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1950s Cardigans

1950's Red Knit Cardigan with French Knot Details
1950's Red Knit Cardigan with French Knot Details

1950's Red Knit Cardigan with French Knot Details

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Chic red knit 1950's cardigan with beige French knot details. So often these cardigans are

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1950s American Cardigans

1950's Pringle of Scotland Cream Cashmere Cardigan with Mink Collar
1950's Pringle of Scotland Cream Cashmere Cardigan with Mink Collar

1950's Pringle of Scotland Cream Cashmere Cardigan with Mink Collar

By Pringle of Scotland

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Darling 1950's Pringle of Scotland honey cashmere cardigan. Beautiful matching honey mink collar

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1950s Scottish Cardigans

Black Beaded Cardigan
Black Beaded Cardigan

Black Beaded Cardigan

Located in Alford, MA

Black cardigan from the 1950s-'60s embellished with black beads and sequins. Sweater composition is

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Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Cardigans

Ballantyne Cashmere Ladybug Sweater 1950s
Ballantyne Cashmere Ladybug Sweater 1950s

Ballantyne Cashmere Ladybug Sweater 1950s

By Ballantyne

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous pink cashmere cardigan sweater from Ballantyne. It has a scoop neckline, long sleeves

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1950s Scottish Cardigans

Bernhard Altmann 1950s Bejeweled Spiders Cashmere Sweater
Bernhard Altmann 1950s Bejeweled Spiders Cashmere Sweater

Bernhard Altmann 1950s Bejeweled Spiders Cashmere Sweater

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous black cashmere cardigan sweater from Bernhard Altmann. It has long sleeves and a

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1950s Austrian Cardigans

1950s Black Hong Kong Beaded Sweater
1950s Black Hong Kong Beaded Sweater

1950s Black Hong Kong Beaded Sweater

By Elise Tu

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Elise Tu Hong Kong label black beaded cashmere sweater from the 1950s. Decorated down the front

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1950s Hong Kong Cardigans

Vintage Ivory Beaded Wool Cardigan, 1950s
Vintage Ivory Beaded Wool Cardigan, 1950s

Vintage Ivory Beaded Wool Cardigan, 1950s

Located in Milano, IT

Exquisite vintage hand-embellished cardigan, crafted in soft ivory wool circa the 1950s. This

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1950s Unknown Sweaters

Recent Sales

Beaded Cardigan, 1950s
Beaded Cardigan, 1950s

Beaded Cardigan, 1950s

Located in Long Island City, NY

1950s Beaded Cardigan. Off White with Black and Gold Beadwork. Off White Silk Lining. Size Small

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1950s Cardigans

1950s Cashmere Beaded Cardigan
1950s Cashmere Beaded Cardigan

1950s Cashmere Beaded Cardigan

Located in Long Island City, NY

1950s Cashmere Beaded Cardigan with Silk Buttons and Trim. Light mocha color with chocolate brown

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1950s Cardigans

1950s Beaded Sequin Black Cardigan Sweater
1950s Beaded Sequin Black Cardigan Sweater

1950s Beaded Sequin Black Cardigan Sweater

Located in Long Island City, NY

1950s Beaded Sequin Cardigan Sweater. Hand decorated and Made in Japan. Black sweater, beads

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1950s Cardigans

1950's Black Evening Sweater with Mink Collar
1950's Black Evening Sweater with Mink Collar

1950's Black Evening Sweater with Mink Collar

Located in Oradell, NJ

This is an elegant and stunning black evening cardigan with a full mink collar, a rhinestone bow

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1950s Cardigans

1950s Beaded Cashmere Cardigan with Tassels
1950s Beaded Cashmere Cardigan with Tassels

1950s Beaded Cashmere Cardigan with Tassels

Located in Long Island City, NY

1950s Cashmere cardigan with white beading and tassels. Modern day size small/ medium.

