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1940'S Black Silk Charmeuse Button Front Couture Detailed Dress From Paris
Located in New York, NY
1940'S Black Silk Charmeuse Button Front Couture Detailed Dress From Paris
Category

1940s Casual Dresses

1940's HOUSE OF WORTH black wool haute couture dress
By House of Worth
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet-black wool, haute couture dress with pleated bodice, embellished shoulder detail and peplum
Category

1940s French Cocktail Dresses

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

1940s Haute Couture Purple Satin Chiffon Dress
Located in London, GB
beautiful unlabelled haute couture dress is of superb quality and construction and is in absolutely
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1940s French Evening Dresses

COUTURE c.1940's Purple Gold Belted Sequin Embellished Evening Dress Gown
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage Couture c.1940's purple button front floor length evening gown. Extended shoulders. High v
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1940s Evening Dresses

COUTURE c.1940's Gray Floral Print Silk Belted Front Bustle Draped Day Dress
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage Couture c.1940's gray floral print silk day dress. Gray, light blue, pink, white, and green
Category

1940s Casual Dresses

Elizabeth Mason Couture Strapless Dress w/ Bolero Jacket
By Elizabeth Mason Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. This dress is custom made from a 1940's dress kit/pattern, using a heavier weight tapestry fabric
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1940s American Cocktail Dresses

1940's Manguin Cream Dress with Pleated Skirt and Bow Detail
By Lucile Manguin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1940's Lucile Manguin Haute Couture silk crepe dress. Domed shoulders, fitted waist, micro pleated
Category

1940s French Day Dresses

1940's Irene Lentz Haute Couture Strapless High-Low Cream Silk Gown
By Irene Lentz
Located in North Hollywood, CA
1940's Irene Lentz Haute Couture strapless high-low silk gown. Sculptural style cream silk gown
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1940s Evening Dresses and Gowns

MORPHEW COLLECTION Rayon & Silk Bias Cut Scarf Kaftan Dress With 1940'S 1970'S
By Morphew
Located in New York, NY
Cut Scarf Kaftan Dress With 1940'S 1970'S Chinese Prints MORPHEW COLLECTION is made entirely by hand
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21st Century and Contemporary Kaftans

1940s Demi Couture Navy Blue + Pale Pink Short Sleeve 40s Vintage Gown / Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage 1940s demi couture navy blue and light pink short sleeve crepe gown! Features a
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1940s Evening Gowns

1940s Demi Couture Black Silk Moire Short Sleeve Vintage 40s Evening Gown Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous 1940s black silk moire Avant Garde evening gown! Features a luxurious silk moire that
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1940s Evening Gowns

Vintage 1940's French Couture Iridescent Ivory Gold Sequin Silk Draped Gown
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sparkling gowns from the early 1940's era are perennial favorites and this French couture
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1940s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Vintage 1940's Marcelle Dormoy French Couture Black Silk Cut-Outs Low Back Gown
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A breathtaking and incredibly rare early 1940's full-length gown by French couturier Marcelle
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1940s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Late 1930s Early 1940s White Crepe Wedding Dress
Located in London, GB
Phenomenal and original rayon crepe wedding dress, couture made in France around 1937 - 1940. Made
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1930s French Wedding Dresses

1940S Black & Gold Silk Satin Damask French Demi-Couture Gown
Located in New York, NY
. 1940S Black & Gold Silk Satin Damask French Demi-Couture Gown
Category

1940s Formal Gowns

1970s Halston Black Label Couture Jersey Dress
By Halston
Located in London, GB
An absolutely superb and collectable Halston black label couture 1970s goddess dress. Halston
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1970s American Cocktail Dresses

1940s Kornhauser Original Burnt Orange Beaded Vintage 40s Couture Crepe Gown
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautifully perfected KORNHAUSER 1940s burnt orange crepe rayon beaded evening dress! Warm burnt
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1940s Evening Dresses and Gowns

