Question 1

What is a 1940s style dress?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What dresses were popular in the 1940s?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How do you wear a wrap dress?

Accepted Answer

To wear a wrap dress, slip your arms through the sleeves, positioning the opening in front. You'll notice that one side is longer than the other, thanks to a panel of fabric that extends across the chest. Locate the belt or button on the end of this side. Then, slip it through the hole on the opposite side of the dress. If your dress has a belt, bring it behind your body, wrapping it around your waist. Then, tie it in the front to secure it. Button wrap dresses won't require these steps. Once you fasten or tie the dress, you'll be ready to finish it off with jewelry, shoes and accessories. Find a collection of wrap dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Can you wear a wrap dress to a wedding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can generally wear a wrap dress to a wedding. In fact, wrap dresses can be flattering picks for special occasions due to the way they visually contour the body with their crisscrossing lines. Just be sure to choose a dress that matches the level of formality for the wedding and to avoid wearing white to keep attention focused on the bride. Shop an assortment of wrap dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 5

Which designer became famous with her wrap dresses in the 1970s?

Accepted Answer

The designer who became famous with her wrap dresses in the 1970s is Diane von Furstenberg. She debuted her first example in 1974. When creating the Wrap dress, von Furstenberg drew inspiration from the skirts worn by ballerinas. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the now-iconic dress, an exhibit called Diane von Furstenberg: Journey of a Dress was held at museums in the United States and abroad. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Diane von Furstenberg apparel and accessories.

Question 6

What did Ladies Wear in the 1940s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1940s, ladies wore clothes defined by clean and slim silhouettes. The jackets, blouses and sweaters often featured shoulderpads and had somewhat of a military feel. Most dresses were quite casual and pants and playsuits became part of a woman's everyday style.

Question 7

How can I tell if a dress is from the 1960s or 1970s?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a dress is from the 1960s or 1970s, first look for a label. You may be able to determine the approximate date of the dress simply by researching the designer using reputable online sources. Also, check the zippers. Dresses from the 1960s will usually have metal or nylon zippers. Ones from the 1970s are more likely to be plastic. You'll find a large selection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 8

How did people dress in the 1990s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1990s, people dressed in different ways. Styles included grunge, modern preppy, hip-hop and goth. Some trends of the decade were slip dresses, plaid flannel shirts, long plaid skirts, overalls, combat boots and loose-fitting rolled jeans. Neon colors were popular for a time, as were fabric headbands and fabric-covered ponytail holders. Shop a selection of 90s vintage apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How should I dress for a ’70s party?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What are 1920s dresses called?

Accepted Answer

The iconic dresses from the 1920s are called flapper dresses. This name comes from the term flapper, which was used to describe young women during the period who enjoyed personal fulfillment and independence in American cities, particularly as they gained the right to vote and enjoy other freedoms previously reserved for men. Flappers danced at jazz clubs and upended most societal restrictions placed on women at the time, and fashion statements typically attributed to flappers included short “bob” haircuts, higher hemlines and other then-audacious style choices. Find a selection of flapper dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What dresses did they wear in the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What dress was popular in the 1980s?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What were the dresses in the 20s called?

Accepted Answer

In the 1920s, the flapper dress became a fresh new look for both day and evening wear. This shift dress hung from shoulder to just below the knee with a significant drop waistline. The evening versions of these dresses often featured lace, fringe, beadwork and luxe fabrics like chiffon, velvet and taffeta. Shop a collection of expertly vetted vintage flapper dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What dresses were popular in the 90s?

Accepted Answer

Many different styles of dress were popular in the 1990s, including the slip dress which became very common by the middle of the decade. Tastes and styles varied between regions and among people. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage 1990s dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques.

Question 15

What was the dress style in the 1960s called?

Accepted Answer

What the dress style was called in the 1960s varied, as there were several types of dresses that were fashionable during the decade. At the start of the 1960s, many women wore swing dresses featuring fitted bodices and full skirts. Collared, button-up belted dresses called shirtwaist dresses were also popular, as were loose-fitting, flowy shift dresses. By the late 1960s, new styles emerged, such as flared, flowing tent dresses, sleeveless jumpers usually styled over sweaters and blouses and drop-waist dresses, which had their waist seams at the hips rather than the natural waist. Find a variety of 1960s dresses and other vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 16

What are 50s style dresses called?

Accepted Answer

1950s-style dresses are often called poodle skirt dresses. The dress is generally a fit-and-flare shape with a wide swing skirt. Another popular type of dress is the form-fitting sheath, also known as a pencil dress.

Question 17

What color were flapper dresses in the 1920s?

Accepted Answer

Flapper dresses from the 1920s came in a range of colors, although darker hues such as black and navy were immensely popular. Flapper dresses were cut with straight and slim silhouettes, were typically knee-length and had a lower neckline. They were often made from silk chiffon and featured beaded details. You’ll find a selection of 1920s flapper dresses from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Which designer was called the Mother of American Fashion in the 1940s?

