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50s Dresses

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1950s Lilli Diamond Ivory Off - White French Lace Vintage 50s Wiggle Dress
1950s Lilli Diamond Ivory Off - White French Lace Vintage 50s Wiggle Dress

1950s Lilli Diamond Ivory Off - White French Lace Vintage 50s Wiggle Dress

By Lilli Diamond

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s LILLI DIAMOND ivory French lace wiggle dress! Wonderful fit hugs the body in all the right places, and was constructed to really flattering the body. Nude illusion de...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Demi Couture Taupe Brown Silk Brocade Vintage 50s Bombshell Wiggle Dress
1950s Demi Couture Taupe Brown Silk Brocade Vintage 50s Bombshell Wiggle Dress

1950s Demi Couture Taupe Brown Silk Brocade Vintage 50s Bombshell Wiggle Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s taupe / light brown silk brocade sleeveless wiggle dress ! The perfect color for anytime of year for ay day or evening event. Flattering tailored ruched bodice with f...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

Suzy Perette 1950s Black Silk Shantung Short Sleeve Vintage 50s Bombshell Dress
Suzy Perette 1950s Black Silk Shantung Short Sleeve Vintage 50s Bombshell Dress

Suzy Perette 1950s Black Silk Shantung Short Sleeve Vintage 50s Bombshell Dress

By Suzy Perette

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous 1950s SUZY PERETTE black silk shantung short sleeve bombshell dress! Features a tailored fitted bodice with a flattering and forgiving full skirt. Bow detail at each side of...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Demi Couture Black Silk Cut - Out Chic Vintage 50s Cocktail Dress
1950s Demi Couture Black Silk Cut - Out Chic Vintage 50s Cocktail Dress

1950s Demi Couture Black Silk Cut - Out Chic Vintage 50s Cocktail Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1950s demi couture black silk cut-out cocktail dress! Features a fitted bodice and forgiving skirt. Low cut back features a large bow that snaps on one side. Full metal zipper u...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950s Demi Couture Avocado Green Silk Brocade Vintage 50s Cap Sleeve Dress
1950s Demi Couture Avocado Green Silk Brocade Vintage 50s Cap Sleeve Dress

1950s Demi Couture Avocado Green Silk Brocade Vintage 50s Cap Sleeve Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful late 1950s demi couture avocado green silk brocade cap sleeve dress! Features a floral silk brocade pattern. Lots of attention to detail, with hand-sewn finishings. Full me...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

Beautiful 1950s Edward Abbott Demi Couture 50s Champagne Beige Silk Beaded Dress
Beautiful 1950s Edward Abbott Demi Couture 50s Champagne Beige Silk Beaded Dress

Beautiful 1950s Edward Abbott Demi Couture 50s Champagne Beige Silk Beaded Dress

By Edward Abbott

Located in San Diego, CA

Absolutely beautiful vintage late 1950s EDWARD ABBOTT champagne beige silk brocade beaded demi couture wiggle dress! Stunning silhouette that really flatters the body. Luxurious silk...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Lord & Taylor Brown + Black Zebra Print Pique Cotton 50s Vintage Dress
1950s Lord & Taylor Brown + Black Zebra Print Pique Cotton 50s Vintage Dress

1950s Lord & Taylor Brown + Black Zebra Print Pique Cotton 50s Vintage Dress

By Lord & Taylor

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing mid 1950s LORD AND TAYLOR brown and black zebra animal print cut - out dress! Features a chic animal print with a fitted tailored bodice and a peek-a-boo cut-out above the bu...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1990s Couture Black Silk Hi - Lo Beaded Sleeveless 50s Style Cocktail Dress
1990s Couture Black Silk Hi - Lo Beaded Sleeveless 50s Style Cocktail Dress

1990s Couture Black Silk Hi - Lo Beaded Sleeveless 50s Style Cocktail Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1990s does 1950s demi couture black silk dress! Features a fitted bodice, with a flared high-low skirt. Hundreds of hand-sewn sequins and beads mixed with lave throughout. ...