1940s Novelty Rose Print Silk Peplum Maxi Dress
Located in London, GB
This superb and original 1940s silk peplum floor length dress is crafted from an exceptionally high
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1940s American Evening Dresses

1970s Madame Gres Haute Couture Black Silk & Lace Dress
By Madame Gres
Located in London, GB
history when she expanded her design repertoire for couture evening dresses and the fluid Greco - Roman
Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

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
Category

1940s Formal Gowns

Von Fürstenberg Munich 1950s Bow Embellished Red Silk Couture Cocktail Dress
Located in Munich, DE
This is an enchanting and elegant couture dance dress by Von Fürstenberg from the 1950s. The "New
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1950s German Evening Dresses

A French Couture Beaded Chocolate Velvet Dress Circa 1940-1950
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1940 France Beautiful cocktail dress, probably Haute Couture, dating from the 1940s. Dress
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1940s French Cocktail Dresses

A French Couture Beaded Chocolate Velvet Dress Circa 1940-1950
A French Couture Beaded Chocolate Velvet Dress Circa 1940-1950
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Size: Equivalent French Size 35
A Christian Dior/Gianfranco Ferré Couture Pink Chiffon Dress Circa 1990
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in Toulon, FR
. Bodice inspired by 1940's Fashion, fully corseted and lined with matching chiffon silk. Bodice sheathed
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1990s French Day Dresses

Vintage Vicky Tiel Couture Black Velvet Lurex Leopard Cheetah Print Mini Dress
By Vickey Tiel, Vicky Tiel
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy, yet classic 1980s / 80s vintage VICKY TIEL COUTURE silk velvet lurex mini dress! Features a
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1980s French Cocktail Dresses

1940s Black Crepe Long Sleeve Chic Asymmetrical Peplum Vintage 40s Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1940s black crepe long sleeve vintage 40s asymmetrical peplum dress! The perfect little black
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1940s Cocktail Dresses

Lanvin Designer Antonio Castillo 1950s Geometric Skirt Dress
Located in Water Mill, NY
joined the house of Lanvin in 1950. This is a stunning black fine wool dress with couture detailing. It
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1950s French Day Dresses

Vintage 1940's Harry Cooper of Hollywood Ivory Sequin Chiffon Halter Bridal Gown
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ethereal Harry Cooper designer ivory-crème gown dating back to the 1940's Old Hollywood era of
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1940s American Wedding Dresses

Large Size 1940s Silver Grey and Black Silk + Velvet Flower 40s Vintage Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1940s silver and black silk and velvet dress! Little flowers printed throughout. Fitted
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1940s American Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1940's Saks Fifth Avenue Creme Beaded Chiffon One-Shoulder Bridal Gown
By Saks Fifth Avenue
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ethereal late 1940's Saks Fifth Avenue creme goddess gown from the Old Hollywood era of glamour
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1940s American Wedding Dresses

Rose Taft Couture Royal Blue Chiffon Rhinestone Sunburst Evening Gown 1970s
By ROSE TAFT
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rose Taft Couture Fashions royal blue chiffon rhinestone sunburst evening gown from the 1970s
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1970s American Evening Dresses

1950s Pink and Black Novelty Geisha Print Button Down Dress
Located in London, GB
A rare mid-century button down dress with an amazing novelty Geisha print. This is one of the most
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1950s French Casual Dresses

1984 Givenchy Haute Couture Documented Silk Petal Appliqué Velvet Hourglass Gown
By Givenchy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
off with a perfect nod to 1940's femme fatale design. As shown, we were thrilled to find the original
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1980s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1968 Christian Dior Haute Couture Maria Felix Owned Chartreuse Silk Feather Gown
By Marc Bohan, Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
the 1940's and 1950's. Considered one of the most beautiful actresses of Old Hollywood, her strong
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1960s French Wedding Dresses

Christian Dior London velvet and taffeta mini evening dress. C.1960s
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
party like this beautiful mini velvet dress, or a haute couture, red . A Dior pièce will command the
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1960s European Evening Dresses

