70s Black Dresses
1970s Mexican Maxi Dress
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1970s Maxi Dress
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1970s Unknown Aesthetic Evening Dresses
1970s Maxi Dress
1970s American Maxi Dress
1970s American Maxi Dress
1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
1970s American Maxi Dress
1960s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
1970s Evening Dresses and Gowns
1970s French Cocktail Dresses
1970s American Maxi Dresses
1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
1970s American Mini Dress
1970s American Maxi Dress
1970s American Maxi Dress
1970s American Maxi Dresses
1970s Maxi Dress
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1970s American Evening Gowns
1970s Hong Kong Maxi Dress
1970s American Evening Gowns
1970s American Evening Dresses
1970s American Evening Gowns
1970s English Evening Gowns
1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
1970s American Kaftans
1970s American Evening Gowns
1970s Moroccan Caftans
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
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1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
1970s American Evening Gowns
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1970s American Evening Gowns
1970s French Evening Gowns
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
1970s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
1970s American Toga Dresses
1970s American Toga Dresses
1970s American Evening Gowns
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1970s American Cocktail Dresses
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
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1970s American Cocktail Dresses
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1970s American Evening Gowns
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Finding the Right Evening Dresses and Gowns 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024There 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, the maxi dress was very popular in the 1970s. This was a strange transitional era for women’s clothing as they left behind more modest clothing and embraced a risque approach to style. This meant that in the 1970s maxi dresses sat alongside miniskirts in the same closet. Shop a collection of 1970’s-inspired vintage clothing from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Was velvet used in the 1970s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Yes, velvet was used in the 1970s. Fashion designers used the fabric to produce dresses, bell bottoms, flowy kimonos and other pieces. Furniture makers often used it as the upholstery on sofas and armchairs. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of pieces from the 1970s.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023One 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 21, 2024The 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.
- What is black tie dress code?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Black tie dress code is a formal dress code typically reserved for special events that take place in the evening. For men, black tie usually requires a tuxedo and a black tie, though in some cases, a black suit may suffice. Women typically wear floor-length gowns, high heels and jewelry and carry clutch handbags. Find a selection of men's and women's formal apparel on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023In the 1900s, wedding dresses typically looked like full, floor-length garments. Brides wore S-shaped corsets below the usually ruffled bodices, and most designs included large puff sleeves. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage wedding dresses from some of the world's top boutiques.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023What makes the Chanel little black dress so special has everything to do with what the garment symbolized and the era in which it materialized. Legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel revolutionized women’s wear, introducing a more casual, less constricting look for the early 20th century, and debuting uncomplicated skirts and jackets made of a cloth-like fabric called jersey that was considerably unconventional in the world of couture fashion. She set the fashion world alight in 1926 with an elegant but versatile black dress, which was simple and spare compared to other Jazz Age garments (and quite bold, as black was reserved for mourning). Importantly, the dress was affordable during a time of great financial difficulty and aimed at the broadest possible market. Find vintage Chanel dresses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Coco Chanel first made the little black dress popular in 1926. That year, Vogue magazine referred to the dress as Chanel’s Model T as a way to describe how the approachable design was something the average woman could wear, just as Ford’s Model T automobile made it possible for more everyday people to own a car. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Chanel dresses.
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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.