Hairstyles for 1950s and 1960s vintage wedding dresses

Dear Reader, 

I confess I have a special interest in hair: I spent 20 years as a hairdresser specialising in designer fashion shows and fashion shoots. And I always loved creating wedding hairstyles, as it's an opportunity to do something really special. 

What an icon! Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S, 1961

In my last post, I looked at hairstyles that suit 1930s and 1940s vintage wedding dresses. Today, I'm going to suggest a few styles that rock with 1950s and 1960s vintage wedding dresses. 

1950s

In the 50s, hair was still worn wavy - but often shorter and more layered than in earlier decades. It would still be set with rollers, but now the curls would be slightly looser.

And the ultimate 1950s icon, Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe is the perfect example. This classic style can still work wonderfully today, as in Katherine Heigl's glamorous red carpet look. 

Katherine Heigl wearing 1950s Marilyn waves

Marilyn Monroe, 1950s platinum blonde

Scarlett Johansson, the modern blonde bombshell

Another instantly recognisable 1950s movie icon is Grace Kelly. In contrast, Grace Kelly's more sleek look represented immaculately groomed young ladies everywhere - a picture of elegance and modesty.

Grace Kelly, a more restrained 1950s glamour

Grace Kelly, always elegant

But the 50s was a decade of huge change. And for the other extreme, just look at Brigitte Bardot in 'And God Created Woman' (check out the fabulous trailer below!) Bardot's tumbling sexy curls hold a promise of the wilder decade to follow!

Brigitte Bardot, Ooh-la-la!

1960s

The 60s was all about volume and backcombing, and is typified for me by two stars, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s from 1961, and the tousled blonde curls and high up-dos of Brigitte Bardot.

I recommend taking from each decade what suits you and making it your own. So if you love 1960s style, you don’t have to go for huge amounts of volume to get the look. I also love Tippi Hedren’s ultra-groomed hair in the wonderful Hitchcock film 'The Birds'.

Ice blonde Tippi Hedren in THE BIRDS

This is a look that is often worn on the red carpet today. I've included lots of examples of contemporary versions below, for inspiration.

Angelina Jolie in sophisticated 60s style

Brigitte Bardot's tousled appeal

Bardot-inspired messy chignon with backcombing

Bardot!

Bardot with tousled backcombing

Bardot!

Kelly Brook with sleek 1960s inspired updo

Sophie Ellis Bextor with pretty 1960s-style backcombing

Penelope Cruz

Gwyneth Paltrow does 1960s chic 

Sexy 60s styles: Rachel McAdam, Sarah Jessica Parker & Scarlett Johansson

I hope you've enjoyed this little trip around the world of vintage-inspired wedding hair! Next time, I'll suggest hairstyles for 1970s vintage wedding dresses, and I'll show you some divine styles for short wedding hair. 

Thanks for stopping by,

Love

Helena

Heavenly Vintage Brides

Read more

"Oh Jerry, don't let's ask for the moon. We have the stars." Vintage wedding dress inspiration from Bette!

Dear Reader

Since we have 'Bette' as our lovely vintage wedding dress of the week, I'd like to share the inspiration behind this glamorous design...

The fabulous Bette Davis, in 'Now Voyager'

Bette was recreated from a gorgeous black crepe 1940s evening gown which was one of my very favourites. I always loved the simple elegant shape of it. 

1940s inspired wedding dress 'Bette', priced £1295

The original dress was remodelled slightly to flatter a modern figure, and then a pattern was created from it. The silk crepe I used - in a heavy weight and almost matte - was very popular in the 1940s. This matte effect is easier to wear and can look more sophisticated than satin. And the dress's little asymmetric peplum is very forgiving on the tummy area.

A young Bette Davis, in a gorgeous low-back 1940s dress

The dress is named after my style icon: fabulous 1940s actress Bette Davis. (Yes, you've probably guessed by now, I am a big fan of the black and white so-called ‘women’s films‘ of the 40s!) The quote at the top of this post is Bette's last line from the wonderfully romantic 'Now, Voyager'. 

And so naturally I wanted to have a dress in my collection with that same laidback easy glamour. 

Bette, blonde again, in elegant pants suit.

As well as Bette, I have another gorgeous 1940s-inspired dress in my collection: Florence, which I'm currently remodelling a little to make it even more flattering. I'll be showing new pictures of Florence soon, so do keep watching! 

And please pop back later this week to see Susie, a real bride who looks absolutely beautiful wearing the Bette dress...

Love

Helena

Heavenly Vintage Brides

PS If you like this post, please try:

Another darling 1940s dress, here.

Or my guide to 1940s hairstyles, here.

Read more