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1940s Sheer Dress

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

Category

1940s Day Dresses

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

Category

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

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

Category

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...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Maxi Dress

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

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

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

Category

1940s Unknown Loungewear

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Jane Andre 1950s Full Skirt Dress
Jane Andre 1950s Full Skirt Dress

Jane Andre 1950s Full Skirt Dress

Located in Water Mill, NY

A great black dress by Jane Andre in a cotton linen blend. It has cap sleeves, a drop waist and full skirt. There is fine band around the crew neckline and the drop waistline ending ...

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1950s American Day Dresses

1960s Jack Bryan Yellow Silk Rhinestone Beaded 60s A-Line Dress + Jacket Suit
1960s Jack Bryan Yellow Silk Rhinestone Beaded 60s A-Line Dress + Jacket Suit

1960s Jack Bryan Yellow Silk Rhinestone Beaded 60s A-Line Dress + Jacket Suit

By Jack Bryan, Jack Bryan by Dupuis

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic vintage 1960s JACK BRYAN yellow silk shantung A-Line dress and jacket ensemble! Dress features a tailored bodice with a forgiving A-Line shape skirt. Full metal zipper up the ba...

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1960s American Dress and Coat Ensembles

Art Deco Hand Embroidered Silk Chiffon and Crepe Slip Dress
Art Deco Hand Embroidered Silk Chiffon and Crepe Slip Dress

Art Deco Hand Embroidered Silk Chiffon and Crepe Slip Dress

Located in New York, NY

Lovely Art Deco Hand Embroidered Silk Chiffon and Crepe Slip Dress from the 1930's. Sheer chiffon bodice with double ruffle collar and wonderful hand embroidered florals throughout. ...

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1930s French Day Dresses

Chanel Silk Chiffon Tiered Cocktail Dress by Lagerfeld
Chanel Silk Chiffon Tiered Cocktail Dress by Lagerfeld

Chanel Silk Chiffon Tiered Cocktail Dress by Lagerfeld

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in Sharon, CT

Based on the classic Coco Chanel Tiered Cocktail Dress, Karl Lagerfeld's homage is printed with a transparent black repeated floral and CC logo pattern. EU appx size 36-38.

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Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

1940s Vintage B. Altman & Co. Denim Chambray Dress w/ Horse Buttons
1940s Vintage B. Altman & Co. Denim Chambray Dress w/ Horse Buttons

1940s Vintage B. Altman & Co. Denim Chambray Dress w/ Horse Buttons

By B. Altman & Co.

Located in San Diego, CA

Incredible 1940s B. Altman & Co. Cotton Denim/Chambray dress, with horse buttons up bodice, and at sleeve cuffs! Beautiful lightweight fabric, with a flattering neckline, and full sk...

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1940s Cocktail Dresses

1930s Grey and Gold Lame Dress with Sequin Appliques
1930s Grey and Gold Lame Dress with Sequin Appliques

1930s Grey and Gold Lame Dress with Sequin Appliques

Located in London, GB

This 1930s eye-catching gown is crafted from lamé in a slate grey blue with the glittering silver and gold metallic weave revealing a scrolling, botanical and floral theme. The ankle...

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1930s British Evening Dresses

Chiffon Art Deco Celadon and Fuschia Gown
Chiffon Art Deco Celadon and Fuschia Gown

Chiffon Art Deco Celadon and Fuschia Gown

Located in New York, NY

Lovely 1930's Chiffon Art Deco Bias Celadon Gown with 2 toned self flowers and self sashes. Sheer silk chiffon gown slips over head like a bias slip, then sashes tie in back. Matchin...

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1930s American Evening Gowns

1950s Amazing Vintage Silk Chiffon Full Circle Cocktail Dress
1950s Amazing Vintage Silk Chiffon Full Circle Cocktail Dress

1950s Amazing Vintage Silk Chiffon Full Circle Cocktail Dress

Located in Sparks, NV

Stunning vintage cocktail dress with a full swinging delicate silk chiffon skirt and draped bustline. Gorgeous quality and construction with what seems like miles of silk fabric. ...

