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1940s Haute Couture Black Silk Dress
1940s Haute Couture Black Silk Dress

1940s Haute Couture Black Silk Dress

Located in London, GB

Superb French haute couture black silk dress and almost certainly made during or just after WWII

Category

1940s French Formal Wear

The Row Black Mini Dress, Size 6
The Row Black Mini Dress, Size 6

The Row Black Mini Dress, Size 6

By The Row

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Product details: Featuring black cotton, open crew neck line, short sleeves (11.25"), mini length

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Formal Wear

1990s Victor Costa Black and White Polkadot Ruffle Dress
1990s Victor Costa Black and White Polkadot Ruffle Dress

1990s Victor Costa Black and White Polkadot Ruffle Dress

By Victor Costa

Located in London, GB

1980s or early 1990s monochrome polka dot chiffon ruffle dress. This is a great example of playful

Category

1990s American Formal Wear

1960s Paul Jonas Floral Dress with Black Stripes
1960s Paul Jonas Floral Dress with Black Stripes

1960s Paul Jonas Floral Dress with Black Stripes

Located in London, GB

A sensational and original 1960s floral polished cotton dress by British boutique designer Paul

Category

1960s British Formal Wear

1990'S THIERRY MUGLER Black Silk Long Sleeve Dress
1990'S THIERRY MUGLER Black Silk Long Sleeve Dress

1990'S THIERRY MUGLER Black Silk Long Sleeve Dress

By Thierry Mugler

Located in New York, NY

Tagged a European size 38 Sexy snaps go all the way down the back. 1990'S THIERRY MUGLER Black Silk

Category

1990s Formal Wear

Alaïa 1985 Black Wool Dress with Vinyl Belt Distressed Condition
Alaïa 1985 Black Wool Dress with Vinyl Belt Distressed Condition

Alaïa 1985 Black Wool Dress with Vinyl Belt Distressed Condition

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Hong Kong, HK

designer’s sculptural tailoring and provocative edge. Crafted in black wool, the dress features a cinched

Category

1980s French Formal Wear

ROLAND MOURET black viscose EMBROIDERED LACE Gown Dress 10 S
ROLAND MOURET black viscose EMBROIDERED LACE Gown Dress 10 S

ROLAND MOURET black viscose EMBROIDERED LACE Gown Dress 10 S

By Roland Mouret

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Roland Mouret sleeveless maxi dress in black viscose (36%), acetate (35%), nylon (26

Category

2010s Formal Gowns

Thierry Mugler Late Black Structured Quilted Long Sleeve Coat Dress, 1980s
Thierry Mugler Late Black Structured Quilted Long Sleeve Coat Dress, 1980s

Thierry Mugler Late Black Structured Quilted Long Sleeve Coat Dress, 1980s

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Amazing example of Mugler's iconic broad shoulder, curvy body. This piece is special because it has the appearance of quilted segments to add to the structure of the entire piece. In...

Category

20th Century Formal Wear

Vintage Carven Black Mid Length Long Sleeve Dress Size 38
Vintage Carven Black Mid Length Long Sleeve Dress Size 38

Vintage Carven Black Mid Length Long Sleeve Dress Size 38

By Carven

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Product details: Size 38 Featuring 100% polyester fabric, long sleeves with slit, mid length, shorter on the front, longer on the back, rear zip closure. Made in Turkey.

Category

Late 20th Century Turkish Formal Wear

Michael Hoban for North Beach Leather Black Lambskin Body-Hugging Dress
Michael Hoban for North Beach Leather Black Lambskin Body-Hugging Dress

Michael Hoban for North Beach Leather Black Lambskin Body-Hugging Dress

By Michael Hoban for North Beach Leather, Michael Hoban

Located in New York, NY

This wonderfully wicked Michael Hoban for North Beach Leather body-hugging dress is made with the

Category

1980s Italian Formal Wear

S/S 2006 Christian Dior Haute Couture by Galliano Gold Black Dress Jacket Set
S/S 2006 Christian Dior Haute Couture by Galliano Gold Black Dress Jacket Set

S/S 2006 Christian Dior Haute Couture by Galliano Gold Black Dress Jacket Set

By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting a fabulous black and gold Christian Dior haute couture dress set, designed by John