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1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

New 1950s Suzy Perette Vintage 50s Black Velvet ' Wet Look ' Cocktail Dress
New 1950s Suzy Perette Vintage 50s Black Velvet ' Wet Look ' Cocktail Dress

New 1950s Suzy Perette Vintage 50s Black Velvet ' Wet Look ' Cocktail Dress

By Suzy Perette

Located in San Diego, CA

BRAND NEW (Never Worn) VINTAGE!!! Chic 1950s Suzy Perrette black silk velvet cocktail dress! Brand New deadstock vintage dress! Skirt features soft black silk velvet, with built i...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Beautiful Vintage 1950s Black and Silver Sequined Crepe 50s Wiggle Shift Dress
Beautiful Vintage 1950s Black and Silver Sequined Crepe 50s Wiggle Shift Dress

Beautiful Vintage 1950s Black and Silver Sequined Crepe 50s Wiggle Shift Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Sensational late 1950s black, silver and gunmetal sequined wiggle shift dress! Features allover hand-sewn sequins throughout the front and back of the bodice. Peek-a-boo at the top b...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Badgley Mischka Light Gold Fit and Flare 50s Style Flattering Silk Dress
Badgley Mischka Light Gold Fit and Flare 50s Style Flattering Silk Dress

Badgley Mischka Light Gold Fit and Flare 50s Style Flattering Silk Dress

By Badgley Mischka

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful BADGLEY MISCHKA light gold 1950s style silk dress! Perfect gold color, on the finest silk! Fit & flare style, with a slight A - Line shape. Features cap sleeves, with a sco...

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21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Bess Myerson Lipstick Red + White One Shoulder Vintage 50s Silk Dress
1950s Bess Myerson Lipstick Red + White One Shoulder Vintage 50s Silk Dress

1950s Bess Myerson Lipstick Red + White One Shoulder Vintage 50s Silk Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Rare and exquisite Avant Garde BESS MYERSON by Natlynn Demi Couture lipstick red and white one shoulder silk dress! Bess Myerson was a Miss America winner in 1945. She also dabbled i...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Amazing 1950s Gold Bronze Silk Metallic Late 50s Vintage Wiggle Bombshell Dress
Amazing 1950s Gold Bronze Silk Metallic Late 50s Vintage Wiggle Bombshell Dress

Amazing 1950s Gold Bronze Silk Metallic Late 50s Vintage Wiggle Bombshell Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful and flattering late 1950s vintage silk metallic wiggle dress! Incredible amount of detail was placed on the construction of this gem. Gorgeous golden bronze color. Definite...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Paisley Cotton 3/4 Sleeves Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Bow Dress
1950s Paisley Cotton 3/4 Sleeves Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Bow Dress

1950s Paisley Cotton 3/4 Sleeves Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Bow Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1950s paisley fit n' flare cotton dress! Features ivory background with warm hues of maroon, orange, pale yellow nad ivory throughout. Shelf like bust with attached bow. Metal z...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950s Demi Couture House of Nine Black Silk Chiffon Vintage 50s Rhinestone Dress
1950s Demi Couture House of Nine Black Silk Chiffon Vintage 50s Rhinestone Dress

1950s Demi Couture House of Nine Black Silk Chiffon Vintage 50s Rhinestone Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s House of Nine demi couture black silk chiffon bombshell halter dress ! Tailored bodice with three strands of rhinestones under the bust that leads into the back. Full...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

Chic 1950s Demi Couture Black French Lace Nude Illusion Vintage 50s Silk Dress
Chic 1950s Demi Couture Black French Lace Nude Illusion Vintage 50s Silk Dress

Chic 1950s Demi Couture Black French Lace Nude Illusion Vintage 50s Silk Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1950s black French lace cocktail dress! Features luxurious black French lace, with a fitted bodice and flattering forgiving skirt. Full metal zipper with hook-and-eye closure. C...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Black + Hot Pink Velvet Silk Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Couture Dress
1950s Black + Hot Pink Velvet Silk Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Couture Dress

1950s Black + Hot Pink Velvet Silk Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Couture Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous 1950s demi couture black velvet and hot pink silk fit n' flare dress ! Features a tailored bodice with a full skirt. Hot pink bow detail at left side. Matching pink fabric a...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

Suzy Perette 1950s Large Size Black and White Nautical Vintage 50s Cotton Dress
Suzy Perette 1950s Large Size Black and White Nautical Vintage 50s Cotton Dress

Suzy Perette 1950s Large Size Black and White Nautical Vintage 50s Cotton Dress

By Suzy Perette

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1950s SUZY PERETTE black and white lightweight soft cotton nautical dress! Features a bow above center bust. Gathers in the back create a flattering and forgiving silhouette. Fu...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Gorgeous 1950s Demi Couture Black Silk Eyelet and Lace Vintage 50s Wiggle Dress
Gorgeous 1950s Demi Couture Black Silk Eyelet and Lace Vintage 50s Wiggle Dress

Gorgeous 1950s Demi Couture Black Silk Eyelet and Lace Vintage 50s Wiggle Dress

By Pab

Located in San Diego, CA

Insanely gorgeous demi couture 1950s black silk lace and eyelet wiggle cocktail dress designed by, "PAB" ! This beauty is not only extremely well made, but exudes class and fashion! ...

