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1940s Black Dress with Studded Belt
1940s Black Dress with Studded Belt

1940s Black Dress with Studded Belt

Located in Alford, MA

Black 1940s dress in a slightly sheer fabric, possibly rayon. The bodice, with short sleeves, has a

Category

1940s American Day Dresses

1940’s Black and Floral Peplum Shirt Rayon Tea Dress
1940’s Black and Floral Peplum Shirt Rayon Tea Dress

1940’s Black and Floral Peplum Shirt Rayon Tea Dress

Located in London, GB

This desirable original unlabelled 1940’s day dress in black rayon with a pretty pink and yellow

Category

1940s American Day Dresses

1940s Black Crepe and Cotton Dress
1940s Black Crepe and Cotton Dress

1940s Black Crepe and Cotton Dress

Located in London, GB

A chic dress from the 1940s. The bodice is a cotton net like fabric with hand painted flowers and

Category

1940s Unknown Day Dresses

Vintage 1940's Burgundy Corduroy Dress UK 8 US 4
Vintage 1940's Burgundy Corduroy Dress UK 8 US 4

Vintage 1940's Burgundy Corduroy Dress UK 8 US 4

Located in Nashville, TN

This wonderful 1940's dress rendered in a deep shade of Bordeaux corduroy, is just the piece to

Category

1940s Day Dresses

1940s Black and Cream Floral Rayon Dress
1940s Black and Cream Floral Rayon Dress

1940s Black and Cream Floral Rayon Dress

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Black and cream floral printed rayon dress dating from the 1940s. Tiny feminine V neck with a

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1940s American Casual Dresses

1940s Haute Couture Black Silk Dress
1940s Haute Couture Black Silk Dress

1940s Haute Couture Black Silk Dress

Located in London, GB

Superb French haute couture black silk dress and almost certainly made during or just after WWII

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1940s French Formal Wear

Wilma Exceptional Beaded Black Crepe Wrap Skirt Dress, 1940s
Wilma Exceptional Beaded Black Crepe Wrap Skirt Dress, 1940s

Wilma Exceptional Beaded Black Crepe Wrap Skirt Dress, 1940s

By Wilma

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Flirty 1940's black crepe rlightweight wool crepe cocktail dress by the label Wilma. Intricate

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Mid-20th Century Casual Dresses

Junior Guild Original Dress, Circa 1940s
Junior Guild Original Dress, Circa 1940s

Junior Guild Original Dress, Circa 1940s

Located in Brooklyn, NY

vintage cocoa brown rayon crepe dress. sheath silhouette. bracelet sleeves. fluttering cape style

Category

1940s American Day Dresses

Vintage Blue 1940s Day Dress
Vintage Blue 1940s Day Dress

Vintage Blue 1940s Day Dress

Located in London, GB

A pretty blue crepe dress with embroidery detail on the bust area and waist. The fabric is a pretty

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1940s Unknown Day Dresses

1940s Vintage Heart Print Tea Dress
1940s Vintage Heart Print Tea Dress

1940s Vintage Heart Print Tea Dress

Located in London, GB

A pretty and easy to wear vintage tea dress from the 1940s. The dress has a button front with elbow

Category

1940s Unknown Day Dresses

1940s Silk Dress with Applique Flowers
1940s Silk Dress with Applique Flowers

1940s Silk Dress with Applique Flowers

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous little black silk 1940s dress. It has a V neckline, elbow length sleeves, shoulder pads

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1940s American Day Dresses

1940s Black Crepe Dress with Multi Color Sequin Dress
1940s Black Crepe Dress with Multi Color Sequin Dress

1940s Black Crepe Dress with Multi Color Sequin Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1940s Black Crepe Dress with Green and Yellow Paisley beaded sequins. Dress comes with sash/belt

Category

1940s American Cocktail Dresses

Original Paramount Junior Chicago 1940s Chartreuse & Black Crepe Dress
Original Paramount Junior Chicago 1940s Chartreuse & Black Crepe Dress

