Cocktail Dress 50s
1950s Cocktail Dresses
1950s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
1950s Cocktail Dresses
1950s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
1950s Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
1960s Cocktail Dresses
1950s Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s French Cocktail Dresses
1950s Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1950s Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s French Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1950s Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s French Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s Cocktail Dresses
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s Cocktail Dresses
1950s Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Dresses
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Cocktail Dress 50s For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Cocktail Dress 50s?
Finding the Right evening-dresses for You
With entire museum exhibitions dedicated to examining fashion designers and their creations, we’re finally recognizing that costuming is art. Evening dresses over time have conveyed specific statements about social class, position and beliefs. Fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, and sophisticated vintage evening dresses and gowns by our favorite couturier play no small role in making us feel wonderful but, perhaps more importantly, making us feel like ourselves.
In the 16th century, dresses and gowns were so important that England's Queen Elizabeth I defined rules about what dresses women could wear — guidance included long skirts and fitted bodices. Forward-thinking designers have responded to this history.
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel reimagined traditionally masculine garments for feminine shapes, and her elegant evening dresses and gowns promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by layers of fabric. Christian Dior's gowns celebrated luxury and femininity in the late 1940s — and gave to women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of the war. French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced innovative and highly coveted dress designs in the 1960s while at the same time challenging sexist stereotypes about which members of society could wear tuxedos.
Works by unconventional British designer John Galliano — featured in houses like Givenchy and Dior — redefined limits that dressmakers faced in terms of material, construction and vision during the late 20th century. From his embroidered absinthe-green Oscars gown for actress Nicole Kidman to the iconic sleeveless Dior newspaper dress that Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made famous, Galliano’s intricate and multifaceted work is reliably collectible and newsworthy
Today’s designers target an increasingly broad audience with their boundary-crossing work, and their tendency to play off of each other’s ideas means that every walk down the runway is also a walk through an entire history of fashion design and dress craftsmanship.
Whether you gravitate toward backless maxi dresses or silk charmeuse gowns by Alexander McQueen or embellished, ruffled floral-print designs by Chloe or Versace, there is an extraordinary collection of vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns waiting for you on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The difference between a dress and a cocktail dress is mainly the specificity of the term. A dress is any garment that has a bodice attached to a skirt. The term cocktail dress refers to a dress designed for events in the late afternoon and early evening. Many feature hemlines that fall between the knee and calf. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of cocktail dresses from some of the world's top boutiques.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 20211950s-style dresses are often called poodle skirt dresses. The dress is generally a fit-and-flare shape with a wide swing skirt. Another popular type of dress is the form-fitting sheath, also known as a pencil dress.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A classic cocktail dress is a garment worn for special occasions that usually take place in the evening. Although its name comes from "cocktail party," the dresses are suitable for other types of gatherings. Designs vary greatly, but most cocktail dresses feature a hemline that falls close to the knee. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of vintage cocktail dresses.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Cocktail dresses usually finish above or at the knees and are paired with high heels. This dress should be party-ready such as dressy separates or a little black dress.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Cocktail dresses first rose to prominence in the 1920s and onward, with each era making its own mark on the practical and fashionable garment. You’ll find a collection of vintage and contemporary cocktail dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023How much Chanel bags were in the 1950s varied based on style. When introduced in 1955, the now iconic Chanel 2.55 sold for $220. Chanel has raised the price of popular accessories over the years. Shop a large collection of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024There are a few options for how you should dress for a ’70s party. You can go for the hippie look with dramatic bell-bottoms, fringed jackets and vests and embroidered blouses, or try a sporty look by pairing a vintage tee with high-waisted, button-fly flared jeans and clogs or platform shoes. For a straight-from-the-disco aesthetic, look for surplice and halter dresses decked out in sequins. Men can make a 1970s-inspired statement with a leisure suit or bell-bottoms matched with a turtleneck. Aviator sunglasses are great accessories for both men and women. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of 1970s apparel and accessories.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023One of the most popular types of dresses during the 1980s was a tight-fitting sheath with oversized shoulder pads. Peplum accents were also common as were large puffy sleeves. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 1980s vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024The dresses they wore in the 1960s varied depending on the time of day and the occasion. For everyday wear, many women opted for simply tailored frocks called shift dresses. They often featured bold geometric prints in eye-catching colors. In the evening, women tended to opt for gowns with plunging necklines, fitted waists and flowing full skirts. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage dresses from the 1960s.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023In the 1900s, wedding dresses typically looked like full, floor-length garments. Brides wore S-shaped corsets below the usually ruffled bodices, and most designs included large puff sleeves. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage wedding dresses from some of the world's top boutiques.
Read More
Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress
Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.
A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet
From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.
Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer
Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)
A Short History of Capri Pants, on the 100th Birthday of Their Inventor
Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.
How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear
The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.
A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story
Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.
You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About
This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.
The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior
Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.