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1950s French Cocktail Dresses

1950s Halmar Demi Couture Taupe / Light Brown Silk Vintage 50s Mermaid Hem Dress
1950s Halmar Demi Couture Taupe / Light Brown Silk Vintage 50s Mermaid Hem Dress

1950s Halmar Demi Couture Taupe / Light Brown Silk Vintage 50s Mermaid Hem Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous 1950 HALMAR demi couture taupe / light brown silk mermaid hem cocktail dress! Features a tailored fitted bodice and body, with a remarkable flared hem. Hem features an attac...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Charles Hymen Novelty Postcard Print Vintage 50s 3/4 Sleeves Silk Dress
1950s Charles Hymen Novelty Postcard Print Vintage 50s 3/4 Sleeves Silk Dress

1950s Charles Hymen Novelty Postcard Print Vintage 50s 3/4 Sleeves Silk Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic and rare CHARLES HYMEN novelty postcard print fit n’ flare silk dress ! Features prints of different postcards and letters throughout. Buttons up the front center bodice. Hidden...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s House of Branell Black and White Silk Floral Vintage 50s Wrap Dress
1950s House of Branell Black and White Silk Floral Vintage 50s Wrap Dress

1950s House of Branell Black and White Silk Floral Vintage 50s Wrap Dress

By Branell

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous 1950s demi couture HOUSE OF BRANELL black and white floral print silk short sleeve dress! Faux wrap style is flattering and comfortable for an array of sizes. Fitted bodice ...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Black and White Crepe and Silk Fringe 50s Vintage Wiggle Flapper Dress
1950s Black and White Crepe and Silk Fringe 50s Vintage Wiggle Flapper Dress

1950s Black and White Crepe and Silk Fringe 50s Vintage Wiggle Flapper Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1950s black and white fringe flapper fringe dress, with a 1920s twist! Wonderful soft black crepe, with a body hugging wiggle fit. Fringe at bust and hem. Full metal zipper with...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Beautiful 1950s Demi Couture Raspberry Pink 3/4 Sleeves Vintage 50s Crepe Dress
Beautiful 1950s Demi Couture Raspberry Pink 3/4 Sleeves Vintage 50s Crepe Dress

Beautiful 1950s Demi Couture Raspberry Pink 3/4 Sleeves Vintage 50s Crepe Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s demi couture raspberry pink crepe dress! Features pom pom balls attached at the cuffs of each sleeve. Pom poms also featured on the train on the back. Full metal zipp...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950s Size 0 Cobalt Blue Silk Damask Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Rockabilly Dress
1950s Size 0 Cobalt Blue Silk Damask Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Rockabilly Dress

1950s Size 0 Cobalt Blue Silk Damask Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Rockabilly Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s Size 0 cobalt blue silk damask fit n' flare sleeveless rockabilly dress ! Features a tailored bodice with a full skirt. Full metal zipper up the back with hook-and-ey...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950s Gigi Young Salmon Coral Pink Silk Taffeta Vintage 50s Fit n Flare Dress
1950s Gigi Young Salmon Coral Pink Silk Taffeta Vintage 50s Fit n Flare Dress

1950s Gigi Young Salmon Coral Pink Silk Taffeta Vintage 50s Fit n Flare Dress

By GiGi Young

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s GIG YOUNG salmon / coral pink silk taffeta fit n' flare 3/4 sleeves dress! Features a wonderful flattering tailored bodice with a forgiving full skirt, which could al...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Beige Wiggle Dress, Circa 1950s
Beige Wiggle Dress, Circa 1950s

Beige Wiggle Dress, Circa 1950s

Located in Brooklyn, NY

vintage early 50s beige & metallic dress. sheath silhouette. short raglan sleeves. v neck collar. decorative bow on the bodice. metallic chevron and horizontal striped pattern. two f...

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1950s American Day Dresses

Elegant Mr. Blackwell 50s Floral Column w/ Structured Peplum w Matching Stole
Elegant Mr. Blackwell 50s Floral Column w/ Structured Peplum w Matching Stole

Elegant Mr. Blackwell 50s Floral Column w/ Structured Peplum w Matching Stole

By Mr. Blackwell

Located in Gresham, OR

Elegant Mr. Blackwell 50s Floral Column w/ Structured Peplum and Matching Stole: A fantastic example of Mr. Blackwell's 1950s style with a fitted column silhouette and beautiful str...