Original Paramount Junior Chicago 1940s Chartreuse & Black Crepe Dress

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Original Paramount Junior Chicago 1940s chartreuse & black crepe dress with rhinestone bodice. The

Category

1940s American Cocktail Dresses

1940S Floral Print Black Silk Crepe De Chine Dress
1940S Floral Print Black Silk Crepe De Chine Dress

1940S Floral Print Black Silk Crepe De Chine Dress

Located in New York, NY

This rare 1940s dress is even more special in that it is made of silk and not the customary rayon

Category

1940s Casual Dresses

Blue Rayon Paisley Print Dress, 1940s
Blue Rayon Paisley Print Dress, 1940s

Blue Rayon Paisley Print Dress, 1940s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Sweet and colorful 1940s era dress in royal blue rayon with whimsical oversized paisley print. You

Category

Mid-20th Century Casual Dresses

Vintage 1940s Black & White Stripe Tea Dress
Vintage 1940s Black & White Stripe Tea Dress

Vintage 1940s Black & White Stripe Tea Dress

Located in London, GB

A fun and easy to wear black and white stripe dress from the late 1940s or early 1950s. The dress

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1940s Tea Gowns

1940s Feather Print Rayon Wrap Dress
1940s Feather Print Rayon Wrap Dress

1940s Feather Print Rayon Wrap Dress

Located in London, GB

Original cold rayon novelty feather print wrap dress dating to the 1940s. It is in really vibrant

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1940s American Casual Dresses

Eisenberg Originals Dress with Beaded Lace Panel 1940s
Eisenberg Originals Dress with Beaded Lace Panel 1940s

Eisenberg Originals Dress with Beaded Lace Panel 1940s

By Eisenberg Originals

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful black silk 1940s dress by Eisenberg Originals. It has a crew neckline, long sleeves and

Category

1940s American Day Dresses

1940s Multicolor Floral Print Rayon Dress
1940s Multicolor Floral Print Rayon Dress

1940s Multicolor Floral Print Rayon Dress

$600Sale Price|20% Off

Size: Small/ 4

1940s Multicolor Floral Print Rayon Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1940s Multi color floral print in pink, orange, white and green) silk crepe dress. Perfect summer

Category

1940s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

1940s Black Crepe Sheath Dress with Multi Color Sequins
1940s Black Crepe Sheath Dress with Multi Color Sequins

1940s Black Crepe Sheath Dress with Multi Color Sequins

By Eisenberg

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless and chic 1940s Eisenberg black crepe sheath dress featuring red, green, pink and purple

Category

1940s American Cocktail Dresses

VINTAGE 1940s BIAS-CUT VELVET FUR-TRIMMED DRESS
VINTAGE 1940s BIAS-CUT VELVET FUR-TRIMMED DRESS

VINTAGE 1940s BIAS-CUT VELVET FUR-TRIMMED DRESS

$525

Size: see description for sizing

VINTAGE 1940s BIAS-CUT VELVET FUR-TRIMMED DRESS

Located in New York, NY

This vintage 1940s bias-cut velvet dress is the black velvet dress your wardrobe is missing— it is

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1940s Maxi Dresses

1940s L'Aiglon Heraldic Style Novelty Print Rayon Dress
1940s L'Aiglon Heraldic Style Novelty Print Rayon Dress

1940s L'Aiglon Heraldic Style Novelty Print Rayon Dress

Located in London, GB

This autumnal toned dress was designed in the late 1940s by L’Aignon, an American heritage company

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1940s American Casual Dresses

Vintage 1940s Velvet Two-Piece Dress with Rose Appliqué
Vintage 1940s Velvet Two-Piece Dress with Rose Appliqué

Vintage 1940s Velvet Two-Piece Dress with Rose Appliqué

$668

Size: XS Small Medium, see item detail

Vintage 1940s Velvet Two-Piece Dress with Rose Appliqué

Located in New York, NY

the time, as store-bought dresses at all were not all that readily available. It's made of black

