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Cotton flower dress with bow JACQUES HEIM Circa 1950's
Cotton flower dress with bow JACQUES HEIM Circa 1950's

Cotton flower dress with bow JACQUES HEIM Circa 1950's

By Jacques Heim

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Cotton flower dress with bow . Zip closure on the middle front + hook&eye. White cotton lining

Category

1950s Unknown Day Dresses

Cotton Lace Fiesta Dress, 1950s
Cotton Lace Fiesta Dress, 1950s

Cotton Lace Fiesta Dress, 1950s

Located in New York, NY

Charming 1950s dress made of purple cotton lace. The dress is composed of sewing lace tape

Category

1950s Mexican Day Dresses

Vintage 1950s Emilio Pucci Cotton Dress
Vintage 1950s Emilio Pucci Cotton Dress

Vintage 1950s Emilio Pucci Cotton Dress

By Emilio Pucci

Located in London, GB

A fun vintage sun dress by Emilio Pucci . In a cotton print with self fabric belt., the dress has

Category

1950s Italian Day Dresses

1950s Pale Blue Embroidered Cotton Dress
1950s Pale Blue Embroidered Cotton Dress

1950s Pale Blue Embroidered Cotton Dress

Located in London, GB

This lovely late 1950s /early 1960s light weight cotton dress in pale blue bears no makers labels

Category

1950s American Day Dresses

1950s Floral Cotton Dress With Dropped Waist
1950s Floral Cotton Dress With Dropped Waist

1950s Floral Cotton Dress With Dropped Waist

Located in London, GB

This charming, cotton sun dress was designed in the 1950s by Canadian label, Du-Rite. With a softly

Category

1950s Canadian Day Dresses

1950s Daniel Neals Plaid Print Cotton Dress
1950s Daniel Neals Plaid Print Cotton Dress

1950s Daniel Neals Plaid Print Cotton Dress

Located in London, GB

This fun little waisted vintage cotton dress was designed in the 1950s. It has an all-over multi

Category

1950s American Day Dresses

1950s Novelty Dragon Print Cotton Dress
1950s Novelty Dragon Print Cotton Dress

1950s Novelty Dragon Print Cotton Dress

Located in London, GB

This 1950s cotton novelty print dress is tailored to a full-skirted, pleated style typical of this

Category

1950s British Casual Dresses

1950S Red Printed Cotton Shirt Dress
1950S Red Printed Cotton Shirt Dress

1950S Red Printed Cotton Shirt Dress

Located in New York, NY

1950S Red Printed Cotton Shirt Dress

Category

1950s Casual Dresses

1950's Sequin Leaf Cocktail Dress with Scarf
1950's Sequin Leaf Cocktail Dress with Scarf

1950's Sequin Leaf Cocktail Dress with Scarf

Located in New York, NY

Charming 1950's Sequin Leaf Printed Cotton Cocktail Dress with Scarf. Fitted bodice with draped

Category

1950s American Day Dresses

1950s Jonelle Orange Rose Print Cotton Maxi Dress
1950s Jonelle Orange Rose Print Cotton Maxi Dress

1950s Jonelle Orange Rose Print Cotton Maxi Dress

Located in London, GB

vivacious dress flaunts a signature 1950s’ silhouette with its full flared skirt, straight neckline and

Category

1950s Maxi Dresses

1950s Melbray Floral Print Cotton Dress
1950s Melbray Floral Print Cotton Dress

1950s Melbray Floral Print Cotton Dress

By MELBRAY of LONDON

Located in London, GB

Original 1950s dress from quality British label, Melbray, in a wonderful deep cerise polished

Category

1950s British Princess Cut Dresses

1950's Floral Cotton Daydress with Red Piping
1950's Floral Cotton Daydress with Red Piping

1950's Floral Cotton Daydress with Red Piping

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Green, pink and red floral printed cotton daydress from the 1950's. Red piping detail on the yoke

Category

1950s Unknown Casual Dresses

1950s White Cotton Smocked Dress with Tie Back
1950s White Cotton Smocked Dress with Tie Back

1950s White Cotton Smocked Dress with Tie Back

Located in London, GB

We really love the simplicity of the design of this smock dress. Its so well made it could be

Category

1950s American Casual Dresses

1950s Red Cotton Dress with Embroidered Peplum
1950s Red Cotton Dress with Embroidered Peplum

1950s Red Cotton Dress with Embroidered Peplum

Located in London, GB

1950s or early 1960s red cotton dress with floral embroidered and pleated peplum. The dress also