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1950s American Evening Gowns

XS Beautiful 1950s White Tulle Demi Couture Strapless Vintage 50s Tiered Gown
XS Beautiful 1950s White Tulle Demi Couture Strapless Vintage 50s Tiered Gown

XS Beautiful 1950s White Tulle Demi Couture Strapless Vintage 50s Tiered Gown

Located in San Diego, CA

Absolutley breathtaking 1950s demi couture white strapless tulle gown, or wedding dress ! Features yards and yards of white tulle layered throughout the skirt. The tulle on the bust ...

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1950s American Evening Dresses

John Galliano Hi Fashion Sculptural Evening Dress
John Galliano Hi Fashion Sculptural Evening Dress

John Galliano Hi Fashion Sculptural Evening Dress

By John Galliano

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A rare and sophisticated constructed evening dress by John Galliano from his 2007 Collection, which showcased distinctive vintage-esque fashions reminiscent of the 40's and 50's Fren...

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21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses

1950s Claire McCardell Blue Silk Dress
1950s Claire McCardell Blue Silk Dress

1950s Claire McCardell Blue Silk Dress

By Claire McCardell

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Late 50s Claire McCardell Blue Silk Dress with 3/4 sleeves.

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Late 1950s Purple Cotton Sateen Dress Bolero Set Sheath Cocktail Elegant
Vintage Late 1950s Purple Cotton Sateen Dress Bolero Set Sheath Cocktail Elegant

Vintage Late 1950s Purple Cotton Sateen Dress Bolero Set Sheath Cocktail Elegant

Located in San Diego, CA

⸻ 📏 Measurements Bust: 32 inches Waist: 26 inches Hips: 36 inches Length (top back shoulder to hem): 43 inches ⸻ 🔑 Key Features • Late 1950s two-piece dress and bolero set ...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1950s Frank Starr Black Silk Cocktail Dress Lace Bodice Full Skirt
Vintage 1950s Frank Starr Black Silk Cocktail Dress Lace Bodice Full Skirt

Vintage 1950s Frank Starr Black Silk Cocktail Dress Lace Bodice Full Skirt

By Frank Starr

Located in San Diego, CA

⸻ 📏 Measurements Bust: 38 inches Waist: 29–30 inches Hips: 62 inches Length (top back shoulder to hem): 42 inches ⸻ ✨ Key Features • Designer: Frank Starr • Era: Late 1950s ...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Suzy Perette Red Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress w Full Draped Skirt
1950s Suzy Perette Red Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress w Full Draped Skirt

1950s Suzy Perette Red Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress w Full Draped Skirt

By Suzy Perette

Located in Gresham, OR

1950s Suzy Perette Red Silk Cocktail Dress w Full Skirt & Artful Draping: This stunning iconic 50s style dress has a chic apron-like décolletage with boned bodice and crinolines for ...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Blue Halter Dress & Peplum Jacket Shrug  1940s
Blue Halter Dress & Peplum Jacket Shrug  1940s

Blue Halter Dress & Peplum Jacket Shrug 1940s

Located in Wallkill, NY

1940s early 50's Halter Dress with Matching Jacket. Covered buttons side snap Closure.

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1940s American Dress and Coat Ensembles

50s Mid Century Modern Tscharfinger Picasso Homage Girl Pink Dress Oil Painting
50s Mid Century Modern Tscharfinger Picasso Homage Girl Pink Dress Oil Painting

50s Mid Century Modern Tscharfinger Picasso Homage Girl Pink Dress Oil Painting

By Pablo Picasso

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

50s Mid Century Modern Tscharfinger Picasso Homage Girl Pink Dress Oil Painting Rare Mid Century Modern Original 1950s Homage to Pablo Picasso's Turn of the Century Blue Period by T...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Portrait of Girl in Blue Dress - British Post Impressionist 50s art oil painting
Portrait of Girl in Blue Dress - British Post Impressionist 50s art oil painting

Portrait of Girl in Blue Dress - British Post Impressionist 50s art oil painting

By Peter L Field

Located in Hagley, England

This interesting British Post Impressionist portrait oil painting is by artist Peter Field. Painted circa 1955 it is a head and shoulders portrait of a dark-haired young woman with p...

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1950s Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Beautiful Vintage Silk Kimono Dress Gown 1950s Couture Asian Robe Coat 40s 50s
Beautiful Vintage Silk Kimono Dress Gown 1950s Couture Asian Robe Coat 40s 50s

Beautiful Vintage Silk Kimono Dress Gown 1950s Couture Asian Robe Coat 40s 50s

Located in Berlin, BE

Hollywood Glamour Vibes. Not sure if I'm really ready to part with her but oh well... This true beauty is what boudoir dreams are made of. The most amazing pure Silk Kimono Dress l...