Category

Early 2000s French Formal Gowns

Salvatore Ferragamo Leather Straps Dress
Salvatore Ferragamo Leather Straps Dress

Salvatore Ferragamo Leather Straps Dress

By Salvatore Ferragamo

Located in London, GB

Salvatore Ferragamo Leather Straps Dress Knee-length black leather dress from Salvatore Ferragamo

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Formal Wear

Vintage Bill Blass Silk Dress
Vintage Bill Blass Silk Dress

Vintage Bill Blass Silk Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in London, GB

A chic and easy to wear vintage silk dress by Bill Blass . The dress is in a wonderful combination

Category

1970s American Formal Wear

Vintage Rowlands of Bath Austrian Check Dress
Vintage Rowlands of Bath Austrian Check Dress

Vintage Rowlands of Bath Austrian Check Dress

Located in London, GB

A chic and warm vintage dress by Rowlands of Bath. Made in Austria in a lovely check wool with

Category

1980s Austrian Formal Wear

Saint Laurent Rive Gauche "Le Smoking" Dress 80s
Saint Laurent Rive Gauche "Le Smoking" Dress 80s

Saint Laurent Rive Gauche "Le Smoking" Dress 80s

By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche

Located in London, GB

- Black wool and silk satin trim 'Le Smoking" tuxedo dress with side buttons - Excellent condition

Category

1980s French Formal Wear

1970s French Couture Navy Rose Print Dress
1970s French Couture Navy Rose Print Dress

1970s French Couture Navy Rose Print Dress

Located in London, GB

This is a couture made French dress from the 1970s. The label reads La Femme Chic Place de la

Category

1970s French Formal Wear

A/W1992 Dolce & Gabbana pin-up bandage mini dress
A/W1992 Dolce & Gabbana pin-up bandage mini dress

A/W1992 Dolce & Gabbana pin-up bandage mini dress

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Milano, Lombardia

A/W 1992 Dolce & Gabbana pin-up bandage mini dress This iconic Dolce & Gabbana mini dress from the

Category

Late 20th Century Formal Wear

90s Gianfranco Ferre Sheer Metallic Grey Cocktail Dress
90s Gianfranco Ferre Sheer Metallic Grey Cocktail Dress

90s Gianfranco Ferre Sheer Metallic Grey Cocktail Dress

By Gianfranco Ferré

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

90s Gianfranco Ferre Sheer metallic grey long sleeve fitted cocktail dress. Size: 4/6 see

Category

1980s Italian Formal Wear

HERVE LEGER midnight blue BANDAGE BODYCON Dress XS
HERVE LEGER midnight blue BANDAGE BODYCON Dress XS

HERVE LEGER midnight blue BANDAGE BODYCON Dress XS

By Herve Léger

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Herve Leger sleeveless bandage cocktail dress in midnight-blue rayon (90%), nylon (9

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Formal Gowns

1950s Navy and Pink Silk Rose Print Dress
1950s Navy and Pink Silk Rose Print Dress

1950s Navy and Pink Silk Rose Print Dress

Located in London, GB

background. The dress boasts the most beautiful sculptural sleeve design with folds and pleating of the silk

Category

1950s American Formal Wear

2008 Runway Jeremy Scott Novelty Grandfather Clock Dress
2008 Runway Jeremy Scott Novelty Grandfather Clock Dress

2008 Runway Jeremy Scott Novelty Grandfather Clock Dress

By Jeremy Scott

Located in London, GB

Runway documented Jeremy Scott novelty grandfather clock dress from his autumn / winter 2008

Category

Early 2000s American Formal Wear

1990 Yves Saint Laurent Colourful Abstract Print Shirtwaister Dress
1990 Yves Saint Laurent Colourful Abstract Print Shirtwaister Dress

1990 Yves Saint Laurent Colourful Abstract Print Shirtwaister Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent

Located in London, GB

This staple dress is from the 1990 A/W Rive Gauche collection from Yves Saint Laurent. The simple