Category

1950s American Formal Wear

1950s Grey and White Cotton Box Pleat Dress
1950s Grey and White Cotton Box Pleat Dress

1950s Grey and White Cotton Box Pleat Dress

Located in London, GB

This late 1950s dress showcases many of the era’s fashionable hallmarks. We love the faux double

Category

1950s British Formal Wear

1950s Lou-Ette Red and Black Cotton Shirt Waister Dress
1950s Lou-Ette Red and Black Cotton Shirt Waister Dress

1950s Lou-Ette Red and Black Cotton Shirt Waister Dress

Located in London, GB

This is a superb and incredibly classic late 1950s shirtwaister dress by Lou-Ette of California. It

Category

1950s North American Informal Dresses

1950s Grey Cotton and White Embroidered Dress and Jacket Set
1950s Grey Cotton and White Embroidered Dress and Jacket Set

1950s Grey Cotton and White Embroidered Dress and Jacket Set

Located in London, GB

sheath dress overlaid with a back fastening, cropped jacket. The fabric is a very fine quality cotton

Category

1950s British Aesthetic Day Dresses

1950s Horrockses Pink Cotton Novelty Ivy Leaf Print Dress
1950s Horrockses Pink Cotton Novelty Ivy Leaf Print Dress

1950s Horrockses Pink Cotton Novelty Ivy Leaf Print Dress

By Horrockses

Located in London, GB

This crisp cotton dress was designed by Horrockses in the 1950s. The candy pink, grey and white

Category

1950s British Princess Cut Dresses

1950s Susan Small Textured French Blue Cotton Shirt Dress
1950s Susan Small Textured French Blue Cotton Shirt Dress

1950s Susan Small Textured French Blue Cotton Shirt Dress

By Susan Small

Located in London, GB

Fabulous late 1950s to early 1960s blue jacquard check dress. Manufactured by well regarded

Category

1950s British Formal Wear

1950s Josselyne of Paris White Cotton Eyelet Dress
1950s Josselyne of Paris White Cotton Eyelet Dress

1950s Josselyne of Paris White Cotton Eyelet Dress

Located in London, GB

This pretty 1950s cotton summer dress was designed by Josselyne of Paris. There is something very

Category

1950s French Day Dresses

1950s Jane Derby by Oscar de la Renta Cotton Floral Dress
1950s Jane Derby by Oscar de la Renta Cotton Floral Dress

1950s Jane Derby by Oscar de la Renta Cotton Floral Dress

By Jane Derby, Oscar De La Renta

Located in London, GB

This enchanting 1950s or early 1960s floral print polished cotton dress from American label Jane

Category

1950s American Formal Wear

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1950s Cotton Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage or contemporary 1950s cotton dress for your needs in our varied inventory. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning Gray, Black, Brown and more. You’re likely to find the perfect 1950s cotton 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 Alfred Shaheen, Ceil Chapman and Claire McCardell 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 1950s Cotton Dress?

The price for a 1950s cotton dress starts at $119 and tops out at $2,200, and on average, selling for $550.

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.

Questions About 1950s Cotton Dress
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
    Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    The clothing style in the 1950s was well tailored and classic. For women, dresses with padded busts, cinched waists and hips, and full circle skirts were popular, and the collared button-up shirt dress came into fashion during the decade. Men tended to wear suits in neutral gray, dark blue and brown colors made out of easy-to-care-for synthetic fabrics. Straight-cut double-breasted blazers were commonly worn for casual occasions. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage clothing from the 1950s.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes. While the gem has always been a mainstay in jewelry, there was a boom in demand for pearl pieces in the 1950s. The style at the time was black-and-white-chic, and pearls were an excellent accompaniment to pieces like the classic little black dress. Shop a collection of expertly vetted pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    1950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023
    In the 1950s, a Chanel bag was priced between $200 and $300. The iconic Chanel 2.55 bag cost $220 when first introduced in February 1955. Accounting for inflation, that works out to around $2,536 in today's money. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023
    There were a few popular diamond cuts in the 1950s. One was the brilliant round cut, which is still common today due to its simple shape and prominent sparkle. Other favorite cuts of the decade included the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    The best-known 1950s furniture style is called mid-century modern. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three phrases that describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style emerged primarily in the years following World War II through creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Mid-century modern designers combined natural and human-made materials, such as teak, rosewood and oak woods as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Some well-known mid-century modern designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
    In the 1950s, several diamond cuts were popular. They included the brilliant round cut, the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. Rings that featured a large central stone flanked by smaller baguettes were also trendy during the decade. Find a collection of vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    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.
  • 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    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.
  • 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 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 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 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.

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