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Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Spring 1978 Silk Wrap Skirt Blouse YSL 70s Dress Set
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Spring 1978 Silk Wrap Skirt Blouse YSL 70s Dress Set

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Spring 1978 Silk Wrap Skirt Blouse YSL 70s Dress Set

$3,895

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Spring 1978 Silk Wrap Skirt Blouse YSL 70s Dress Set

By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Diego, CA

Marked Size 38 Measurements: Blouse 36 inch bust 36 inch waist Skirt 24-29 inch waist (adjustable wrap style—hook-and-eye closures could be moved to make larger) 64 inch hips 25.5 in...

Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Guy Laroche Black Flakes Dress Vintage 70s
Guy Laroche Black Flakes Dress Vintage 70s

Guy Laroche Black Flakes Dress Vintage 70s

$608

Guy Laroche Black Flakes Dress Vintage 70s

By Guy Laroche

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Black Flakes Dress by Guy Laroche, featuring a touch of playfulness with black satin bows framing

Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

1970s Halston Purple Wool Long Sleeve Vintage Chic 70s Tailored Dress
1970s Halston Purple Wool Long Sleeve Vintage Chic 70s Tailored Dress

1970s Halston Purple Wool Long Sleeve Vintage Chic 70s Tailored Dress

$1,796Sale Price|20% Off

1970s Halston Purple Wool Long Sleeve Vintage Chic 70s Tailored Dress

By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic late 70s HALSTON purple wool long sleeve dress ! Features the perfect color purple that looks

Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

1970s Halston Lipstick Red Silk Chiffon Vintage 70s Wrap Cape Dress
1970s Halston Lipstick Red Silk Chiffon Vintage 70s Wrap Cape Dress

1970s Halston Lipstick Red Silk Chiffon Vintage 70s Wrap Cape Dress

$5,295

1970s Halston Lipstick Red Silk Chiffon Vintage 70s Wrap Cape Dress

By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing 1970s HALSTON lipstick red silk chiffon dress with attached cape ! Wrap style with interior

Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

1970s Halston Silk Rayon Sleeveless Chic Vintage 70s Little Black Dress
1970s Halston Silk Rayon Sleeveless Chic Vintage 70s Little Black Dress

1970s Halston Silk Rayon Sleeveless Chic Vintage 70s Little Black Dress

$2,295

1970s Halston Silk Rayon Sleeveless Chic Vintage 70s Little Black Dress

By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston

Located in San Diego, CA

The perfect HALSTON 1970s little black dress ! I just love the lines on this beauty. While it looks

Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent 1970s YSL Graffiti Print Purple Cotton Vintage 70s Dress
Yves Saint Laurent 1970s YSL Graffiti Print Purple Cotton Vintage 70s Dress

Yves Saint Laurent 1970s YSL Graffiti Print Purple Cotton Vintage 70s Dress

$2,995

Yves Saint Laurent 1970s YSL Graffiti Print Purple Cotton Vintage 70s Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing late 70s YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche graffiti print sleeveless cotton dress ! Features

Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

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70s Cocktail Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary 70s cocktail dress you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning Black, Blue, Beige and more. You’re likely to find the perfect 70s cocktail 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. Making an accessory such as this has likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by SAMIR, Halston and Lanvin Paris are consistently popular. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men and unisex.

How Much is a 70s Cocktail Dress?

The price for a 70s cocktail dress starts at $160 and tops out at $9,893, and on average, selling for $785.

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.

Questions About 70s Cocktail Dress
  • How should I dress for a ’70s party?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • What is the difference between a dress and a cocktail dress?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    The difference between a dress and a cocktail dress is mainly the specificity of the term. A dress is any garment that has a bodice attached to a skirt. The term cocktail dress refers to a dress designed for events in the late afternoon and early evening. Many feature hemlines that fall between the knee and calf. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of cocktail dresses from some of the world's top boutiques.
  • What is a classic cocktail dress?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A classic cocktail dress is a garment worn for special occasions that usually take place in the evening. Although its name comes from "cocktail party," the dresses are suitable for other types of gatherings. Designs vary greatly, but most cocktail dresses feature a hemline that falls close to the knee. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of vintage cocktail dresses.
  • What is considered a cocktail dress?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Cocktail dresses usually finish above or at the knees and are paired with high heels. This dress should be party-ready such as dressy separates or a little black dress.
  • How do you identify a cocktail dress?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify a cocktail dress, first look at the hemline. Typically, hemlines for cocktail dresses fall to the mid-thigh or above. Materials and embellishments can also indicate a cocktail dress. For example, fine fibers like silk, chiffon and velvet are commonly used for cocktail dresses, and many pieces feature decorative accents, such as sequins and rhinestones. Keep in mind that there are no real hard and fast rules for what classifies as a cocktail dress. The term generally refers to any dress slightly more casual than a formal full-length gown but still suitable for nighttime wear. Explore a large selection of cocktail dresses on 1stDibs.
  • Were maxi dresses popular in the 70?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, 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.
  • What sunglasses were popular in the 70s?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    The sunglasses that were popular in the 70s were those that were large and often square in shape. A popular 70s style was the aviator style. Many of the 70s style glasses were characterized by colored lenses and funky frames. Shop 1970s sunglasses and other vintage sunglasses on 1stDibs.
  • What were the ’70s glasses called?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    What the ’70s glasses were called depended on the shape of their frames. Sunglasses and eyeglasses that feature rounded frames with a double bridge are aviator glasses. The oversized women's sunglasses that feature curved, thick frames are butterfly sunglasses, while the angular looks worn by Elton John and other celebrities of the 1970s are square sunglasses. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of vintage sunglasses.
  • What skirts were popular in the 70s?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Many kinds of skirts were popular in the 1970s, including denim skirts, A-line skirts, and peasant skirts. Earth tones, pastels, and wildly colorful patterns were common styles of the 70s. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a wide collection of vintage 1970s skirts from some of the world’s top boutiques.
  • Are platform shoes from the 70s?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, platform shoes are not from the ‘70s. Platform shoes have been around for centuries, with origins in Greek theater. Salvatore Ferragamo popularized the footwear again in the 1930s with his rainbow-soled design. Find vintage and contemporary platform shoes from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • What do you wear to a 70s party?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    In order to dress for a ‘70s party, it is important to dress in the styles of the day. Namely, opt for bell-bottom jeans, polyester tops, shirts and jackets with wide lapels, peasant tops and halter tops. Additionally, choose bright colors and patterns such as tie-dye.
  • What is ’70s furniture called?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    What ’70s furniture is called depends on its style. Generally, pieces from this decade can be called vintage furniture. However, pieces with certain stylistic characteristics have other names. For example, some 1970s furniture is mid-century modern. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, was developed in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of 1970s furniture.
  • What are 70s boots called?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    From crinkle boots to platform boots, there were many different styles of boot found in the 1970s. One of the most popular and famous styles from the time was the go-go boot which first rose to prominence in the 60s. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage boots from the 1970s from some of the world’s top boutiques.
  • What year were cocktail dresses popular?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Cocktail dresses first rose to prominence in the 1920s and onward, with each era making its own mark on the practical and fashionable garment. You’ll find a collection of vintage and contemporary cocktail dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • What dresses were popular in the 90s?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • What dresses were popular in the 1940s?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • What were the dresses in the 20s called?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • How can I tell if a dress is from the 1960s or 1970s?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • How did people dress in the 1990s?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • What are 1920s dresses called?
    1 Answer
    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.

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.

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