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1940s Aesthetic Day Dresses

1940s Floral Cold Rayon and Navy Crepe Shirt Volup Dress
1940s Floral Cold Rayon and Navy Crepe Shirt Volup Dress

1940s Floral Cold Rayon and Navy Crepe Shirt Volup Dress

Located in London, GB

It is unusual to come across an original vintage rayon and crepe dress from the 1940s in a rare

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1940s American Casual Dresses

1970s Does 1940s Purple & Red Velvet Tie-Dye Boho Dress
1970s Does 1940s Purple & Red Velvet Tie-Dye Boho Dress

1970s Does 1940s Purple & Red Velvet Tie-Dye Boho Dress

Located in London, GB

pattern on the front of the bodice and around the hem. This dress has a very 1940s feel to it with a full

Category

1970s British Cocktail Dresses

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1940's Black Crepe Dress
1940's Black Crepe Dress

1940's Black Crepe Dress

Unavailable

Size: s-m

1940's Black Crepe Dress

Located in New York, NY

Flawless 1940s Crepe Peplum Dress. Has gorgeous floral sequins and gold thread details throughout

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1940s Day Dresses

1940's Black Feather Print Dress
1940's Black Feather Print Dress

1940's Black Feather Print Dress

Located in North Miami Beach, FL

Get an instant vintage update with this 1940's black feather print dress. This feather print dress

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1940s Informal Dresses

1940s Adrian Black Linen Cocktail Party Dress
1940s Adrian Black Linen Cocktail Party Dress

1940s Adrian Black Linen Cocktail Party Dress

By Gilbert Adrian

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1940s gorgeous, lightweight linen party dress from famed American costume designer Adrian features

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1940s American Cocktail Dresses

FINAL SALE Vintage Embroidered Hand-Made 1940's Black Gown with Long Train
FINAL SALE Vintage Embroidered Hand-Made 1940's Black Gown with Long Train

FINAL SALE Vintage Embroidered Hand-Made 1940's Black Gown with Long Train

Located in Amsterdam, NL

This vintage gown is a rare and beautiful piece. It is made from an embroidered fabric with small holes. It does not have any labels but the fabric feels like a kind of rayon. Fits l...

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1940s French Evening Dresses

40s Black Rayon Crepe Cocktail Dress with Rainbow Sequin Sleeves
40s Black Rayon Crepe Cocktail Dress with Rainbow Sequin Sleeves

40s Black Rayon Crepe Cocktail Dress with Rainbow Sequin Sleeves

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vibrant and noir at the same time. A circa 1940s black crepe dress with white cap sleeves and

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1940s American Cocktail Dresses

1940s Black Striped Hostess Dress Coat
1940s Black Striped Hostess Dress Coat

1940s Black Striped Hostess Dress Coat

Located in London, GB

Lovely vintage 1940s black silk taffeta hostess dress coat with woven multi-coloured stripes. This

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1940s Day Dresses

1940’s Navy Dress With Floral Print and Beading
1940’s Navy Dress With Floral Print and Beading

1940’s Navy Dress With Floral Print and Beading

Located in London, GB

Really stylish and fun asymmetrically cut 1940’s day dress. Made in a beautifully soft navy silky

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1940s Day Dresses

1940S Black Rayon Crepe Metal Studded Dress
1940S Black Rayon Crepe Metal Studded Dress

1940S Black Rayon Crepe Metal Studded Dress

Located in New York, NY

Missing a few studs 1940S Black Rayon Crepe Metal Studded Dress Decade: 1940s. Material: Rayon

Category

1940s Casual Dresses

Vintage Brown 1940s Dress
Vintage Brown 1940s Dress

Vintage Brown 1940s Dress

Located in London, GB

A pretty dress from the 1940s. The dress has a shawl collar, side zip opening, gathering at the

