1950 accessories with a non-1950 dress

rubytuesday256

Can you help me make this dress look somewhat 1950s-ish. My FH and MOH love this dress for the bridesmaids but my theme is 1950s and I want it to be evident but not overwhelming. I definitely want the bridesmaids to look like they fit in the theme.

southernbelle0915

I would do a satin headband and a bolero/cardigan. 

emmaaa

You could do gold jewelry and a 1950's hairstyle.

theartistformerlyknownas

Some pearls and Mary Janes?

If you can talk them into a middle-ground, something with a similar top but A-line skirt would be super cute with a crinoline underneath. Take the crinoline out and it's back to a regular, cute dress they can wear again rather than feeling costume-y.

Maggie0829

I don't really think there is a way to make that look like it is from the 1950s. The 1950s was about a-line dresses with petticoats and higher necklines with sleeves and gloves. All you have to do is watch the wedding scene from teh movie Mona Lisa Smiles to see what a 1950s wedding looked like.

EiriniA

Multi-strand cluster necklaces (15") would great.

CMGragain

Hats.  Bridesmaids wore hats and gloves.  That dress doesn't look 1950s, though.  I remember the 1950's, and those prickly petticoats worn under full skirts!  Very uncomfortable in Church!

[Deleted User]

Maybe pin a fake flower along the top (that seems like a 50's idea), and work with the hair to get a 1950's feel. 

emanon321

The dress is not really 50s at all. But you can still give it a retro feel with makeup and accessories. A bold lip and winged eyeliner and some pearls can go a long way. Check out Alfred Sung bridesmaid dresses. This one has a somewhat similar silhouette (strapless and chiffon-y), but the model has a retro feel due to the hair and makeup. (though, personally, I wouldn't do that to their hair)

http://www.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/d650/#.U8mvyZRdXTo

MobKaz

I have to disagree with anyone suggesting that the hairstyles and/or make up be dictated to compliment the theme. The wedding party should be able to wear a "look" that compliments them, not a theme.

lovesclimbing

MobKaz said:

I have to disagree with anyone suggesting that the hairstyles and/or make up be dictated to compliment the theme. The wedding party should be able to wear a "look" that compliments them, not a theme.

Yes, I agree. Hair, eh, you can get away with if you pay for it, although I still say give them freedom with their hair.

Makeup, please do not dictate! Makeup is so incredibly personal. Some women aren't comfortable wearing very much or any at all.

I like makeup, I wear a decent amount of eye makeup (I wouldn't call it either heavy or light) every day. I occasionally wear lipstick and when I do, it's a pretty light shade. I have a couple bold/dark lipsticks that I rarely wear. I would hate wearing @emanon321's suggestion because wearing that much eye makeup + a bold lip makes me feel and look (in my opinion) like I have way too much makeup on.

emanon321

lovesclimbing said:

I have to disagree with anyone suggesting that the hairstyles and/or make up be dictated to compliment the theme. The wedding party should be able to wear a "look" that compliments them, not a theme.

Yes, I agree. Hair, eh, you can get away with if you pay for it, although I still say give them freedom with their hair. Makeup, please do not dictate! Makeup is so incredibly personal. Some women aren't comfortable wearing very much or any at all. I like makeup, I wear a decent amount of eye makeup (I wouldn't call it either heavy or light) every day. I occasionally wear lipstick and when I do, it's a pretty light shade. I have a couple bold/dark lipsticks that I rarely wear. I would hate wearing @emanon321's suggestion because wearing that much eye makeup + a bold lip makes me feel and look (in my opinion) like I have way too much makeup on.

Hey, if her bridesmaids are into the 1950s too then there isn't an issue. The Alfred Sung example is just showing how makeup, hair, and accessories can change a look. Which is what she asked. She doesn't have to and probably shouldn't copy it. It is just an example. And there are many examples out there for retro makeup that range from heavy to very light in the amount. I think everyone's a little too quick to assume she's going to dictate everything her bridesmaids do. I would like to assume (maybe foolishly I'll admit) that her bridesmaids and her are truly close friends and, as such, know how to communicate. 

JasperandOpal

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OnionBreath

The dress isn't 50s looking but if you want want modern with a 50s twist, I agree with the others and would do it mostly with the hair myself.