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1950s Loungewear

1950s Ivory Brown and Gold Embroidered Silk Tunic Skirt Vintage 50s Patio Dress
1950s Ivory Brown and Gold Embroidered Silk Tunic Skirt Vintage 50s Patio Dress

1950s Ivory Brown and Gold Embroidered Silk Tunic Skirt Vintage 50s Patio Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s lightweight silk ivory, brown and gold embroidered tunic and skirt ensemble / patio dress ! Tunic top features brown and gold ric rac and gold embroidered flowers th...

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1950s American Skirt Suits

Vintage Lanvin Alber Elbaz Silk Butterfly Pants F/W 2013
Vintage Lanvin Alber Elbaz Silk Butterfly Pants F/W 2013

Vintage Lanvin Alber Elbaz Silk Butterfly Pants F/W 2013

By Lanvin Paris

Located in Boca Raton, FL

According to Vogue, Elbaz’s 2013 F/W collection was “carefree yet elegant” and featured a tougher Lanvin girl wearing oxfords in lieu of ballet flats and an idiosyncratic lineup that...

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2010s French Pants

Lanvin Alber Elbaz Silk Butterfly Pants F/W 2013
Lanvin Alber Elbaz Silk Butterfly Pants F/W 2013

Lanvin Alber Elbaz Silk Butterfly Pants F/W 2013

By Lanvin Paris

Located in Boca Raton, FL

According to Vogue, Elbaz’s 2013 F/W collection was “carefree yet elegant” and featured a tougher Lanvin girl wearing oxfords in lieu of ballet flats and an idiosyncratic lineup that...

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2010s French Pants

1950s Neiman Marcus Couture Black Silk Chiffon Strapless Vintage 50s Wiggle Gown
1950s Neiman Marcus Couture Black Silk Chiffon Strapless Vintage 50s Wiggle Gown

1950s Neiman Marcus Couture Black Silk Chiffon Strapless Vintage 50s Wiggle Gown

By Neiman Marcus

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous bombshell 1950s NEIMAN MARCUS couture strapless silk chiffon evening dress! Impeccable construction, with so much detail and workmanship. Built in interior bustier keeps eve...

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1950s French Evening Gowns

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50s Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of 50s dresses for sale on 1stDibs. For 50s dresses, Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Blue, Gray, Beige and more in stock now. If you’re looking for accessories from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find some that date back to the 20th Century while other versions may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. 50s dresses designed by Ceil Chapman, Emma Domb and Mr. Blackwell — each of whom created beautiful versions of these treasured items — are worth considering. When shopping for these accessories, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men or unisex today than there are for women.

How Much are 50s Dresses?

On average, 50s dresses on 1stDibs sell for $795, while they’re typically $95 on the low end and $8,200 for the highest priced versions of these items.

Finding the Right Evening-dresses for You

With entire museum exhibitions dedicated to examining fashion designers and their creations, we’re finally recognizing that costuming is art. Evening dresses over time have conveyed specific statements about social class, position and beliefs. Fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, and sophisticated vintage evening dresses and gowns by our favorite couturier play no small role in making us feel wonderful but, perhaps more importantly, making us feel like ourselves.

In the 16th century, dresses and gowns were so important that England's Queen Elizabeth I defined rules about what dresses women could wear — guidance included long skirts and fitted bodices. Forward-thinking designers have responded to this history.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel reimagined traditionally masculine garments for feminine shapes, and her elegant evening dresses and gowns promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by layers of fabric. Christian Dior's gowns celebrated luxury and femininity in the late 1940s — and gave to women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of the war. French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced innovative and highly coveted dress designs in the 1960s while at the same time challenging sexist stereotypes about which members of society could wear tuxedos.

Works by unconventional British designer John Galliano — featured in houses like Givenchy and Dior — redefined limits that dressmakers faced in terms of material, construction and vision during the late 20th century. From his embroidered absinthe-green Oscars gown for actress Nicole Kidman to the iconic sleeveless Dior newspaper dress that Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made famous, Galliano’s intricate and multifaceted work is reliably collectible and newsworthy

Today’s designers target an increasingly broad audience with their boundary-crossing work, and their tendency to play off of each other’s ideas means that every walk down the runway is also a walk through an entire history of fashion design and dress craftsmanship.

Whether you gravitate toward backless maxi dresses or silk charmeuse gowns by Alexander McQueen or embellished, ruffled floral-print designs by Chloe or Versace, there is an extraordinary collection of vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns waiting for you on 1stDibs.

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.