Button Down Dresses
1970s British Casual Dresses
1970s French Day Dresses
1970s Finnish Maxi Dresses
1970s French Day Dresses
1980s American Day Dresses
1970s French Aesthetic Day Dresses
1980s American Day Dresses
Mid-20th Century British Aesthetic Day Dresses
Early 2000s Italian Day Dresses
1980s Italian Informal Dresses
1970s Mini Dresses
1970s French Informal Dresses
1970s American Informal Dresses
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
1960s British Aesthetic Day Dresses
1960s American Maxi Dresses
1990s Italian Casual Dresses
1980s American Casual Dresses
1970s British Maxi Dresses
1960s American Sheath Dresses
1990s French Shift Dresses
1970s Italian Casual Dresses
1980s Casual Dresses
1990s French Cocktail Dresses
1960s American Casual Dresses
2010s Casual Dresses
20th Century Moroccan Kaftans
1940s French Aesthetic Day Dresses
1970s American Casual Dresses
1980s Italian Chemise Dresses
2010s Casual Dresses
Early 2000s American Babydoll Day Dresses
1990s French Cocktail Dresses
1970s American Casual Dresses
20th Century Moroccan Kaftans
1940s Unknown Informal Dresses
1980s European Informal Dresses
2010s Italian Informal Dresses
20th Century Moroccan Kaftans
1960s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1980s French Informal Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Lithuanian Casual Dresses
1990s German Cocktail Dresses
Early 2000s American Cocktail Dresses
1970s Italian Maxi Dresses
Late 20th Century Italian Casual Dresses
2010s Italian Mini Dresses
1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
1950s British Formal Wear
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
2010s French Evening Dresses
2010s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
20th Century Moroccan Caftans
1970s Moroccan Caftans
Late 20th Century French Cocktail Dresses
Late 20th Century Moroccan Caftans
1960s French Day Dresses
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
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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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A button-up shirt is any shirt that has buttons running up the front of the body while a button-down shirt is the same but has additional buttons on the collar, which can be buttoned down. You can find a variety of button-up as well as button-down shirts on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A button-up sweater is also called a cardigan. It is a knitted garment that has an open front fastened by buttons or a zipper. Traditionally, they are made of wool. On 1stDibs, shop for vintage and designer cardigans from top fashion boutiques around the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The 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 chiffon dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Chiffon is a light and sheer material that's typically made of silk, nylon or rayon. It's often used for lingerie and formalwear.
- What is a mod dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A mod dress is a style of dress that originated along with the mod subculture in London — a culture with roots in 1950s' bohemian-style coffee bars where jazz and blues were played on jukeboxes. Later, during the 1960s, mods were generally fashion-conscious teenagers living in London and south England who listened to these types of music as well as R&B. Mod dresses were among the garments worn by mods, and they were colorful and were embellished by interesting patterns and designs. Mod dresses were made with a short hem. A range of mod dresses by Mary Quant, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent and others can be found on 1stDibs.
- What is a rayon dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021Rayon is a fabric produced from regenerated cellulose fiber and is used to make dresses. It's made from cellulose, which is a semi-synthetic material. It has a comparable drape and softness like silk. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns from top fashion designers.
- What is a wiggle dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A wiggle dress is a dress that falls just below the knee and has a hemline that is narrower than your waist. It is a figure-hugging dress that might add some pep to your walk, resulting in a “wiggle” in your hip. Wiggle dresses came about in the 1950s. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns from top fashion boutiques around the world.
- What are swing dresses?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A swing dress is a dress with an a-line shape that tends to flow as one moves. Swing dresses hit peak popularity in the 1950s.
- What is a dressing chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A dressing chair may refer to the stool or short seat that is intended to accompany a vanity table. Vanities been variously known as dressing tables or makeup tables over the years, but no matter what we call them — and whether it's a sophisticated contemporary piece or an iconic vintage Luigi Massoni vanity — vanities have offered a special place for us to get ready for work, an early-morning appointment or lunch date or whatever lies ahead. Find your vintage dressing chair or vanity table on 1stDibs.
- What is a dress ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A dress ring is any ring that is not a wedding or an engagement ring. They can add charm to any formal or semi-formal outfit. Dress rings can be made of gold, silver, and more and can be studded with precious or semi-precious stones for added visual flair. Shop a collection of vintage and modern dress rings from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
- What is a dupioni dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A dupioni dress is a dress made of a type of silk fabric called dupioni. It is very popular in bridal wear and in other formal wear. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer dupioni dresses and home décor from top designers.
- What is a couture dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A couture dress is hand-sewn using the best materials and designed specifically for the wearer so that the piece is one-of-a-kind. Because these dresses use such high quality materials and take hundreds of hours to complete, they can be expensive. Find a variety of couture dresses on 1stDibs.
- What is an A-line dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024An A-line dress is a dress with a certain shape or cut. Specifically, dresses considered to be A-line styles fit closely along the bust and then gently flare outward for a flowier fit through the waist and hips all the way to the hem. The name of the style comes from the fact that A-line dresses show off a triangular shape similar to the letter A when hung on a hanger. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of dresses from some of the world's top boutiques.
- What is a Grecian dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A Grecian dress is distinguished by draped or pleated fabric, ruching, and toga-like shoulders. During New York Fashion Week in 2021, Grecian gowns were seen on the runways and in presentations by designers such as Donna Karan and Monique Lhuillier. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage Grecian dresses.
- What is a peplum on a dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A peplum on a dress is a pleated, short and gathered fabric strip or frill of cloth, which is attached at the waist of the dress. Peplum dresses are considered very trendy and fashionable. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer peplum dresses from top fashion boutiques around the world.
- What is a ruched dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A ruched dress uses a specific pleating or gathering of the dress material which results in a slimming effect. The ruched style is also used as a means of decoration.
- Is a gown and a dress the same?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, a gown and a dress are not always the same type of clothing. While a gown is a type of dress, not all dresses are gowns. Gowns tend to be more formal and suited for black-tie and evening events. Shop a wide selection of high-end gowns and designer dresses on 1stDibs.
- What is a dress clip?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021A dress clip is a type of pin that typically accents a piece of clothing and can be styled on either the shirt collar of a jacket or the straps of a dress. Dress clips were originally worn in pairs, but today, a dress clip can also be worn as a brooch. Shop a range of vintage dress clips from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is a column dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A column dress is a slim-fit dress — this garment will feature a straight cut and will fit your body very closely. Column dresses are a timeless, classic style and are ideal for formal evening engagements or just a night out on the town. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer column dresses from top fashion boutiques around the world.
- What is a tiki dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A tiki dress is a flowy, Hawaiian style, ultra-comfortable dress. It looks elegant on all body types from tiny mini to plus-sizes. On 1stDibs, find a variety of tiki dresses from the world's most prestigious fashion designers.
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