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1970s American Day Dresses
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Finding the Right day-dresses for You
Luxurious and versatile, designer day dresses are as well suited to tea at an upscale hotel as they are to your next garden or rooftop party.
Today’s featherlight unisex day dresses — as well as the vibrant vintage day dresses of the 1950s and ’60s — look quite different from the heavy, fabric-rich de rigueur garments of the Victorian era. In the late 19th century, a woman of a certain standing might have multiple dresses to wear throughout the day: specifically, one or two for the daytime and one for the evening. For example, a long-sleeve silk dress with a prominently flared back and a round collar of gold beaded lace that hugs the neck would be suitable for stepping out during the day, while a velvet gown trimmed in silk embroidery but overall comparatively informal in appearance would be worn for afternoon tea at home. At night, a silk velvet evening dress could feature natural world motifs such as butterflies (a characteristic of Art Nouveau design) and have short sleeves adorned with lace and ruffles and a scooped neckline — the perfect attire for the theater.
During the 1920s, after all the chores were done, a woman would change from her housework clothing into a more fashionable day dress to run her errands or socialize. Some 1920s day dresses were brightly colored and featured bold patterns — a cotton dress with a dazzling floral print, perhaps, or, in the case of the more venturesome Art Deco apparel sold in high-end couture fashion boutiques of the era, semi-sheer silk garments embellished with three-dimensional beadwork or rich metallic gold lamé.
Today, a closet full of casual vintage day dresses is a must-have. Whether you opt for black, crimson or beige, day dresses bring an element of glamour to your next appointment, and in the summer, who doesn’t love a wonderfully simple, lightweight day dress cut in cotton and linen?
Because different fashion designers of every decade have offered their own take on the widely loved day dress, you’ll be able to find a variety of vintage and designer day dresses on 1stDibs. Search by creator to find enduring designs by the likes of Emilio Pucci, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior, or browse by period to uncover a scintillating collection of cotton and satin patterned dresses of the 1950s and ’60s.
- What do you wear to a 70s party?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021In order to dress for a ‘70s party, it is important to dress in the styles of the day. Namely, opt for bell-bottom jeans, polyester tops, shirts and jackets with wide lapels, peasant tops and halter tops. Additionally, choose bright colors and patterns such as tie-dye.
- What are 70s boots called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022From crinkle boots to platform boots, there were many different styles of boot found in the 1970s. One of the most popular and famous styles from the time was the go-go boot which first rose to prominence in the 60s. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage boots from the 1970s from some of the world’s top boutiques.
- Are platform shoes from the 70s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, platform shoes are not from the ‘70s. Platform shoes have been around for centuries, with origins in Greek theater. Salvatore Ferragamo popularized the footwear again in the 1930s with his rainbow-soled design. Find vintage and contemporary platform shoes from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021The sunglasses that were popular in the 70s were those that were large and often square in shape. A popular 70s style was the aviator style. Many of the 70s style glasses were characterized by colored lenses and funky frames. Shop 1970s sunglasses and other vintage sunglasses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Many kinds of skirts were popular in the 1970s, including denim skirts, A-line skirts, and peasant skirts. Earth tones, pastels, and wildly colorful patterns were common styles of the 70s. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a wide collection of vintage 1970s skirts from some of the world’s top boutiques.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, the maxi dress was very popular in the 1970s. This was a strange transitional era for women’s clothing as they left behind more modest clothing and embraced a risque approach to style. This meant that in the 1970s maxi dresses sat alongside miniskirts in the same closet. Shop a collection of 1970’s-inspired vintage clothing 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.
- Was velvet used in the 1970s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Yes, velvet was used in the 1970s. Fashion designers used the fabric to produce dresses, bell bottoms, flowy kimonos and other pieces. Furniture makers often used it as the upholstery on sofas and armchairs. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of pieces from the 1970s.
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