1950s LingerieLike Ruched CrepeSilk & SemiTransparentOrganzaNetSkirt MiniDress
Located in Chicago, IL
flattering dress will best suit a U.S.-size 6. It can also be worn by larger sizes with a relatively slim
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1950s American Mini Dress

1940s Lilli Ann Gorgeous Black Wool + Sequins Dramatic Vintage 40s Jacket Coat
By Lilli Ann
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous 1940s LILLI ANN black wool and sequined jacket! Features a dramatic portrait collar, with
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1940s American Jackets

Mugler H&M Leather ankle boots black size US 8.5 EUR 41 UK 7.5 Limited Edition
By Thierry Mugler, Mugler
Located in London, GB
first haute couture collection in 1992. He designed the dresses of Viktor Lazlo for hosting Eurovision
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes

John Galliano Cafe Society Print Vintage Pants, Rare Trousers, 1999's
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in North Hollywood, CA
, Made in France. Composition: 98% cotton, 2% Lycra. Size F 40, GB 12, D 38, USA 6. Can easily be dressed
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Late 20th Century French Pants

Late 1940's Jacques Griffe Haute Couture Gown
By Jacques Griffe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant gown from Jacques Griffe dates to the late 1940's. It features a ruched bodice that
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1940s French Evening Gowns

Richard Tyler Couture Black Silk & Sequin Plunge Back Dress
By Richard Tyler, Richard Tyler Couture
Located in Houston, TX
Elegant 1990s black silk evening dress by Richard Tyler. This maxi length dress has a shift
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1990s American Evening Dresses

Pierre Balmain Couture Black Velvet Dress, Circa 1955
By Pierre Balmain
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous piece of couture, this black velvet dress is a fantastic choice for a special occasion
Category

1950s French Evening Dresses

1950s Demi-Couture Adele Simpson Beaded Black Silk Cocktail Dress
By Adele Simpson
Located in London, UK
dress with Swarovski crystals. Adele Simpson was America's premier dress designer in the 1940s and
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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1983 YVES SAINT LAURENT 40's style blue crepe dress
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Newport Beach, CA
the 1940's film 'Gilda' for his 1983 Spring/Summer couture collection. This classic, 1940's
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1980s French Day Dresses

Jeanne Lanvin haute couture silver gown, Spring/Summer 1948
By Jeanne Lanvin
Located in London, GB
This stunning strapless gown is a rare example of haute couture by Lanvin herself. Perfect for a
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1940s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Important 1940s Madame Grès Grecian Goddess Silk Knit Gown in Black and Red
By Madame Gres
Located in Houston, TX
bottom of the dress, echoing classical antiquity. The dress is accented by a dramatic red pleated drape
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1940s French Evening Gowns

1940s Gilbert Adrian Light Tan Wool Coat
By Gilbert Adrian
Located in Houston, TX
Drop dead GORGEOUS Gilbert Adrian coat from the 1940's. As new today as when he designed and
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1940s American Coats

1940s Gilbert Adrian Black Tiered Ruffle Cape
By Gilbert Adrian
Located in Houston, TX
. Adrian’s distinct straight-shouldered, slim-jacket, pencil skirt look set the everyday dress tone of the
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1940s American Capes

Manuel Pertegaz Numbered 1960's Straw Hat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
fashion house in the early 1940's. His designs (along with those of Jeanne Lanvin and Cristóbal
Category

20th Century Spanish Hats

1940'S Black Silk Charmeuse Button Front Couture Detailed Dress From Paris
Located in New York, NY
1940'S Black Silk Charmeuse Button Front Couture Detailed Dress From Paris
Category

1940s Casual Dresses

1940’s Haute Couture Madame Gres Black Silk Jersey Dress
By Madame Gres
Located in London, GB
This iconic silk jersey dress by Madame Gres from the 1940’s is draped and heavily pleated with a
Category

1940s French Cocktail Dresses

COUTURE c.1940's Black Floral Chantilly Lace Illusion Top Cocktail Dress
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage Couture c.1940's black floral chantilly lace illusion top cocktail dress. Black large
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1940s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