Accepted Answer

Claire McCardell was the designer often called the Mother of American Fashion in the 1940s. An American designer, she helped introduce women's sportswear to the United States and was particularly well-known for her bias-cut, loose-fitting Monastic dress. When World War II broke out in the 1940s, she designed pieces out of readily available materials like denim, calico and wool jersey, introducing new fabrics for women's clothing that would remain popular well after the close of the war. Many people point to McCardell as one of the first successful American fashion designers. Shop a collection of Claire McCardell apparel on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What did wedding dresses look like in the 1900s?

Accepted Answer

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.

1940s Wrap Dress

1940s American Casual Dresses

1940s Feather Print Rayon Wrap Dress

1940s Casual Dresses

1940S Red Cotton Yellow Dot Print Wrap House Dress

1940s Casual Dresses

1940S Blue & White Cold Rayon Novelty Bunny Print Wrap Dress

1940s French Cocktail Dresses

Black crêpe wrap and drape cocktail dress with black sequin Circa 1940's

1940s Casual Dresses

1940S Burgundy Embroidered Floral Lace Day Dress With Draped Wrap Front

1940s Casual Dresses

1940S Yellow Cotton Seersucker Blue Floral Wrap House Dress With Belt & Pocket

1940s American Day Dresses

Adele Simpson 1940s Wrap Top and Skirt

1940s Casual Dresses

1940S SAYBURY Tan & Blue Cold Rayon Paisley Wrap Dress With Large Button Closu

1940s Formal Gowns

1940S Black Silk Rayon Blend Faille Asymmetrical Wrap Bodice Gown With Bows &

1940s Unknown Robes

Printed cotton hostess dress wrap in the front Circa 1940's

Recent Sales

1940s American Day Dresses

Floral Satin Wrap Dress Dressing Gown, 1940s

1930s American Day Dresses

1930s 1940s Cotton Floral Quilted Wrap Dress

1940s American Informal Dresses

1940s Floral Seer Sucker Wrap Dress

1940s American Day Dresses

1940S Cotton Red And Green Floral Print Wrap Dress House Robe

1940s Casual Dresses

1940S Light Blue & Black Cold Rayon Geometric Print Wrap Dress

1940s Robes

Rare 1940s Cold Rayon Asian Printed Robe Wrap dress

1940s Casual Dresses

1940's Pink Pencil Shaving Print Jersey Dress With Wrap Skirt

1940s American Evening Dresses

Vintage 1940s Sheer Red Stripe Dress + Wrap

1940s Dress and Coat Ensembles

Amazing 1940s Maxan Cold SIlk Black Rainbow 3 Piece 40s Wrap Dress + Robe + Belt

1940s Italian Ties

1940S Burgundy Embroidered Floral Lace Day Dress With Draped Wrap Front

1940s American Day Dresses

1940s Claire McCardell surplice wrap day dress

1940s Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1940's Frank Starr for Ted Shore Dress with Wrap

1940s American Aesthetic Day Dresses

Vintage 1940's Hawaiian Green Leaf Print Ivory Crepe Maxi Belted Wrap Dress Gown

1940s Canadian Evening Gowns

1940's Hollywood Black Velvet Gown w/ Lace Train and Wrap

1940s American Evening Gowns

1940s Vintage Copper Peach Sequin Illusion Bodice Evening Dress & Shawl Wrap

People Also Browsed

1950s American Day Dresses

Jane Andre 1950s Full Skirt Dress

1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Ceil Chapman Navy Fitted Spring Sheath Dress w/ Lace Décolletage Neckline

1960s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

Lipstick Red Silk *Larger Size* Sheath Dress w Convertible Scarf Back - L, 1960s

1950s American Jackets

1950s Lilli Ann Black Wool Crepe Fitted Asymmetrical Suit Jacket w Gathered Side

1950s French Twin Sets

A Pierre Balmain Ceremonial Satin Evening Dress Bolero and Purse Circa 1950

1950s American Dress and Coat Ensembles

Lillie Rubin New 1950s Silk Damask Dress and Mink Collar Coat Set

Early 2000s Italian Skirt Suits

Alexander McQueen F/W 2004 Beige Metallic Tweed Tie Neck Blazer & Skirt 2pc Suit

1940s American Cocktail Dresses

Large Size 1940s Silver Grey and Black Silk + Velvet Flower 40s Vintage Dress

1940s American Skirt Suits

1940s Davidson's Madeleine Suit with Elaborate Button Detail

1950s French Cocktail Dresses

Cocktail dress in Calais lace by Germaine Lecomte Haute Couture Paris Circa 1950

1940s American Bolero Jackets

1940s Green Polka-Dot Silk Satin Dress, Green Wool Bolero and Hat Ensemble

1920s English Capes

A British Black Satin Burnous/Evening Cape Circa 1920/1940

1940s Skirt Suits

Maggy Rouff numbered Skirt-suit Circa 1940

1950s American Dress and Coat Ensembles

Lipstick Red Silk Larger Size Sheath Dress w Convertible Scarf Back - L, 1960s