Got a wedding to go to and want to look vaguely 1930s - can anyone help?

[ElizabethBathory]

I don't even know what a 1930s style dress would be like exactly... It's a smart wedding and I'm a member of the bridal party so want to make a big effort. Any ideas where to start?

It will be summer and I'm 5'5", size 8, small to medium bust (can't do braless unless dress is boned/very structured), broad-ish shoulders and narrow hips so don't look great in jackets or top-heavy styles. Would prefer not to wear very high heels, unless absolutely necessary. Small heels fine flats even better.

Oh yes, Keira's Atonement dress is amazing! And yes the Ghost dress is gorgeous. I'd love something in emerald actually, or jewel red.

Your red silk midi dress outfit sounds stunning, esp with the headdress :)

Thanks for all your help everyone, loads to think about now - it's not for ages so I have plenty of time to try and return lots.

Ghost do some lovely dresses that would fit the bill. And most of them are washable!

Ah - Ghost has already been mentioned !

Where do you live there is a ghost factory shop (things significantly reduced and lots of styles) between turnpike lane and Finsbury park - if London based I suggest a visit.

Just looking on the Ghost site and saw this. Bargain, and I love the front and back - but it's a very boring dark colour :(

Nowhere near London MrsMarigold.

I don't like the colour of This but would it be 30s ish if it had straps?

I think that navy Ghost one is perfectly nice but not a wow dress.

If you wanted full-length, no harm in keeping an eye on J Crew - the Helene dress is in the same kind of style as the last one you linked to, but with straps. J Crew dresses are rather lovely -- haven't yet looked at the Spring/Summer preview of the bridesmaid stuff but might be worth a shot :)

You have loads of time, as you said, but it's fun planning!

Teal would be stunning if it was in your size.
Generally for 30s I imagine embellished satin dresses in champagne or olive green colour. Google Poirot episodes for inspiration, they wore some gorgeous dresses on there.

This

More ideas

Red

Oh I love this J crew Heidi one. Rather expensive and straying into bridesmaid territory though.

Love that teal velvet Celia.

I do like the idea of something very embellished and beaded, like the grey Coast one upthread, but maybe a midi or knee length version.

The reason I linked to the BCBG one, is that it was my wedding dress, except in ivory and the waist ribbon was in the same self-stripe material as the dress rather than shiny (and I wore the ribbon at the back.) The dress came with straps so I was wondering about dyeing my wedding dress and wearing that. No idea how I'd do it though!

If you want more of day dress some of these could work with the right accessories.

Yep the Heidi is great, and I'm loving the look of the Megan too. Lots of colours inc. emerald-y teal and red. They are expensive dresses, but in my limited experience (I wore an Arabelle from the bridesmaid palette as my wedding dress) the quality is really nice.

The Coast one upthread was fantastic too. Keep an eye on Coast as I've heard they've reinvented their look a little bit, and also keep an eye on Jenny Packham for Debenhams. Though I'm not convinced the JP quality looks that great.

Oh, just thought of another label I came across recently: Frock and Frill.

Stunning if you have the figure

This is gorgeous too - they have it in stock in black but the navy is prettier imo. I saw it on ASOS when they had it in stock and it's ankle-length as opposed to floor.

Frock and Frill look amazing claude! I would love this scallop one if they had my size and if it was longer - looks mini length but hard to tell. Love it though.

yes that dress is just perfect, incredible back. Maybe email them to see if they're getting more stock...

Good plan!

Frock and Frill is some find... complete bargain dresses!

I think the J Crew ones are lovely but a bit close on the bridesmaid front too.

Celia I have just called my local JL and set aside the Ariella velvet style teal dress... I will try it on later today! I think it is lovely and wintery and we have a black tie wedding to attend on February 1st . I was going to wear THIS shubette bargain I got in the Christmas sales but you have turned my head!

That's going to be perfect for a winter black tie wedding Icansee :)

Is this coast clutch Art Deco style? I like it and it's in the sale!

The clutch is fab... it would be stunning with the emerald green Ghost dress.

I am off to JL will report back if it fits!

Good luck!

It seems wrong to buy a clutch before I've even got a dress but I have a feeling I'll regret it if I don't - and it will go with lots of other things I have anyway :)

I got it... then I accidentally went into house of fraser and got a pair of bargain carvella shoes and a clutch too! Will send links when back at the computer.

I love it and feel so much nicer in it than the one I had bought! Thanks.

I may need to avoid S&B for a while... I only went to 'look' and came back with the teal dress, bargain shoes and a matching clutch. I thought I was organised for the wedding but this is so much nicer. Thank you.

Great work ISee. Glad my thread was helpful to you too!

Elizabeth that clutch is AMAZING what a good find Even if you don't wear it with your wedding outfit it'll still be great with jeans & blazer/whatever.

ICanSee what a lovely outfit, you'll look gorgeous!

Just logged on to start a similar thread as I have a 20's wedding coming up in the summer - don't think it's the same one though. I do wonder whether your Art Deco location is where I got married a few years ago. If it is, it's fabulous!

Anyway, thanks all for the tips,will monitor Frock and Frill until nearer the time when I will unleash my credit card