Late 1940s Silk French Couture Wedding Dress
Located in London, GB
This elegant late 1940s pure silk ivory dress is a perfect example of the refined glamour of the
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1940s French Wedding Dresses

1940's Claire McCardell Polka-Dot Print Silk Scarf-Neck Dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
"American Look", a casual approach to fashion that rejected the formality of French couture. This beautiful
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1940s Day Dresses

1940s COUTURE Black Floral Eyelet White Sunburst Detail Cocktail Dress
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage Couture c.1940's black floral eyelet cocktail dress. Black floral eyelet cutout fabric
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1940s Cocktail Dresses

1940's Irene Lentz Couture Coral Pink Linen Sculpted Three-Piece Suit Ensemble
By Irene Lentz
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous Irene Lentz tailor-made three piece ensemble dating back to the late 1940's. This was
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1940s American Cocktail Dresses

1940's Magenta Rose-Garden Floral Print Silk Couture Draped Evening Gown
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
In this gorgeous 1940's custom-made couture evening gown, the detailed construction and meticulous
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1940s American Evening Gowns

1940's Howard Greer Navy-Blue Beaded Silk-Rayon Cocktail Dress
By Howard Greer
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
major costume designer to take the leap of establishing his own couture house. Greer specialized in
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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1940's Mainbocher Couture Midnight Blue Sculpted Silk-Velvet Evening Gown
By Mainbocher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
by Mainbocher's upper crust customers. This early 1940's gown is a perfect example of his genius. The
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1940s Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1940's Paul Parnes Burgundy Textured-Cotton Button Collar Belted Dress Ensemble
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A gorgeous 1940's uniquely-taliored burgundy three piece ensemble by the American designer, Paul
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1940s American Aesthetic Day Dresses

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1940s Couture Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact vintage or contemporary 1940s couture dress you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for an option in Black and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in Beige, Purple and more. An accessory like this designed by Juel Park, Balenciaga and Jeanne Lanvin — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured item — is worth considering. 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 Couture Dress?

Prices for a 1940s couture dress can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $259 and can go as high as $20,000, while, on average they fetch $1,798.

Finding the Right Clothing for You

From museum-worthy vintage Oscar de la Renta evening dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing available 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 Galliano and Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures. Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino 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 Chanel remain classic for haute couture advocates and beyond. By exploring the vast array of vintage collections on these pages, you can transform your closet into a retreat that is as retro as it is royal. 

Velvet cocktail dresses and silk evening gowns designed by French-born American couturiere Pauline Trigère — who dressed Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor — have proven timeless since their mid-century debut, while an overcoat by Alexander McQueen is the perfect finishing touch. In fact, an emerald one stays in rotation for Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.

Those seeking modern high-fashion brands are also in luck. Turn your day-to-day into a runway with selections from Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace or complete that fresh look with stunning footwear classics from the likes of Gucci and Christian Louboutin. The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. 

Build your collection of covetable and iconic vintage garments by shopping on 1stDibs. No matter where you roam, our diverse apparel and accessories will keep you covered in the hottest styles and comfiest black hoodie imaginable.

Questions About 1940s Couture Dress
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A couture dress is hand-sewn using the best materials and designed specifically for the wearer so that the piece is one-of-a-kind. Because these dresses use such high quality materials and take hundreds of hours to complete, they can be expensive. Find a variety of couture dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    A haute couture dress is dress is a dress that was made by an esteemed haute couture designer. Dresses created by haute couture houses are constructed by hand from start to finish. They’re made of the finest materials and are individually tailored to meet the needs of a specific client.

    Haute couture garments are expertly created by firms that are official member organizations of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that regulates this segment of the fashion industry. Dior, Maison Margiela and Schiaparelli are examples of universally revered haute couture houses.

    Find haute couture dresses 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.
  • 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 ExpertJune 15, 2023
    One 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, 2024
    The 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 ExpertApril 5, 2024
    There 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, 2023
    In 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.

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