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1940s Sheer Dress

1990S Black Semi-Sheer Silk Chiffon & Satin 1940S Style Gown
1990S Black Semi-Sheer Silk Chiffon & Satin 1940S Style Gown

1990S Black Semi-Sheer Silk Chiffon & Satin 1940S Style Gown

Located in New York, NY

This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom made quality, fully lined in silk. 1990S Black Semi-Sheer Silk Chiffon & Satin 1940...

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1990s Formal Gowns

1940S Black, White & Red Silk Organza Sheer Buffalo Check Gown Couture From Par
1940S Black, White & Red Silk Organza Sheer Buffalo Check Gown Couture From Par

1940S Black, White & Red Silk Organza Sheer Buffalo Check Gown Couture From Par

Located in New York, NY

Haute Couture Quality from Paris no label, many holes & tears but NOT dry rot. Sold as is 1940S Black, White & Red Silk Organza Sheer Buffalo Check Gown Couture From Paris

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1940s Formal Gowns

Recent Sales

1940s White Smocked Sheer Maxi Dress
1940s White Smocked Sheer Maxi Dress

1940s White Smocked Sheer Maxi Dress

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Step into Timeless Elegance with the 1940s White Smocked Sheer Maxi Dress! Introducing a truly exceptional piece from the 1940s, the White Smocked Sheer Maxi Dress.

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1940s Day Dresses

1940's Lemon Yellow Sheer Net Gown
1940's Lemon Yellow Sheer Net Gown

1940's Lemon Yellow Sheer Net Gown

Located in New York, NY

1940's Lemon Yellow Sheer Net Gown

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1940s Casual Dresses

1940s Black Sheer Rayon Chiffon pleated Dress
1940s Black Sheer Rayon Chiffon pleated Dress

1940s Black Sheer Rayon Chiffon pleated Dress

Located in New York, NY

1940s Rayon chiffon dress with silk braids and pleats. Waist : 32 Bust : 37 Hip : 42 Length : 45

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1940s Day Dresses

Vintage 1940's Cerulean Blue lace Dress 1940's tea dress day dress UK 10 US 6
Vintage 1940's Cerulean Blue lace Dress 1940's tea dress day dress UK 10 US 6

Vintage 1940's Cerulean Blue lace Dress 1940's tea dress day dress UK 10 US 6

Located in Nashville, TN

The back of the bodice features gathered pleats along the centre waist seam, which radiate upwards, completing this dress in an iconic and timeless 1940's silhouette.

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1940s Tea Gowns

A vintage 1930s -1940s navy blue floral sheer lace / mesh day dress.
A vintage 1930s -1940s navy blue floral sheer lace / mesh day dress.

A vintage 1930s -1940s navy blue floral sheer lace / mesh day dress.

Located in London, GB

A vintage 1930s -1940s navy floral sheer lace day dress. unlined but goes easily over a slip measured in inches taken flat bust - 17 waist - 15 length - 46

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1940s British Informal Dresses

1940s Floral Motif Beaded Sheer Gown
1940s Floral Motif Beaded Sheer Gown

1940s Floral Motif Beaded Sheer Gown

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

The 1940s Floral Motif Beaded Sheer Gown is more than just a dress; it's a piece of history that encapsulates the timeless elegance and allure of a bygone era.

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1940s Evening Dresses and Gowns

1940s Sheer Chiffon Negligee with Couture Detailing
1940s Sheer Chiffon Negligee with Couture Detailing

1940s Sheer Chiffon Negligee with Couture Detailing

Located in New York, NY

1940s Sheer Chiffon Negligee with Couture Detailing

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Mid-20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1940s Franklin Fashion Designer Sheer Back Dress
1940s Franklin Fashion Designer Sheer Back Dress

1940s Franklin Fashion Designer Sheer Back Dress

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous black 1940s dress from notable fashion shop of it's time Franklin's with a black sheer covered cutout back surrounded by scrolls.

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1940s American Day Dresses

Vintage 1940s Sheer Red Stripe Dress + Wrap
Vintage 1940s Sheer Red Stripe Dress + Wrap

Vintage 1940s Sheer Red Stripe Dress + Wrap

Located in Sparks, NV

Phenomenal two-piece set from the 1940s featuring a wrap/ stole and a strapless dress with knife pleats.

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1940s American Evening Dresses

1940's Sheer Mesh & Silk Satin Gown
1940's Sheer Mesh & Silk Satin Gown

1940's Sheer Mesh & Silk Satin Gown

Located in Geneva, CH

A stunning option for an evening event, this 40's gown is constructed in black sheer mesh and satin silk. The silk satin looks like growing foliage on the sheer mesh at the top part ...

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1940s Unknown Evening Gowns

1990's Gianfranco Ferre Sheer Black Silk Beaded 1940's Style Gown Dress
1990's Gianfranco Ferre Sheer Black Silk Beaded 1940's Style Gown Dress

1990's Gianfranco Ferre Sheer Black Silk Beaded 1940's Style Gown Dress

By Gianfranco Ferré

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: 1990's Gianfranco Ferre Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good- minor tiny line of missing beads on one strap- will not be noticed! Please see...

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1990s Italian Maxi Dress

1998 John Galliano Semi-Sheer 1940's Pin-Up Style Wiggle Mermaid Dress
1998 John Galliano Semi-Sheer 1940's Pin-Up Style Wiggle Mermaid Dress

1998 John Galliano Semi-Sheer 1940's Pin-Up Style Wiggle Mermaid Dress

By John Galliano

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: 1998 John Galliano Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Excellent FABRIC: Wool & Viscose COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: M MEASUREMENTS; provided a...