Category

1940s Unknown Day Dresses

Black Rayon Crepe Shirt Dress with Soutache Decoration, 1940s
Black Rayon Crepe Shirt Dress with Soutache Decoration, 1940s

Black Rayon Crepe Shirt Dress with Soutache Decoration, 1940s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Classic 1940's soutache little black dress. Sophisticated structured silhouette achieved with the

Category

Mid-20th Century Casual Dresses

Flower Silk Dress, 1940s
Flower Silk Dress, 1940s

Flower Silk Dress, 1940s

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Silk dress printed with flowers, from the 1940s. Missing size and composition labels, it fits a

Category

20th Century Casual Dresses

1940s Black crepe dress with multi color floral sequins
1940s Black crepe dress with multi color floral sequins

1940s Black crepe dress with multi color floral sequins

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Beautiful 1940s crepe with multi color floral sequin ( green, pink, purple, blue, and yellow

Category

1940s American Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent 1940s Inspired Polka Dot Dress
Yves Saint Laurent 1940s Inspired Polka Dot Dress

Yves Saint Laurent 1940s Inspired Polka Dot Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in New York, NY

Yves Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche, navy and pale grey, 1940's inspired , silk polka dot dress, having

Category

1980s French Day Dresses

Unusual 1940s Stencil Printed Mesh Dress
Unusual 1940s Stencil Printed Mesh Dress

Unusual 1940s Stencil Printed Mesh Dress

Located in London, GB

This 1940s dress is quite an unusual piece. The fabric of the dress is a dense very dark navy mesh

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1940s Casual Dresses

A vintage 1940s red and black ribbon work knit dress
A vintage 1940s red and black ribbon work knit dress

A vintage 1940s red and black ribbon work knit dress

Located in London, GB

A vintage 1940s red with black speckle effect ribbon work dress Measurements taken flat in inches

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1940s Unknown Casual Dresses

Vintage 1940's Silk CC41 Hand-Painted Dress UK 8 US 4
Vintage 1940's Silk CC41 Hand-Painted Dress UK 8 US 4

Vintage 1940's Silk CC41 Hand-Painted Dress UK 8 US 4

Located in Nashville, TN

This truly breathtaking 1940's black crepe silk CC41 dress, with a hand painted and printed

Category

1940s Casual Dresses

1940s  Burgundy velvet dress
1940s  Burgundy velvet dress

1940s Burgundy velvet dress

Sold

Size: 6/medium

1940s Burgundy velvet dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Beautiful vintage 1940s Burgundy velvet cocktail dress with creme dots. size: 6 14" - across

Category

1940s American Cocktail Dresses

A vintage 1940s floral printed autumnal day dress small
A vintage 1940s floral printed autumnal day dress small

A vintage 1940s floral printed autumnal day dress small

Located in London, GB

A lovely vintage 1940s printed autumnal dress with a pretty grape and berry print throughout, with

Category

1940s Unknown Casual Dresses

Vintage 1940s Navy Blue Crepe Dress with White Small Polkadots
Vintage 1940s Navy Blue Crepe Dress with White Small Polkadots

Vintage 1940s Navy Blue Crepe Dress with White Small Polkadots

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Chic 1940s blue and white small polkadots crepe dress with amazing sleeve and interesting origami

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1940s American Wedding Dresses

1940s Black Velvet gown with sequins applique
1940s Black Velvet gown with sequins applique

1940s Black Velvet gown with sequins applique

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Hollywood Glam 1940s V neck Sequin floral appliqué with colors of coral, seafoam green, dusty

Category

1940s American Evening Gowns

Yves Saint Laurent Polka Dot Silk Dress
Yves Saint Laurent Polka Dot Silk Dress

Yves Saint Laurent Polka Dot Silk Dress

Located in New Hope, PA

This 1940's inspired black silk dress has a pussy cat bow at the neckline, a fitted waist, stitched

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1980s French Day Dresses

1940s Black Femme Fatale Draped Dress
1940s Black Femme Fatale Draped Dress

1940s Black Femme Fatale Draped Dress

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautifully draped black dress. Deep v surplice neckline. Long sleeves. Long draped fabric at the