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1950s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Bill Blass Pink White Polka Dot Hand Painted Fit and Flare Vintage Dress, 1990
Bill Blass Pink White Polka Dot Hand Painted Fit and Flare Vintage Dress, 1990

Bill Blass Pink White Polka Dot Hand Painted Fit and Flare Vintage Dress, 1990

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 90s BILL BLASS pale pink and white hand painted polka dot fit n' flare cocktail silk taffeta dress! Features large handpainted polka dots throughout. Attached white lace underla...

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1990s American Cocktail Dresses

NARCISO RODRIGUEZ 2018 Silk Soft Pink/Peach Gown Maxi Dress
NARCISO RODRIGUEZ 2018 Silk Soft Pink/Peach Gown Maxi Dress

NARCISO RODRIGUEZ 2018 Silk Soft Pink/Peach Gown Maxi Dress

By Narciso Rodriguez

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Narciso Rodriguez 2018 Original Price $2,995 Special Capsule Collection for Barneys NY The most adorable softest baby pink color bordering on peach Pullover Lined 100% silk IT40 fits...

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2010s Evening Gowns

1970s Pale Light Yellow Cotton Voile + Lace Vintage Boho 70s Maxi Dress
1970s Pale Light Yellow Cotton Voile + Lace Vintage Boho 70s Maxi Dress

1970s Pale Light Yellow Cotton Voile + Lace Vintage Boho 70s Maxi Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing 1970s pale yellow and white cotton voile and lace boho empire maxi dress! Features white lace around the bodice and at the ruffle hem. Can be worn on or off the shoulders. Fl...

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1970s American Evening Gowns

Dior 30 Montaigne Bar Jacket Off-White Ecru Plumetis Tulle Skirt Set FR38
Dior 30 Montaigne Bar Jacket Off-White Ecru Plumetis Tulle Skirt Set FR38

Dior 30 Montaigne Bar Jacket Off-White Ecru Plumetis Tulle Skirt Set FR38

By Christian Dior

Located in Jersey City, NJ

The 30 Montaigne Bar jacket and plumetis tulle skirt represent the most iconic ensemble in the history of Dior - a timeless symbol of femininity, structure, and grace. First introduc...

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2010s French Skirt Suits

Vintage 1950's Pink Satin Embroidered Scalloped Tiered Tulle Dress UK 6-8 US 2-4
Vintage 1950's Pink Satin Embroidered Scalloped Tiered Tulle Dress UK 6-8 US 2-4

Vintage 1950's Pink Satin Embroidered Scalloped Tiered Tulle Dress UK 6-8 US 2-4

Located in Nashville, TN

This truly spectacular 1950's dress, rendered in a blush pink satin which is embroidered with pink lurex and cream threads in a swirling floral design, set against layers of matching...

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1950s Ballerina Day Dresses

1950s Black Jersey & Taffeta Dress w Fringed Dropped-Waist Bodice & Circle Skirt
1950s Black Jersey & Taffeta Dress w Fringed Dropped-Waist Bodice & Circle Skirt

1950s Black Jersey & Taffeta Dress w Fringed Dropped-Waist Bodice & Circle Skirt

Located in Gresham, OR

1950s Black Silk Jersey & Silk Taffeta Dress w Dropped-Waist Bodice & Circle Skirt: A lovely silhouette-a body-skimming silk jersey bodice with a fringed peplum that ties at hip. Lu...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1970s Lilli Diamond Taupe + Mint Green Marabou Feather 70s Maxi Dress + Jacket
1970s Lilli Diamond Taupe + Mint Green Marabou Feather 70s Maxi Dress + Jacket

1970s Lilli Diamond Taupe + Mint Green Marabou Feather 70s Maxi Dress + Jacket

By Lilli Diamond

Located in San Diego, CA

Fantastic vintage LILLI DIAMOND taupe and mint green jersey maxi dress and matching cardigan / jacket ! Features a soft jersey fabric that offers plenty of stretch. Sleeveless maxi d...

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1970s American Dress and Coat Ensembles

Elegant French Art Deco Sequin Gown
Elegant French Art Deco Sequin Gown

Elegant French Art Deco Sequin Gown

Located in New York, NY

Elegant and timeless French Sequin Art Deco Gown sewn on cotton tulle. Nude iridescent gelatin sequins cover the entire gown completely. There are sequined Art Deco diamond motifs ab...

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1930s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

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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 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.
  • 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.

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