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1990s French Cocktail Dresses

2000's Versace Sheer Ivory Silk Lace Old Hollywood 1940s Style Pin-Up Gown Dress
2000's Versace Sheer Ivory Silk Lace Old Hollywood 1940s Style Pin-Up Gown Dress

2000's Versace Sheer Ivory Silk Lace Old Hollywood 1940s Style Pin-Up Gown Dress

By Donatella Versace, Versace

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: 2000's Versace Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good- faint minor marks, please see last photos FABRIC: Silk/Nylon/Cotton/Spandex COUNTRY M...

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Early 2000s Italian Maxi Dress

F/W 1995 Dolce & Gabbana Sheer Black Ruched Wiggle 1940's Style Pin-Up Dress 44
F/W 1995 Dolce & Gabbana Sheer Black Ruched Wiggle 1940's Style Pin-Up Dress 44

F/W 1995 Dolce & Gabbana Sheer Black Ruched Wiggle 1940's Style Pin-Up Dress 44

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: F/W 1995 Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good- no flaws! FABRIC: Acetate- Nylon- Spandex COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: 44- ru...

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1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1940's Don Loper Beaded Sheer Lace-Illusion Hourglass Trained Evening Gown
1940's Don Loper Beaded Sheer Lace-Illusion Hourglass Trained Evening Gown

1940's Don Loper Beaded Sheer Lace-Illusion Hourglass Trained Evening Gown

By Don Loper

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Don Loper, famously based in Hollywood, created gorgeous clothing from the 1930's into the 1960's. He designed the costumes for several films such as "The Big Combo" and "Looking for...

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1940s American Evening Gowns

2000s Versace Sheer Ivory Silk Lace 1940s Old Hollywood Pin-Up Gown Dress S/M
2000s Versace Sheer Ivory Silk Lace 1940s Old Hollywood Pin-Up Gown Dress S/M

2000s Versace Sheer Ivory Silk Lace 1940s Old Hollywood Pin-Up Gown Dress S/M

By Donatella Versace, Versace

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: 2000's Versace CONDITION: Good- It is actually unworn but has a faint imperfection due to handling. Please see last photo. FABRIC: Silk COUNTRY: Italy SIZE: 46- runs...

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Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses

1940's Chantilly-Lace & Silk Sheer-Illusion Peplum Hourglass Cocktail Dress
1940's Chantilly-Lace & Silk Sheer-Illusion Peplum Hourglass Cocktail Dress

1940's Chantilly-Lace & Silk Sheer-Illusion Peplum Hourglass Cocktail Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

An amazing and highly stylized 1940's cocktail dress! The silhouette is classic pin-up "femme fatale"; the skirt is deliciously lean but has an avant-garde draped side-peplum which m...

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1940s Evening Dresses

1940s Hand Smocked Sheer Rayon Slip Dress
1940s Hand Smocked Sheer Rayon Slip Dress

1940s Hand Smocked Sheer Rayon Slip Dress

Located in Chicago, IL

Rare and unusual lingerie dress that dates to the late 1930s or early 1940s Semi sheer rayon silk chiffon Hand smocked at waist and shoulders No closures

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1940s Unknown Loungewear

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This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom made quality, fully lined in silk. 1990S Pearl White Beaded Silk & Lace Titanic Ins...

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By Romeo Gigli

Located in New Hope, PA

Romeo Gigli has designed a very clever strapless silk blend dress that can be worn in so many different ways. It can be worn as a strapless evening dress with a folded panel over the...

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Located in Nashville, TN

An iconic silhouette to behold, this original early 1950's Suzy Perette navvy blue silk faille dress, is just the piece to welcome to your vintage collection. The elegant shawl cut...

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Located in New York, NY

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By Ferdinando Sarmi

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Vintage Sarmi Black Lace Cocktail Dress - Size 6 Circa 50's This dress is in excellent vintage condition. Additional Measurements: Shoulder to Shoulder : 18" Bust: 36” Waist: 30” Hi...

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1940s Sheer Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary 1940s sheer dress you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. If you’re looking for an option in black and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in brown, red and more. You’re likely to find the perfect 1940s sheer dress among the distinctive accessories we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of this accessory over the years, but those made by J DAUPHIN, Bob Mackie and Christian Dior are often thought to be among the most stylish. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a 1940s Sheer Dress?

On average, a 1940s sheer dress on 1stDibs sells for $895, while they’re typically $275 on the low end and $16,122 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Finding the Right Clothing for You

Start building your collection of covetable and iconic vintage clothing today — no matter where you roam, there is a curated selection of designer dresses and gowns, sweaters, shirts, dazzling shoes and more on 1stDibs that will keep you covered in the hottest styles from head to toe.

From elegant museum-worthy vintage Chanel dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing for sale on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement. 

For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think John Galliano and Roberto Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures. 

Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino, Ralph Lauren and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Balmain endure for haute couture advocates and beyond. 

And vintage is the name of the game on today’s red carpets, too. Celebrity stylists are turning to archival pieces created by the likes of Bob Mackie, Thierry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier as alternatives to new gowns plucked straight off the runway. Wearing such sought-after items gives celebrities instant allure and suggests a personal style that’s not only achingly glamorous but intellectually informed and influenced by a love of craftsmanship. 

Those seeking contemporary luxury looks and in-demand street-style fits can indulge in designs by Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Loro Piana, while pieces from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace endure as examples of fashion’s most covetable goods. 

The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. Find vintage clothing and accessories for sale on 1stDibs, including designs by Balenciaga, Valentino, Celine, Loewe and more.

Questions About 1940s Sheer Dress

  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

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