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1950s American Sweaters

1950's Austrian Beaded Cardigan Sweater
1950's Austrian Beaded Cardigan Sweater

1950's Austrian Beaded Cardigan Sweater

Located in New Hope, PA

A black wool felt collar and cuffs add glamour and interest to this 1950's sweater. Hand

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1950s Austrian Cardigans

Freida Wolf 1950's  Appliqued Cashemere Cardigan & Dress
Freida Wolf 1950's  Appliqued Cashemere Cardigan & Dress

Freida Wolf 1950's Appliqued Cashemere Cardigan & Dress

Located in New Hope, PA

produced by women in the 1950's and 1960's. Both garments were made by Dalton and hand appliqued by Miss

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1950s American Cardigans

1950's Schiaparelli "Pin-Up" Style Baby Pink Cardigan
1950's Schiaparelli "Pin-Up" Style Baby Pink Cardigan

1950's Schiaparelli "Pin-Up" Style Baby Pink Cardigan

By Elsa Schiaparelli

Located in University City, MO

Oh this one is so much fun! A 1950's Schiaparelli cardigan adorned with crinkly leatherette

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1950s French Cardigans

1950's Pringle of Scotland Cream Cardigan with Blue Flowers
1950's Pringle of Scotland Cream Cardigan with Blue Flowers

1950's Pringle of Scotland Cream Cardigan with Blue Flowers

By Pringle of Scotland

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Pristine 1950's Pringle of Scotland 100% cashmere cardigan with hand-sewn white seed beads. Tri

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1950s Scottish Cardigans

1950s Pringle Navy Cashmere Cardigan
1950s Pringle Navy Cashmere Cardigan

1950s Pringle Navy Cashmere Cardigan

By Pringle of Scotland

Located in London, GB

A super cute little waist length navy cashmere cardigan from Pringle of Scotland. It features

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1950s Cardigans

1950s Schiaparelli White Beaded Cardigan
1950s Schiaparelli White Beaded Cardigan

1950s Schiaparelli White Beaded Cardigan

By Elsa Schiaparelli

Located in London, GB

Exquisite 1950s soft white wool cardigan from celebrated design house Schiaparelli. This piece

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1950s Cardigans

1950s Cream Cashmere & Mink Cardigan
1950s Cream Cashmere & Mink Cardigan

1950s Cream Cashmere & Mink Cardigan

Located in London, GB

Beautiful soft cream cashmere cardigan featuring lovely cut out details backed in lace with

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1950s Cardigans

1950s Black Wool Heavily Beaded Cardigan
1950s Black Wool Heavily Beaded Cardigan

1950s Black Wool Heavily Beaded Cardigan

Located in London, GB

This is a truly stunning cardigan dating from the 1950’s. The exterior is a soft black wool and

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1950s Cardigans

Harrod's 1950's Red Scottish Cashmere Cardigan Never Worn with Original Tags
Harrod's 1950's Red Scottish Cashmere Cardigan Never Worn with Original Tags

Harrod's 1950's Red Scottish Cashmere Cardigan Never Worn with Original Tags

Located in New Hope, PA

This cheerful red cashmere sweater has a neat collar and eight buttons at the center front. Made in Scotland and retailed by Harrod's in London it has never been worn and still retai...

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1950s Scottish Cardigans

1950s Black Cashmere Cardigan with Blue Applique
1950s Black Cashmere Cardigan with Blue Applique

1950s Black Cashmere Cardigan with Blue Applique

Located in London, GB

Cute vintage 1950s black cashmere cardigan with fun blue velvet appliqué around the neck, down the

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1950s Cardigans

1950s Black Cashmere Cardigan Sweater with Rhinestones
1950s Black Cashmere Cardigan Sweater with Rhinestones

1950s Black Cashmere Cardigan Sweater with Rhinestones

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage 50s- 60s Black soft cashmere sweater cardigan with large rhinestones applique. Sweater is

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1950s American Cardigans

1950s Pink Cashmere Cardigan with Velvet and Pearl Applique
1950s Pink Cashmere Cardigan with Velvet and Pearl Applique

1950s Pink Cashmere Cardigan with Velvet and Pearl Applique

Located in Toronto, Ontario

1950's pink cashmere cardigan with matching pink velvet ribbon and pearl motif sewn on the front

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1950s American Cardigans

1950's Beaded Strawberry Motif Cashmere Sweater
1950's Beaded Strawberry Motif Cashmere Sweater

1950's Beaded Strawberry Motif Cashmere Sweater

Located in New Hope, PA

cardigan into something quite special. The berry motif is repeated on the cuffs as well. The sweater is

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1950s American Cardigans

Black Cardigan with Lace
Black Cardigan with Lace

Black Cardigan with Lace

Located in Alford, MA

Black 1950s-'60s cardigan with V-shaped illusion lace insets front and back. Smaller collar and

