Retro dresses from the 1940s to 1970s had distinctive styles such as wiggle, Hawaiian print sundresses, shirt, mini, and peasant dresses. Each decade had its own fashion trends, with the 1960s introducing the mini dress and the late 60s and early 70s heavily influenced by the hippie movement.
Retro dresses are dresses that date from the 1940s to the 1970s. Each decade of fashion had some very distinctive fashion trends. Some of the most distinctive types of retro dresses include wiggle dresses, Hawaiian print sundresses, shirt dresses, mini dresses, and peasant dresses.
During and just after World War II, women began to wear much tighter and more daring dresses. A popular style of dress is now known as the “wiggle” dress. This style of dress fits very well through the bust, waist, and hips. The dress line then continues tightly along the thigh and legs, ending just below the knee. These dresses often had slits in the back or front so that the wearer could walk through.
Some retro dresses from the 1940s were made from Hawaiian patterned fabrics. During this period, much of the world felt great solidarity with Hawaii because of the bombing at Pearl Harbor, and the popularity of these dresses may have been a result of this. These dresses were typically sundresses with fitted busts and waists.
Retro dresses from the 1950s mainly had fitted waists with full skirts. One popular style was called a “shirt” dress. The top of the dress style was like a button-down shirt, complete with pointed collar. The skirt was full and gathered, falling just below the knee and attached to a fitted waist. These dresses usually had narrow belts made of the same fabric as the dress.
The 1960s introduced the fashion world to the mini dress, and it is probably the most distinctive style of dress from that era. The general design of these dresses varies. Some had empire waistlines, puffed sleeves, and full skirts, and were generally called “badoll” dresses. Many others were of the A-line style, which refers to a dress that is fitted at the top, then gradually flares out as it falls to the hem. The hem length for retro mini dresses was usually several inches above the knee. Dresses that barely cover the buttocks were called “micro” minis.
Retro dresses from the late ’60s and early ’70s were heavily influenced by the hippie movement. The peasant dress is probably the most characteristic of that time. These dresses usually had necklines that are off the shoulder, usually with a ruched frill. In many cases these dresses had empire waists and full skirts. Most of the time, the dresses were made of soft cotton.
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