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1950s Sundress

1950s Cotton Abstract Floral Print Sundress
1950s Cotton Abstract Floral Print Sundress

1950s Cotton Abstract Floral Print Sundress

Located in London, GB

This lively sundress was made in the late 1950s to early 1960s and features some unusual design

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1950s American Formal Wear

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....

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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

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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

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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

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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

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1950s American Princess Cut Dresses

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

Vintage 1950s Polka-Dot Halter Sundress

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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...

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1970s American Evening Gowns

Ceil Chapman Burgundy Velvet Quilted Metallic Brocade Day Dress - XS 1960s
Ceil Chapman Burgundy Velvet Quilted Metallic Brocade Day Dress - XS 1960s

Ceil Chapman Burgundy Velvet Quilted Metallic Brocade Day Dress - XS 1960s

By Ceil Chapman

Located in Tucson, AZ

Painfully good, from its rich color to its quilted skirt to its crisp A-line silhouette. The alluring keyhole neckline can be worn closed during the day and open at night for two dif...

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1960s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses

Teal Traina French Blue Racer Back Mini Apron Dress and Scarf - XS, 1960s
Teal Traina French Blue Racer Back Mini Apron Dress and Scarf - XS, 1960s

Teal Traina French Blue Racer Back Mini Apron Dress and Scarf - XS, 1960s

By Teal Traina

Located in Tucson, AZ

An impeccably-made dress that straddles the 1960s generation gap. On one hand, the contrast piping, attention to detail and matching scarf recall Jackie Kennedy’s immaculate early 60...

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1960s American Babydoll Day Dresses

1970s Vintage Yellow Cotton Voile + Lace Off - Shoulder Peasant Boho Maxi Dress
1970s Vintage Yellow Cotton Voile + Lace Off - Shoulder Peasant Boho Maxi Dress

1970s Vintage Yellow Cotton Voile + Lace Off - Shoulder Peasant Boho Maxi Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Breathtakingly beautiful 70s pale yellow soft cotton voile and lace maxi dress! Features an incredible amount of craftsmanship, with heavy attention to detail. Gives off just the rig...

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1970s American Maxi Dresses

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...

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1960s French Skirt Suits

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...

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1950s British Ball 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...

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Early 2000s Italian Shoes

John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001
John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001

John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001

By John Galliano

Located in London, GB

▪ Archival John Galliano Evening Dress ▪ Spring-Summer 2001 ▪ Crafted from crimson crepe-back satin, with alternating panels that highlight both the satin sheen and crepe texture ▪ D...

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Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Longchamps Paris Ivory Floral Micro Bead Evening Bag w Chain Handle, 1950s
Longchamps Paris Ivory Floral Micro Bead Evening Bag w Chain Handle, 1950s

Longchamps Paris Ivory Floral Micro Bead Evening Bag w Chain Handle, 1950s

By Longchamps

Located in Tucson, AZ

A rare Longchamps--not Longchamp--evening purse made even more noteworthy by its swirling micro bead pattern, punctuated by delicate pink and blue pavé flowers. A diminutive but powe...

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1950s French Evening Bags and Minaudières

Pauline Trigere 1960s Ivory Off White Sleeveless Vintage Wool A - Line 60s Dress
Pauline Trigere 1960s Ivory Off White Sleeveless Vintage Wool A - Line 60s Dress

Pauline Trigere 1960s Ivory Off White Sleeveless Vintage Wool A - Line 60s Dress

By Pauline Trigère

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1960s PAULINE TIRGERE off-white / ivory sleeveless A-line wool dress ! Features a v-neck with a tailored bodice and slightly flared skirt. Hidden metal zipper up the back with h...

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1960s American Cocktail Dresses

Amazing 1950s Canary Yellow Silk Vintage Cut - Out 50s Bombshell Wiggle Dress
Amazing 1950s Canary Yellow Silk Vintage Cut - Out 50s Bombshell Wiggle Dress

Amazing 1950s Canary Yellow Silk Vintage Cut - Out 50s Bombshell Wiggle Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

The perfect yellow dress for spring and summer! This fine mid century gem features cut-outs above the bust, and at hem. Cut-outs feature a sheer layer of yellow silk underneath. High...

Category

1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Jacques Heim Haute Couture Yellow Chiffon Dress
1950s Jacques Heim Haute Couture Yellow Chiffon Dress

1950s Jacques Heim Haute Couture Yellow Chiffon Dress

By Jaques Heim

Located in London, GB

Outstanding haute couture chiffon column dress by Jacques Heim circa 1958 -1963. A timeless billowy style and the perfect shade of sunshine yellow. Featuring a bow detail to both th...

Category

1950s French Formal Gowns

Lanvin white grecian style washed silk crystal embellished wedding dress gown
Lanvin white grecian style washed silk crystal embellished wedding dress gown

Lanvin white grecian style washed silk crystal embellished wedding dress gown

By Lanvin Paris

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Lanvin Paris Collection Blanche Resort 2011 A beautiful floor length grecian style loose fitting ivory gown with crystal embellished waist band that would work beautifully as wedding...

Category

2010s Wedding Dresses

1960's Early OSCAR de la RENTA Boutique Red Polka Dot Short Sleeve Dress + Belt
1960's Early OSCAR de la RENTA Boutique Red Polka Dot Short Sleeve Dress + Belt

1960's Early OSCAR de la RENTA Boutique Red Polka Dot Short Sleeve Dress + Belt

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in Thiensville, WI

Rare 1960's early Oscar de la Renta boutique red, black, and white polka dotted dress. Black and white corded trim. Short sleeves. Low scoop neckline. Button detail at front of skirt...

Category

1960s Casual Dresses

Christian Dior by John Galliano coral silk evening skirt and top set, fw 2004
Christian Dior by John Galliano coral silk evening skirt and top set, fw 2004

Christian Dior by John Galliano coral silk evening skirt and top set, fw 2004

By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior

Located in London, GB

▪ Christian Dior evening skirt and top set ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Fall-Winter 2004 ▪ Coral silk chiffon ▪ Ruffled trimmings ▪ Spaghetti strap vest top with two off-sh...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1960s Geoffrey Beene Ivory Crochet and Black Silk Taffeta Vintage 60s Dress
1960s Geoffrey Beene Ivory Crochet and Black Silk Taffeta Vintage 60s Dress

1960s Geoffrey Beene Ivory Crochet and Black Silk Taffeta Vintage 60s Dress

By Geoffrey Beene

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1960s vintage GEOFFREY BEENE ivory crochet and black silk taffeta Victorian inspired cocktail dress! Ivory crochet bodice is fully lined in nude silk chiffon. Fit n' flare fit w...

Category

1960s American Cocktail Dresses

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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.

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