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Mid-20th Century American Cardigans

Black Cardigan with Bow Detail
Black Cardigan with Bow Detail

Black Cardigan with Bow Detail

Located in Alford, MA

Some of the best vintage pieces from the 1950s-'60s are the decorated cardigans. This example, in

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1960s American Cardigans

Helen Bond Carruthers 1950's Hand Appliqued Cashmere Sweater
Helen Bond Carruthers 1950's Hand Appliqued Cashmere Sweater

Helen Bond Carruthers 1950's Hand Appliqued Cashmere Sweater

By Helen Bond Carruthers

Located in New Hope, PA

A camel colored cashmere sweater is beautifully hand appliqued with floral motifs. The appliques have been cut from a hand embroidered antique textile and then sewn onto the front, b...

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1950s American Cardigans

BLACK VINTAGE CARDIGAN WITH WHITE BEADING
BLACK VINTAGE CARDIGAN WITH WHITE BEADING

BLACK VINTAGE CARDIGAN WITH WHITE BEADING

Located in Alford, MA

Beaded cardigans from the 1950s-'60s are among my favorite vintage items and I always try to have a

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1950s Hong Kong Cardigans

Cream cashmere ribbon trimmed sweater 1950s
Cream cashmere ribbon trimmed sweater 1950s

Cream cashmere ribbon trimmed sweater 1950s

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

which is trimmed in pink ribbon...from the 1950s...body of sweater is lined in ivory silk chiffon...All

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1950s Unknown Cardigans

1950s Schiaparelli Black Cashmere Sweater With Rhinestones Embellishments
1950s Schiaparelli Black Cashmere Sweater With Rhinestones Embellishments

1950s Schiaparelli Black Cashmere Sweater With Rhinestones Embellishments

By Schiaparelli, Elsa Schiaparelli

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Elegant Vintage black sweater from 1950's by Schiaparelli in cashmere with a sparkle of rhinestones

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1950s French Cardigans

Pink Cashmere Sweater with Fur Collar
Pink Cashmere Sweater with Fur Collar

Pink Cashmere Sweater with Fur Collar

Located in Alford, MA

An unusual example of the fur-trimmed cashmere cardigans from the 1950s and '60s, this sweater is

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1960s American Cardigans

1950s I. Magnin Colourful Beaded Cardigan
1950s I. Magnin Colourful Beaded Cardigan

1950s I. Magnin Colourful Beaded Cardigan

By I. Magnin

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Adorable 1950s cardigan by I. Magnin. Cream wool with ribbed collar, cuffs and waist. Hand beaded

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1950s American Cardigans

1950's Printed Angora Cardigan
1950's Printed Angora Cardigan

1950's Printed Angora Cardigan

Located in New York, NY

Charming 1950's Printed Angora Cardigan with 18th Century Courtesan scenes. Lambswool and angora

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1950s American Cardigans

1950's "Cocktail Hour" Cardigan
1950's "Cocktail Hour" Cardigan

1950's "Cocktail Hour" Cardigan

Located in New York, NY

1950's "Cocktail Hour" wool cardigan with beaded motifs. Cute charm like motifs (embroidered and

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1950s American Cardigans

1950's Gould's Grey Cashmere Cardigan
1950's Gould's Grey Cashmere Cardigan

1950's Gould's Grey Cashmere Cardigan

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Whimsical 1950's hand embroidered grey cashmere cardigan with delightful hand embroidered harvest

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1950s American Cardigans

1950’s Pink Beaded Cashmere Cardigan
1950’s Pink Beaded Cashmere Cardigan

1950’s Pink Beaded Cashmere Cardigan

Located in London, GB

A lovely example of 1950’s cashmere, this pale pink cardigan features elaborate asymmetrical gold

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1950s Cardigans

1950's Embroidered Cardigan Sweater Red and Green Flowers
1950's Embroidered Cardigan Sweater Red and Green Flowers

1950's Embroidered Cardigan Sweater Red and Green Flowers

Located in New Hope, PA

This creamy white cardigan is embroidered with green vines and leaves and cheerful red flowers

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1950s American Cardigans

1950s Blue Sequined Cardigan
1950s Blue Sequined Cardigan

1950s Blue Sequined Cardigan

Located in Alford, MA

The decorated sweaters from the 1950s-'60s are always perfect vintage buys. This example is a knit

