The best of bridal from fashion’s favourite eras

We’ve all fallen for the beauty of vintage, whether it’s the pearls, the dramatic eyeliner, or silhouettes that told a story. Fashion, after all, is cyclical—trends may come and go, but certain details stay timeless. Wearing them well is the best kind of tribute to the icons who made them unforgettable. So it’s only fitting that we pick and choose the pieces we love and style them to wedding season perfection.

Flapper it-girl

Forget everything you’ve seen on Pinterest for this one. The real 1920s magic happened when rebellious flapper energy collided with Indian royal sophistication. While Western flappers shocked with shorter hemlines, our desi style icons were playing an equally intriguing game. They kept the length but added scandalous sheer tulles and "nude" fabrics that weren't really nude at all.

The modern bride's cheat sheet? A fringed sari that only shows when you move, blouses with intricate beadwork, or a feather gown made for dancing the night away. Trust us when we say this era was made for the Indian wedding cocktail. Style it with sharp finger waves paired with a tiny velvet bindi and pearls, of course.

Retro royal

If there’s an era that made a statement it was definitely the Swinging Sixties. Mini skirts and mod girls were having their moment in the West. Closer home, we had the first flush of Bollywood style influencers. From the ‘Sadhana cut’ to Sharmila Tagore’s beehive and of course Mumtaz’s now iconic orange sari moment (reimagined to perfection by Manish Malhotra). Bold prints, bolder accents, and winged liner (that’s still going strong today).

Go for bright colours, polka dots, and don’t forget those vintage sunnies. Don’t be scared of big loud prints, be scared of the same old beige sari blending into the background. And feel free to mix it up: throw on a strappy fluorescent blouse or a soft pastel one, whatever floats your retro-glam boat.

Boho vibes

If you’re craving a break from those lovely—but slightly suffocating—corsets and lehengas that weigh almost as much as you do, the 70s might just be your era. It was all about flowy fits and a little bit of fashion rebellion. Think XXL sleeves (but make it chic, not like you borrowed your dad’s shirt), belted layers, striped blazers, and jamawar-inspired saris. Or go rogue with a structured bustier and cowl trousers for that modern Banjara energy. Stack up the jewellery like you’re heading to a desert rave, let the hair flow free, and cue your inner Zeenat Aman.

Big Bebo energy

Anytime you can’t decide on a sangeet outfit, think to yourself—what would Bebo wear? The 2000s gave us so many style icons and 'it's backless' moments, we somehow still can’t get over. There were outfits and icons we looked at as kids and thought to ourselves, that’s exactly how I want to look when I grow up. So now’s the time.

Bebo gave us the Poo wardrobe inspo and PC gave us the ‘Desi Girl’ metallic sari look with a skimpy blouse. Something about the barely-there dupattas, the fitted cuts of shararas, and the strappy sleeves, it was playful and unapologetic, and that’s something we all loved to see. If you grew up in the era of flip phones, and music albums that still dominate sangeets to this day, it’s only fair that your wedding wardrobe has a little Y2K sparkle. Your younger self would be very impressed.