Category

1990s French Formal Wear

Black Silk Velvet Gown
Black Silk Velvet Gown

Black Silk Velvet Gown

Located in New York, NY

Black Silk Velvet Gown

Category

Late 20th Century Formal Gowns

1990S Black Silk Lace Gown
1990S Black Silk Lace Gown

1990S Black Silk Lace Gown

Located in New York, NY

1990S Black Silk Lace Gown

Category

1990s Formal Gowns

Black Silk Velvet Gown With Jacket
Black Silk Velvet Gown With Jacket

Black Silk Velvet Gown With Jacket

Located in New York, NY

Black Silk Velvet Gown With Jacket

Category

Late 20th Century Formal Gowns

1990S Black Chantilly Lace Short Sleeved Gown
1990S Black Chantilly Lace Short Sleeved Gown

1990S Black Chantilly Lace Short Sleeved Gown

Located in New York, NY

made quality, fully lined in silk. 1990S Black Chantilly Lace Short Sleeved Gown

Category

1990s Formal Gowns

1990S Metallic Black Rayon/Lurex Lace Gown
1990S Metallic Black Rayon/Lurex Lace Gown

1990S Metallic Black Rayon/Lurex Lace Gown

Located in New York, NY

made quality, fully lined in silk. 1990S Metallic Black Rayon/Lurex Lace Gown

Category

1990s Formal Gowns

1990S Black Embroidered Rayon & Silk Organza Gown
1990S Black Embroidered Rayon & Silk Organza Gown

1990S Black Embroidered Rayon & Silk Organza Gown

Located in New York, NY

made quality, fully lined in silk. 1990S Black Embroidered Rayon & Silk Organza Gown

Category

1990s Formal Gowns

1990S Brown & Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Lace Gown
1990S Brown & Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Lace Gown

1990S Brown & Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Lace Gown

Located in New York, NY

made quality, fully lined in silk. 1990S Brown & Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Lace Gown

Category

1990s Formal Gowns

Early 2000s Dolce & Gabbana Black Satin Slip Gown
Early 2000s Dolce & Gabbana Black Satin Slip Gown

Early 2000s Dolce & Gabbana Black Satin Slip Gown

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in West Hollywood, CA

From the early 2000s, this sleek Dolce & Gabbana black silk satin slip gown is a simple and chic

Category

Early 2000s Italian Formal Gowns

2000s Valentino Black Sheer Panel Halterneck Rhinestone Buckle Gown
2000s Valentino Black Sheer Panel Halterneck Rhinestone Buckle Gown

2000s Valentino Black Sheer Panel Halterneck Rhinestone Buckle Gown

By Valentino Garavani, Valentino

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting a fabulous black Valentino halterneck gown. From the 2000s, this full-length dress

Category

Early 2000s Italian Formal Gowns

1990S Black Silk & Rayon Satin Lace Gown With Train
1990S Black Silk & Rayon Satin Lace Gown With Train

1990S Black Silk & Rayon Satin Lace Gown With Train

Located in New York, NY

made quality, fully lined in silk. 1990S Black Silk & Rayon Satin Lace Gown With Train

Category

1990s Formal Gowns

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Black Formal Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage or contemporary black formal dress for your needs in our varied inventory. Many people prefer Black, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Gray, Beige and more options on these pages. Finding the perfect black formal dress may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions were made as early as the 20th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 21st Century, can also be found on the site. There have been many well-made iterations of this accessory over the years, but those made by Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Mike Benet Formals are often thought to be among the most stylish. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Black Formal Dress?

On average, a black formal dress on 1stDibs sells for $792, while they’re typically $129 on the low end and $16,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

Questions About Black Formal Dress
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    Black 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 ExpertMay 3, 2024
    The dress code for a black tie event is formal. For women, this typically means full-length gowns, clutch handbags and statement jewelry. Men's black tie attire is usually a tuxedo. As the name suggests, a black bow tie or necktie is the traditional accessory, but today, some men choose to wear ties in other solid colors or even prints. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of men's and women's formal apparel.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel made the little black dress famous. In 1926, Chanel introduced it, reclaiming a color that had once been largely reserved for mourning. When it debuted, Vogue magazine called the dress Chanel's Ford, considering that just as the Model T made automobile ownership attainable for the middle class, the little black dress made high fashion accessible for everyday women. Find a variety of Chanel dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    For ladies, black tie dress code means that there is an expectation to dress formally. This typically involves wearing a full-length gown. Bold statement jewelry and pumps are also commonly worn to black-tie events. For handbags, women usually opt to carry small clutches with black tie attire. Explore a wide variety of gowns, shoes, bags and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    What 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, 2023
    Coco 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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