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1950s Hong Kong Cardigans

1950s Black Sequined Cardigan
1950s Black Sequined Cardigan

1950s Black Sequined Cardigan

Located in London, GB

Beautiful vintage black wool cardigan with silver blue sequins and beads in floral motifs with

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1950s Cardigans

Schiaparelli 1950s Beaded Cashmere Cardigan Sweater
Schiaparelli 1950s Beaded Cashmere Cardigan Sweater

Schiaparelli 1950s Beaded Cashmere Cardigan Sweater

By Elsa Schiaparelli

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful beaded blue cashmere cardigan sweater from Elsa Schiaparelli. The front is decorated

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1950s French Cardigans

Lyle & Scott 1950s Beaded Cashmere Cardigan Sweater
Lyle & Scott 1950s Beaded Cashmere Cardigan Sweater

Lyle & Scott 1950s Beaded Cashmere Cardigan Sweater

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful rich red cashmere beaded cardigan sweater from Lyle & Scot. It has long sleeves with

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1950s Scottish Cardigans

Vanilla Beaded Sweater Girl Cardigan - Hong Kong, 1950s
Vanilla Beaded Sweater Girl Cardigan - Hong Kong, 1950s

Vanilla Beaded Sweater Girl Cardigan - Hong Kong, 1950s

Located in Tucson, AZ

A highly "pettable" blend of angora and wool, this cardigan strikes the ideal balance between

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1950s Hong Kong Cardigans

1950s Ballantyne Designed by Bonnie Cashin Teal Cashmere Cardigan
1950s Ballantyne Designed by Bonnie Cashin Teal Cashmere Cardigan

1950s Ballantyne Designed by Bonnie Cashin Teal Cashmere Cardigan

By Ballantyne

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Stunning 1950s Ballantyne designed by Bonnie Cashin teal cardigan. 100% Scottish stunning cashmere

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1950s American Cardigans

Aqua Beaded Cardigan
Aqua Beaded Cardigan

Aqua Beaded Cardigan

Located in Alford, MA

Among our favorite vintage pieces are the decorated cardigans from the 1950s-'60s. This example is

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1950s Unknown Cardigans

Blue Cashmere/Fox Cardigan
Blue Cashmere/Fox Cardigan

Blue Cashmere/Fox Cardigan

Located in Alford, MA

1950s and '60s, this cardigan is in baby blue with a matching full fox shawl collar. It is further

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Mid-20th Century American Cardigans

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Spectacular French Art Deco Beaded 'Flapper' Evening Dress
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Spectacular French Art Deco Beaded 'Flapper' Evening Dress

Located in Sharon, CT

Black silk gauze, heavily embroidered with irridized paillettes creating swirling complex patterns highlighted with densely embroidered irridized flowers. The heavy ornamentation of ...

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1920s French Cocktail Dresses

Tom Ford/Gwyneth Paltrow Iconic Oscar Gown & Cape  New!
Tom Ford/Gwyneth Paltrow Iconic Oscar Gown & Cape  New!

Tom Ford/Gwyneth Paltrow Iconic Oscar Gown & Cape New!

By Gucci, Tom Ford

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Super stunning iconic Tom Ford evening gown with matching cape. Identical to the one worn by Gwyneth Paltrow to the Oscars. The gown fashioned of off white silk crepe and lined in...

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21st Century and Contemporary Dress and Coat Ensembles

Versace SS 2005 Madonna Ad Campaign Backless Silk Dress
Versace SS 2005 Madonna Ad Campaign Backless Silk Dress

Versace SS 2005 Madonna Ad Campaign Backless Silk Dress

By Versace

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous light yellow stretch silk dress as featured in Versace's notable 2005 ad campaign. It has a shirt collar, fold up elbow length sleeves with functional tabs, 2 chest flap p...

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Early 2000s Italian Day Dresses

1990s Bob Mackie Size 10 Black Crepe Sexy 90s Vintage High Slit Evening Gown
1990s Bob Mackie Size 10 Black Crepe Sexy 90s Vintage High Slit Evening Gown

1990s Bob Mackie Size 10 Black Crepe Sexy 90s Vintage High Slit Evening Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy, yet sophisticated 1990s BOB MACKIE black crepe bodycon evening dress! Features an elegant sweetheart neckline, with satin trim. Figure flattering silhouette that hugs the body ...

