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Retro is all the rage when it comes to wedding dress trends. Thanks to shows like "Mad Men," vintage is making quite the comeback. Get your old-school look on by rocking a wedding dress inspired by past eras. You can opt to find a brand-new bridal gown that has a retro feel or you can go totally vintage by finding an older option from a consignment or second-hand store. Even better, borrow one from an older relative.
Fitted Bodice, Full Skirt
A fitted bodice paired with a full skirt was a staple of wedding dress trends from the past. You can keep yours on the modern side by avoiding buttons, beads and other bells and whistles, or you can go fully retro and pick a dress adorned with ruffles, lace and other vintage-style dress decoration. Just be sure that the extra adornments don't overwhelm your petite frame. Keep in mind that retro wedding dresses covered more than their modern-day counterparts (think longer sleeves and higher necklines).
High Hemlines
Tea-length dresses are all the rage for retro wedding dresses. In addition to being a popular wedding gown choice, the higher hemlines are great for petite brides who often get swallowed up in excess fabric. The tea-length comes up to about mid-calf and can be paired with a pair of brightly colored peep-toes for a fun and festive touch. Keep in mind that higher hemlines on wedding dresses should be reserved for daytime or casual affairs.
Sweetheart Necklines
A sweetheart neckline is a romantic neckline for retro dresses. This neckline forms a natural heart shape and creates a vintage look whether your dress has sleeves or not. The sweetheart neckline is perfect for petite brides who want to show a hint of cleavage without going overboard.
Retro Accessories
Birdcage veils, gloves (long and short), sweet buttons and silky sashes are all accessories that are reminiscent of retro wedding dresses. Any one of these accessories is ideal for a petite shape since they won't overwhelm a small frame. You can pick one of the aforementioned accessories or you can find one that fits your personality.