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1940s Day Dresses

1940S Black Silk Bias & Net Dress
1940S Black Silk Bias & Net Dress

1940S Black Silk Bias & Net Dress

Located in New York, NY

1940S Black Silk Bias & Net Dress

Category

1940s Casual Dresses

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Hattie Carnegie 1930s Black Velvet and White Fox Fur Vintage 30s Opera Jacket

Hattie Carnegie 1930s Black Velvet and White Fox Fur Vintage 30s Opera Jacket

By Hattie Carnegie

Located in San Diego, CA

Stunning and rare 1930s HATTIE CARNEGIE for I MAGNIN black silk velvet opera coat with dramatic white fox fur oversized collar! Features the softest most luxurious silk velvet and hi...

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1930s French Jackets

1930s Pastel Floral Print Day Dress
1930s Pastel Floral Print Day Dress

1930s Pastel Floral Print Day Dress

$275

Size: approximate 6-8

1930s Pastel Floral Print Day Dress

Located in Alford, MA

Floral voile 1930s day dress in pastel colors. Sleeveless bodice has capelet effect with ruffle border and ties that fit through tab. Paneled skirt flares at sides. Slips over the he...

Category

1930s American Day Dresses

Beautiful 1940s Vintage Royal Blue Silk Velvet Dress w/ Lace & Rhinestones
Beautiful 1940s Vintage Royal Blue Silk Velvet Dress w/ Lace & Rhinestones

Beautiful 1940s Vintage Royal Blue Silk Velvet Dress w/ Lace & Rhinestones

Located in San Diego, CA

A true beauty! This 1940s silk velvet dress features so much detail! Lace covered pocket at waist, encrusted with rhinestones. Shawl-like collar, with a matching adjustable belt. Bea...

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1940s Cocktail Dresses

Silk Guipure Lace Exquisite 1930s Jacket Top
Silk Guipure Lace Exquisite 1930s Jacket Top

Silk Guipure Lace Exquisite 1930s Jacket Top

Located in Water Mill, NY

An intricate, stunning, vintage beige silk lace jacket, bolero, shrug, vest in varying stitches and patterns of flowers and petals- very elaborate. The shoulders are extended forming...

Category

1930s Unknown Jackets

Elaborate Victorian Tortoise shell Comb
Elaborate Victorian Tortoise shell Comb

Elaborate Victorian Tortoise shell Comb

Located in New York, NY

Elaborate Victorian Tortoise shell Comb from the mid 19th Century. Carving is exceptional with motifs undercut from a solid piece of tortoiseshell to create a light, open fretwork ...

Category

1860s French Hats

1954 Christian Dior Haute Couture 'Lily of the Valley' Satin Evening Dress Suit
1954 Christian Dior Haute Couture 'Lily of the Valley' Satin Evening Dress Suit

1954 Christian Dior Haute Couture 'Lily of the Valley' Satin Evening Dress Suit

By Christian Dior

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Two piece suit consisting of a jacket and mid length skirt of butter black satin trimmed with a velvet and jet fringe. The fitted jacket is constructed on princess lines with raglan ...

Category

1950s Dress and Coat Ensembles

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...

Category

1950s Ballerina Day Dresses

1940s Orange Tangerine Lace Cocktail Dress
1940s Orange Tangerine Lace Cocktail Dress

1940s Orange Tangerine Lace Cocktail Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1940s orange tangerine lace V neck flutter sleeves lace dress over tulle fabric. Fitted on the waist . Old Hollywood Glamour. Fit size Medium Dress lined in acetate. Measurement Bus...

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1940s European Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1930s Gold Silk Lamé Strapless Gown & Beadwork Gown UK 10 US 6
Vintage 1930s Gold Silk Lamé Strapless Gown & Beadwork Gown UK 10 US 6

Vintage 1930s Gold Silk Lamé Strapless Gown & Beadwork Gown UK 10 US 6

Located in Nashville, TN

This truly magnificent 1930's gold silk lamé dress, embellished with trailing gunmetal grey and silver beadwork, is a phenomenal piece to add to your evening-wear wardrobe. The stra...