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1990s Evening Gowns

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

Bobbie Jerome 1950s Sculptural Velvet Handbag with Bakelite Handles
Bobbie Jerome 1950s Sculptural Velvet Handbag with Bakelite Handles

Bobbie Jerome 1950s Sculptural Velvet Handbag with Bakelite Handles

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous rich black silk velvet handbag with rounded deep orange Bakelite top handles. It has a gently curved top and gold clasp closure. The bag is lined in black silk with 2 Ins...

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1950s American Top Handle Bags

Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress
Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress

Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress

By Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in Naples, FL

Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress Size L Gucci knit bodycon midi dress with V-neck and tonal stitching throughout.

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1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990s Diane Von Furstenberg ' Leaf ' Print Safari Strapless Cotton Blouse
1990s Diane Von Furstenberg ' Leaf ' Print Safari Strapless Cotton Blouse

1990s Diane Von Furstenberg ' Leaf ' Print Safari Strapless Cotton Blouse

By Diane von Furstenberg

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 90s Diane Von Furstenberg green and white cotton strapless top! 3-D leaf print, with a trapeze/free flowing waist. Buttons at top back. Can easily be dressed day to night. ...

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1990s Indian Blouses

1970s Hiroko Salmon / Coral Color Blocked Slinky Vintage 70s Bias Maxi Dress
1970s Hiroko Salmon / Coral Color Blocked Slinky Vintage 70s Bias Maxi Dress

1970s Hiroko Salmon / Coral Color Blocked Slinky Vintage 70s Bias Maxi Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Slinky 1970s HIROKO salmon and coral color blocked jersey bias cut maxi dress! This beauty simply slips over the head and stretches to fit. Slimming diagonal stripes on the front and...

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1970s American Maxi Dress

1940s Vintage Black Velvet Cocktail Dress with Collar + 3/4 Cropped Sleeves
1940s Vintage Black Velvet Cocktail Dress with Collar + 3/4 Cropped Sleeves

1940s Vintage Black Velvet Cocktail Dress with Collar + 3/4 Cropped Sleeves

Located in Sparks, NV

Flattering vintage 1940s cocktail dress in black velvet with a draped collar and 3/4 length sleeves. Unlined with side metal zip closure. Fits like a modern size small. The bust meas...

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1940s American Cocktail Dresses

1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress
1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress

1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress

By Guy Laroche

Located in San Diego, CA

1960s GUY LAROCHE Couture lipstick red virgin wool A-Line mini dress! The perfect alternative to a little black dress, this red gem is sure to stand out! Hand made, with the utmost a...

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1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Bill Blass Cross Back Dress 1980s
Bill Blass Cross Back Dress 1980s

Bill Blass Cross Back Dress 1980s

By Bill Blass

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous black jersey dress from Bill Blass. It is semi fitted with a full gathered skirt. The back is bare to just below the waist with the exception of straps which meet at a me...

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1980s American Day Dresses

Herbert Levine Red Stilettos
Herbert Levine Red Stilettos

Herbert Levine Red Stilettos

By Herbert Levine

Located in New York, NY

Glamorous Herbert Levine Red Calf Stilettos decorated with a black "berry" and red ties. Retailed at Bonwit Teller, 1950's USA. 6.5AA, 2.75" widest across front. Very narrow.

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1950s American Shoes

John Galliano Lace Cardigan and 2 Camisoles Set
John Galliano Lace Cardigan and 2 Camisoles Set

John Galliano Lace Cardigan and 2 Camisoles Set

By John Galliano

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous cardigan and camisole set in black knit lace plus an additional matching red camisole all from John Galliano. The set consists of 2 flower pattern lace knit camisoles one ...

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1990s French Cardigans

Italian Vintage Candy Pink Sequin Embellished Silk Mermaid Dress Gown
Italian Vintage Candy Pink Sequin Embellished Silk Mermaid Dress Gown

Italian Vintage Candy Pink Sequin Embellished Silk Mermaid Dress Gown

Located in Jersey City, NJ

A rare vintage Italian evening gown dating to the 1990s, crafted in vibrant candy-pink chiffon and entirely hand-embellished with tonal sequins. The piece is executed with couture-le...

