A vintage prom dress is one that is a dress from the 1940, 1950 or 1960. The styles from these decades are very popular in formal gowns and help you create a really unique look for your prom night. There are some locations in the larger cities where you will be able to find such a gown, such as at thrift stores and stores that sell second-hand clothing. If the term second-hand clothing turns you off, then you want to buy a new prom dress, not a vintage one. Because the vintage dresses are from an earlier time, the only way you can buy one is by buying one that has been previously used. However there are many locations that have new dresses in the same designs.

Look through old pictures to find out what styles are available in this type of prom dress. You will find many different vintage styles to choose from when you shop online. There is one thing that you must keep in mind and that is the difference in sizing. The sizes of today are not the same as they were 50 years ago. A size 12 dress from back in the 1960 is probably a size 6 or 8 in today sizes. This is why you cannot look at the sizing tags to help you find the right vintage dress. Back in those days many women wore corsets to flatten their tummies so that they could fit into the dress and crinolines were very popular with some styles. These are other factors that you have to take into consideration when you are buying.

To start shopping for the perfect vintage dress, you have to take your body measurements. When you go to the store selling such dresses, bring the tape with you and measure the waist line of the dress.  Once you find one that does fit your measurements, you still have to try it on to make sure it does fit. You still may need to have alterations done to the dress to get a proper fit for you.

If you are looking for something more natural, try going back farther in time for dress styles. In the 1920 corsets and girdles were not in fashion so these dresses may fit you better. You will have to start your search early though because these dresses are hard to find. The dresses from the 1940 and 1950 were fitted in the bodice and waist line areas of the dress. The skirts were usually full so that if you have full hips, this would be the style that would suit your figure. Since bullet bras were in style during these decades, you may find that the bust of the dress is way too big for you even if the waist line is the right size. A good seamstress can easily make changes to this so that it fits you just right.

The length of the dress is also important. During the 1960 shorter dresses were the style, but there are some floor length ball gowns from that era that was made with stretchy fabric that will enhance your perfect figure. If you are looking for something a little later, such as in the 1970 and 1980, these are easier to find. You may even find something in your mother or grandmother closet that will look perfect on you and save you money in the process.