New Year’s Eve always catches me off guard as the excitement of Christmas wraps up. Hopefully if you have an extra special party to go to, you have already found a fabulous dress, but if you are like me and are just now thinking about it, have no fear. The post holidays sales or free expedited shipping means you can still find a great vintage inspired New Year’s Eve dress in time. Here are some of my personal favorites by decade –
1910s Dress for New Years
The big Titanic revival was last year, but the style is hitting mainstream fashions this year. My all time favorite formal dress designer, Mignon, has so many stunning gowns with empire waists and in metallic tones – a perfect combination for a 1910s inspired gown. This fringe dress could also work for the 1920s too. Shop more 1910-1920 inspired gowns.
1920s Dress for New Years Eve
The year of the ’20s revival is still going strong, especially with Downton Abbey showing in the USA soon. Fans will love this season’s glamorous evening dresses which show off drop waists, long skirts, flowing chiffon, and naturally some gorgeous jewels. This Mattox dress is something I could see on one of the Downton Abbey ladies, yet is modern enough to not look like a costume. Faux bob your hair, add a long necklace, pair a fabulous pair of sparkling shoes, and you will be set! Learn about and shop for more 1920s formal dresses here and in the UK here.
1930s Dress For New Years
Swoon. I don’t think there is a better era than the 1930s for sleek, glamorous formal gowns. The touch of sparkle and the Grecian inspired silhouette is just beautiful. Practice your finger waves and add a pair of drop earrings and a small pearl or rhinestone necklace for the final touches that take this back to the golden years. Shop more 1930’s style gowns.
1940s Dress for New Years Eve
While 1940s formal dresses were usually long ballgowns, the pin up look can also go formal with a short, sexy cocktail dress. This simple 1940s inspired dress from my favorite pin up brand, Stop Staring, is perfect for any kind of New Year’s Eve party. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this look. Shop more formal or cocktail 1940s style dresses.
1950s Dress for New Years Eve
The 1950s fit and flare shape is the in style this year. Its easy to wear, very flattering, and very 1950s! The fifties shape is made best with a padded and pointy bullet bra, and a waist cincher doesn’t hurt either. Shoes are easy because a basic pair of patent leather pumps (any height) will work perfectly. Shop more 1950s style formal dresses.
1960s New Years Dress
The classic shift dress is one the long standing trends from the 1960s, especially when its comes to cocktail dresses. An easy fit and with sophisticated sexiness, it is one of my favorite vintage does modern styles. Shop 1960s style cocktail dresses here.
What style of dress are you wearing for New Year’s?
Debbie Sessions has been teaching fashion history and helping people dress for vintage themed events since 2009. She has turned a hobby into VintageDancer.com with hundreds of well researched articles and hand picked links to vintage inspired clothing online. She aims to make dressing accurately (or not) an affordable option for all. Oh, and she dances too.
