Skip to main content

1950s Sundress

Blue Butterfly Sketch New Look Ballerina Sundress with Bib Points - XS, 1950s
Blue Butterfly Sketch New Look Ballerina Sundress with Bib Points - XS, 1950s

Blue Butterfly Sketch New Look Ballerina Sundress with Bib Points - XS, 1950s

Located in Tucson, AZ

With a silhouette sweet enough for a music-box ballerina and a loose, Matisse-like butterfly sketch print, this singular party dress will be the center of attention at any gathering....

Category

1950s Unknown Ballerina Day Dresses

1960s Sambo Fashions Yellow and Pink Floral Dress
1960s Sambo Fashions Yellow and Pink Floral Dress

1960s Sambo Fashions Yellow and Pink Floral Dress

Located in London, GB

Late 1950s or early 1960s sundress design from Sambo Fashions which was a quality British brand

Category

1960s British Aesthetic Day Dresses

1960s Sambo Fashions Yellow and Lilac Floral Print Dress
1960s Sambo Fashions Yellow and Lilac Floral Print Dress

1960s Sambo Fashions Yellow and Lilac Floral Print Dress

Located in London, GB

This cotton late 1950s to early 1960s sundress was designed by Sambo Fashions, a quality British

Category

1960s British Casual Dresses

Recent Sales

1950s GEOMETRIC PRINT SUNDRESS
1950s GEOMETRIC PRINT SUNDRESS

1950s GEOMETRIC PRINT SUNDRESS

Located in New York, NY

I love the serpentine print on this vintage sundress; it feels simultaneously geometric and organic

Category

1950s Casual Dresses

1950's Jay Original for Mel Warshaw Modernist Floral Cotton Sundress
1950's Jay Original for Mel Warshaw Modernist Floral Cotton Sundress

1950's Jay Original for Mel Warshaw Modernist Floral Cotton Sundress

By Jay Original

Located in Atlanta, GA

Imagine the glamour of 1950's Miami Beach. This Jay Original polished cotton sundress would have

Category

1950s American Princess Cut Dresses

Vintage 1950s Polka-Dot Halter Sundress
Vintage 1950s Polka-Dot Halter Sundress

Vintage 1950s Polka-Dot Halter Sundress

Sold

Size: See Description

Vintage 1950s Polka-Dot Halter Sundress

Located in New York, NY

This iconic vintage 1950s halter sundress features a playful graphic polka dot print. I love that

Category

1950s North American Maxi Dresses

1950s/60s Tina Leser White Sundress with 3D Embroidery
1950s/60s Tina Leser White Sundress with 3D Embroidery

1950s/60s Tina Leser White Sundress with 3D Embroidery

By Tina Leser

Located in London, GB

A wonderfully cute and very unusual late 1950s/ early 1960s little summer dress by Tina Leser. This

Category

1950s Day Dresses

1950's Italian Seashells Novelty Print Cotton Circle-Skirt Dress
1950's Italian Seashells Novelty Print Cotton Circle-Skirt Dress

1950's Italian Seashells Novelty Print Cotton Circle-Skirt Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1950's sundress is in excellent condition with no rips,stains or holes. Perfectly working side metal

Category

1950s Italian Ballerina Day Dresses

1950's Suzy Perette Bubble-Gum Pink Ruched-Cotton Full Sundress
1950's Suzy Perette Bubble-Gum Pink Ruched-Cotton Full Sundress

1950's Suzy Perette Bubble-Gum Pink Ruched-Cotton Full Sundress

By Suzy Perette

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

affordable versions of haute-couture Parisian designs throughout the 1950's. The Suzy Perette silhouette of

Category

1950s Princess Cut Dresses

People Also Browsed

Todd Oldham Black Accented with Double-Chain Rhinestone Evening Dress
Todd Oldham Black Accented with Double-Chain Rhinestone Evening Dress

Todd Oldham Black Accented with Double-Chain Rhinestone Evening Dress

By Todd Oldham

Located in New York, NY

Todd Oldham for the famed Fred Hayman of Beverly Hills, wonderfully detailed elegant yet whimsical evening double-chain rhinestone encrusted slightly flared black evening dres...

