep up with changing times in fashion, some brides began to opt for more modern silhouettes like strapless tea length dresses in the 1940s. However, by 1950 most mothers-of-the-bride had returned to wearing full length gowns with modest necklines and sleeves.
The 1960s & 1970s
In the 1960’s it was traditional for mothers-of-the-bride to wear suits rather than formal gowns. Suits were typically tailored with straight lines and boxy cuts in bold colors like navy blue or forest green. By 1970 however, more daring styles had become popular including jumpsuits and midi dresses with high collars and bell sleeves that flowed just past mid calf length. While these styles were considered risqué at first they soon became commonplace among mothers attending their daughter’s weddings during this era.
The 1980s & 1990s
By 1980 shorter hemlines had become fashionable again among mothers attending their daughter’s wedding ceremonies. It was common to see ankle length dresses paired with bolero jackets or cropped blazers during this period since it was traditional for ladies to remain covered up even when wearing shorter hemlines at formal events such as weddings. During this decade women also began experimenting with bolder colors such as red or purple which added an element of fun and excitement to mother of the bride ensembles! By 1990 most women had returned to wearing classic black or navy blue suits but still kept them modern by opting for structured blazers that hit just above hip level instead of longer ones that hung down past knee level like those popular in years prior.
Today we know that there is no one “right” way to dress when it comes to mother of the bride dresses or plus size mother of the bride dresses – anything goes! From elegant evening gowns to sleek jumpsuits, moms are no longer limited by tradition when selecting an outfit for their daughter’s big day; they can choose whatever style makes them feel beautiful and confident on their special day! It is wonderful that we have come so far from where we started over 80 years ago when it comes to mother of the bride attire – now moms can truly express themselves through their outfits without worrying about following outdated rules from decades past! With all these options available today it’ll be easy for you find something perfect for your daughter’s wedding day!
