Romance of the Dresses

In honor of Valentine's Day, I thought it might be fun to post some photos of lovely, romantic dresses. In my mind, a romantic dress is usually flowey, lacy, pastel or other soft colors. They tend to evoke a certain dreamlike, princess quality. 

Early 1900's through the 1920's

My favorite style of dress from the 1920's. Sooooo romantic!

The 1930's

I am in love with this giant ruff! I couldn't choose between these two wonderfully romantic gowns on Carole Lombard, so I used both.

You don't get much more romantic than Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Here is her iconic feather dress she wore when dancing to "Heaven."

For some reason I have a vivid idea in my head of what makes a dress seem and feel romantic. I believe a truly romantic dress instills confidence in the wearer. It can be sexy, but not too much so. Some eras catered to this better than others. The 50's, for instance, had more structured, designed looks which tended to be either cute (in a girly sort of way) or dramatic (in a femme fatale sort of way). I found it hard to find a dress from the 50's that fit my idea of "romantic." The 30's, on the other had, had countless examples at my fingertips.

The 1950's and 1960's

Unfortunately, this is the best picture I could find of this dress. It is one of my favorites of this whole group.

1970 - 1980

Say what you will, I think the Gunny Sack dresses are timeless.

This is the best example I could find from the 80's. I actually  kind of like it.

Anyway, I hope you agree with my assessment of what a "romantic" dress is, and I hope you enjoy my pictorial presentation. Happy Valentine's Day!

This dreamy dress is one of my favorites by Alexander McQueen. If it looks familiar it's because Fleur wore the same gown in Harry Potter.

Elle Fanning often wears more flowy, romantic dresses. She is perfect.

In Valentino (see below).

This is one of the dreamiest gowns to ever grace the Oscars Red Carpet. Lupin Nyongo.

Emily Blunt is also perfect.

I think Valentino is the most romantic designer out there. Here are a few of recent favorites:

Have you ever seen a dreamier dress?