Category

1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Stunning Vintage Bill Blass Lipstick Red Strapless Silk Mermaid Dress / Gown
Stunning Vintage Bill Blass Lipstick Red Strapless Silk Mermaid Dress / Gown

Stunning Vintage Bill Blass Lipstick Red Strapless Silk Mermaid Dress / Gown

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Stunning vintage Bill Blass red silk Mermaid dress! Vibrant liptick red color, with intriicate stitching, which produce an unbelievable sexy fit! Super flattering, and utterly jaw dr...

Category

1980s American Evening Gowns

1970s Ronald Kolodzie Navy Blue Orange Green Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Maxi Dress
1970s Ronald Kolodzie Navy Blue Orange Green Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Maxi Dress

1970s Ronald Kolodzie Navy Blue Orange Green Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Maxi Dress

By Ronald Kolodzie

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing 1970s RONALD KOLODZIE navy blue, orange and green long sleeve jersey maxi dress! Features a tropical Hawaiian print in vibrant colors of neon orange, green, peach and light p...

Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

Halston 1970s Gold Metallic Silk Lurex Couture Vintage Disco Wrap Shirt Dress
Halston 1970s Gold Metallic Silk Lurex Couture Vintage Disco Wrap Shirt Dress

Halston 1970s Gold Metallic Silk Lurex Couture Vintage Disco Wrap Shirt Dress

By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy and iconic 70s HALSTON gold metallic silk lurex wrap shirt dress! Features a stunning silhouette, with a plunging neckline in a flattering wrap style. Studio 54 at its' finest! ...

Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

A Christian Dior Lace Couture Gown Collection Ligne Oblique (?) Circa 1950
A Christian Dior Lace Couture Gown Collection Ligne Oblique (?) Circa 1950

A Christian Dior Lace Couture Gown Collection Ligne Oblique (?) Circa 1950

By Christian Dior

Located in Toulon, FR

Ligne Oblique Collection (?) Circa 1948/1950 Paris France A Collectible Calais black lace cocktail or ceremonial dress by Christian Dior. Black and white transparency effect obtained...

Category

1950s French Evening Gowns

1970s Vintage Oscar de la Renta Matching Plaid Dress + Jacket Ensemble
1970s Vintage Oscar de la Renta Matching Plaid Dress + Jacket Ensemble

1970s Vintage Oscar de la Renta Matching Plaid Dress + Jacket Ensemble

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in Sparks, NV

Vibrant 2-piece vintage 1970s jacket and dress ensemble by Oscar de la Renta. Dress is partially lined with rear zip and hook closure. Jacket is fully lined with button, tie and hook...

Category

1970s American Day Dresses

1960's Nina Ricci Black Couture Dress with Mink Trim
1960's Nina Ricci Black Couture Dress with Mink Trim

1960's Nina Ricci Black Couture Dress with Mink Trim

By Nina Ricci

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Elegant couture made late 1960's black silk cocktail dress with fitted corset bustier and dark brown mink fur trimmed bodice. The full skirt adds a touch of volume to the dress. Hand...

Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Elie Saab pink lace trimmed cut out corset bustier maxi dress gown 34
Elie Saab pink lace trimmed cut out corset bustier maxi dress gown 34

Elie Saab pink lace trimmed cut out corset bustier maxi dress gown 34

By Elie Saab

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Elie Saab pre Fall 2018/2019 Floor length gown in dusky pink with boned lace trimmed bodice Double layered skirt with cut out lace inserts Concealed back zip Composition: 50% silk, ...

Category

2010s Lebanese Evening Gowns

Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels 2004 Pumps Sz 40
Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels 2004 Pumps Sz 40

Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels 2004 Pumps Sz 40

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Conroe, TX

Yves Saint Laurent Heels Worn Twice. Only signs of Use is to the Sole, the Uppers are Perfect * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Shoes

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in Nice, FR

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage pants trousers featuring a multi colored wall and flags print. These trousers feature : - Velvety touch material. - Front buttoning. - Front and back pock...