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1930s Evening Gowns

Regency Burgundy Silk Velvet Jeweled Cutout Back Bias Gown with Train – L, 1930s
Regency Burgundy Silk Velvet Jeweled Cutout Back Bias Gown with Train – L, 1930s

Regency Burgundy Silk Velvet Jeweled Cutout Back Bias Gown with Train – L, 1930s

Located in Tucson, AZ

While the rich color, poured-on bias draping and jewel button sleeves will elicit gasps, the real star of this gown is the back: two diamond cutouts linked by pave jeweled hoops make...

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1930s Unknown Evening Gowns

Superb JEANNE LANVIN 1930’s long Purple Tweed Boucle Wool Swing Coat
Superb JEANNE LANVIN 1930’s long Purple Tweed Boucle Wool Swing Coat

Superb JEANNE LANVIN 1930’s long Purple Tweed Boucle Wool Swing Coat

By Jeanne Lanvin

Located in Sheffield, GB

Superb Jeanne Lanvin 1930’s long Purple Tweed Wool Swing Coat MADE IN FRANCE. Remarkable 1930’s Jeanne Lanvin Coat in Purple Tweed, superbly cut along the waistline with asymmetric...

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1930s French Coats and Outerwear

Full beaded see-through flapper dress Circa 1925
Full beaded see-through flapper dress Circa 1925

Full beaded see-through flapper dress Circa 1925

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Full beaded ( beads and sequins) see-through flapper dress. SIZE L

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1920s European Evening Dresses

The NWT Alexander McQueen 2007 Velvet Beaded Flame Gown  Entrance Maker!
The NWT Alexander McQueen 2007 Velvet Beaded Flame Gown  Entrance Maker!

The NWT Alexander McQueen 2007 Velvet Beaded Flame Gown Entrance Maker!

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Highly coveted and now part of permanent museum collections is Alexander McQueen's 2007 sumptuous velvet flame gown. This is the final one in my inventory offered brand new and unwo...

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Early 2000s Evening Gowns

Couture c.1920’s Champagne Silk Floral Glass Beaded Rhinestone Flapper Dress
Couture c.1920’s Champagne Silk Floral Glass Beaded Rhinestone Flapper Dress

Couture c.1920’s Champagne Silk Floral Glass Beaded Rhinestone Flapper Dress

Located in Thiensville, WI

COUTURE c.1920’s One-of-a-kind Champagne Silk Floral Glass Beaded Rhinestone Flapper Dress Circa: 1920’s Style: Flapper Dress Color(s): Champagne Lined: No Unmarked Fabric Conten...

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1920s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Beautiful Rare Thierry Mugler Devoré Silk Velvet Dress Black
Beautiful Rare Thierry Mugler Devoré Silk Velvet Dress Black

Beautiful Rare Thierry Mugler Devoré Silk Velvet Dress Black

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Berlin, BE

Manfred Thierry Mugler distilled the drama of midnight velvet and the intrigue of bare skin into this impossibly rare devoré cocktail dress: a piece that feels less like clothing and...

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1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

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1940s Black Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of 1940s black dresses for sale on 1stDibs. Many people prefer Black 1940s black dresses, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Brown, Gray and more options on these pages. Making the right choice when shopping for these accessories may mean looking at versions that date from different eras — you can find early iterations from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, all of which have proven very popular over the years. There have been many classic iterations of 1940s black dresses over the years, but those made by Claire McCardell, Adrian and Irene Lentz are often thought to be among the most stylish. When shopping for these accessories, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men or unisex today than there are for women.

How Much are 1940s Black Dresses?

Prices for 1940s black dresses can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $188 and can go as high as $20,000, while these items, on average, fetch $588.

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.

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