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1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

NWT's BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Embroidered Evening Beaded Bag Bridal Wedding
NWT's BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Embroidered Evening Beaded Bag Bridal Wedding

NWT's BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Embroidered Evening Beaded Bag Bridal Wedding

By Badgley Mischka

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Badgley Mischka Vintage Yellow gold hardware and ornate chain Beige tones Embroidered bag with floral design and clear beads Long fringes with a bead placed at each end NWT's Comes w...

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1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières

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1950s Cardigans For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of 1950s cardigans for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for Black 1950s cardigans and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in Beige, Red and more. 1950s cardigans designed by Helen Bond Carruthers, Elsa Schiaparelli and Pringle of Scotland — each of whom created beautiful versions of these treasured items — are worth considering. There aren’t many items for unisex if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for men and women.

How Much are 1950s Cardigans?

On average, 1950s cardigans on 1stDibs sell for $392, while they’re typically $125 on the low end and $1,200 for the highest priced versions of these items.

Finding the Right Sweaters for You

The vintage sweaters in your dresser may have humble origins, but they can’t be beaten for year-round fashion.

In the 15th century, sweaters originated as jersey tunics and other knitted shirts designed to keep sailors and fishermen warm. Later, during the 1880s in America, these knitted or crocheted vests or pullovers — in Britain, “jumpers” — were thought to substantially help athletes shed pounds as needed. Sweaters were an ideal garment for sports and outdoor events in the late 19th century. The knit fabric permitted movement but the material also protected against the cold. It wasn’t until the 1920s, however, that sweaters were introduced to the world of high fashion, thanks to pioneering designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.

A versatile garment, sweaters go well with most looks — from a casual gathering over drinks with friends to complementing a professional ensemble for the office to a night out at the theater. Simply pair a timeless cardigan with slacks or a skirt and your nicest dress shoes for any occasion, in any season, to tie an outfit together.

Once they were considered en vogue, sweaters were no longer strictly made with natural fibers like wool. Over time, fashion designers introduced the use of softer, synthetic materials. Today, traditional sweaters, such as those made with merino wool, are just as popular as more modern creations, such as the sweater dress. Similar to sweatshirts, sweaters come in all kinds of materials, from light synthetic blends perfect for spring to heavier fabrics, like cable-knit wool, to stay cozy and warm in winter and embrace the Danish concept of hygge.

A crucial factor that goes into selecting the perfect sweater is the material. High-quality wool, such as merino wool, which is soft and breathable, will feel luxurious and keep you warm on even the chilliest of evenings. Alpaca fleece, the fibers of which are native to Peru, offers the same warmth as wool, but an alpaca sweater is going to feel even softer than a merino wool sweater, similar to cashmere. Who doesn’t want a slouchy, oversize sweater made of a mix of mohair, nylon and wool on those subzero East Coast nights?

It’s important to note that wool can be a finicky material, easy to stain or distort and stretch. Synthetic materials are not only lightweight, but a nylon or polyester sweater will also be easier to wash and care for. If you opt for wool, take care of your sweater — fabric shavers, fabric combs and the local dry cleaner are your friends.

Sweaters come in various styles like V-neck, turtleneck and crewneck, which is the most popular style. For those extra cold days, a turtleneck offers added warmth without sacrificing style. Those looking for a casual touch that still emphasizes elegance can opt for a long tunic or scoop-neck pullover.

Maybe Versace or Gucci sweaters catch your eye, or ’90s fashion is your thing and a color-blocked sweater dress or John Galliano cardigan of the era is already a closet staple for you. Perhaps you’d rather opt for a 1970s long-sleeve knit top from Yves Saint Laurent. Either way, you’ll find exactly the black, beige or red vintage sweater you’re looking for in men, women or unisex styles today on 1stDibs.

Questions About 1950s Cardigans
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Cardigans became popular for women in the 1920s, thanks to Coco Chanel’s button-down iterations of the cardigans worn in the 1800s. Queen Elizabeth has worn cardigans for decades, and in the 1990s, musician Kurt Cobain wore these sweaters, introducing them to a whole new generation. As First Lady, Michelle Obama often wore cardigans, leading to a reported spike in sales. In 2020, pop star Taylor Swift released her latest album Folklore, which includes the song “Cardigan.” Swift’s merchandise includes a cream cable-knit cardigan, which her fans are buying in droves. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary cardigans from top sellers worldwide.

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