Category

20th Century Moroccan Pants

Nude Net and Panné Velvet Tiered Flock of Seagulls Ruffle Dress- XXS, Late 1920s
Nude Net and Panné Velvet Tiered Flock of Seagulls Ruffle Dress- XXS, Late 1920s

Nude Net and Panné Velvet Tiered Flock of Seagulls Ruffle Dress- XXS, Late 1920s

Located in Tucson, AZ

Fully restored, this breathtaking dress recalls the ethereal evening gowns designed by Jeanne Lanvin and Coco Chanel in the late 1920s. Using a skin-tight nude net body stocking as i...

Category

1920s Unknown Evening Gowns

Cobalt Plaid Thai Silk Pixie Cocktail Dress with Panel Bow, Saigon - S-M, 1960s
Cobalt Plaid Thai Silk Pixie Cocktail Dress with Panel Bow, Saigon - S-M, 1960s

Cobalt Plaid Thai Silk Pixie Cocktail Dress with Panel Bow, Saigon - S-M, 1960s

Located in Tucson, AZ

Aside from its vivid color, the standout feature of this shift is its free-floating front panel, created by the tails of its oversized center bodice bow. Very Audrey Hepburn, from it...

Category

1960s Vietnamese Shift Cocktail Dresses

1950s Worth Haute Couture Pink and White Tulle Dress With Organza Bud Appliqués
1950s Worth Haute Couture Pink and White Tulle Dress With Organza Bud Appliqués

1950s Worth Haute Couture Pink and White Tulle Dress With Organza Bud Appliqués

By Charles Worth

Located in London, GB

This enchanting 1950s couture dress in pink and white net tulle is by the extolled French fashion house Worth and retailed at their London boutique on Grosvenor Street. The quality a...

Category

1950s British Ball Gowns

1960s Jean Patou Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble with Faux Fur Trim
1960s Jean Patou Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble with Faux Fur Trim

1960s Jean Patou Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble with Faux Fur Trim

By Jean Patou

Located in Sparks, NV

Completely amazing vintage 1960s Jean Patou black wool jacket and skirt ensemble with faux fur trim and gold studs. Incredible tailoring and construction and chic enamel buttons. Ful...

Category

1960s French Skirt Suits

1960s Mr Blackwell Khaki + Orange Linen Embroidered Vintage 60s Shift Dress
1960s Mr Blackwell Khaki + Orange Linen Embroidered Vintage 60s Shift Dress

1960s Mr Blackwell Khaki + Orange Linen Embroidered Vintage 60s Shift Dress

By Mr. Blackwell

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1960s MR. BLACKWELL khaki and orange Irish linen and chiffon shift / sheath dress! Features a tailored bodice with embroidered orange, brown and white flowers throughout. Orange...

Category

1960s American Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Silk Cocktail Dress
Vintage Silk Cocktail Dress

Vintage Silk Cocktail Dress

Located in London, GB

A chic vintage cocktail dress in a pretty yellow/gold colour . The dress has a scoop neckline, front and back with small gathering at the waist. It is fully lined with a central back...

Category

1950s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "1950s Sundress", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

1950s Sundress For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary 1950s sundress you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Gray is a pretty popular color, but we also have Blue, Black, Brown and more in stock now. Making an accessory such as this has likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Alfred Shaheen, Claire McCardell Clothes by Townley and Claire McCardell are consistently popular.

How Much is a 1950s Sundress?

The price for a 1950s sundress starts at $250 and tops out at $3,500, and on average, selling for $527.

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.

Read More

Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress

Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.

A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet

From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.

Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer

Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)

A Short History of Capri Pants, on the 100th Birthday of Their Inventor

Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.

How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear

The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.

A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story

Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.

You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About

This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.

The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior

Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.