Navy Celine Knit Pinafore Dress Size US S
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Navy knit sleeveless pinafore mini dress by Celine. Scoop neckline.
Navy Celine Knit Pinafore Dress Size US S
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Navy knit sleeveless pinafore mini dress by Celine. Scoop neckline.
CELINE black & grey viscose CHECK HIGH NECK LONG SLEEVE KNIT Dress XS
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Céline high neck knit dress in black and charcoal viscose (73%), polyamide (22%), polyester (3%) and elastane (2%).
2010 CELINE by PHOEBE PHILO moss green cable knit wool & cashmere sweater dress
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Dark moss green cable-knit sweater dress designed by Phoebe Philo for Celine for the pre fall 2010 collection.
OLD CELINE 2010 Runway Phoebe Philo green wool cashmere cable knit dress S
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE 2010 Runway Phoebe Philo green wool cashmere cable knit dress S Reference: NKLL/A00258 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: Pre fall 2010 - Runway Material: Wo...
CELINE Phoebe Philo 2015 Runway cream beige ribbed knit off shoulder maxi dress
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE Phoebe Philo 2015 Runway cream beige ribbed knit off shoulder maxi dress M Reference: TGAS/G00216 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: Fall/Winter 2015 Ready-to-We...
2015 Celine By Phoebe Philo cinnamon and black knit dress with flounced hemline
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Celine by Phoebe Philo, Pre-Fall 2015 Very rare knit dress in marled cinnamon and black designed by Phoebe Philo.
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2013 navy wool contour cable knit vest dress S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2013 navy wool contour cable knit vest dress S Reference: YIKK/A00218 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: 2013 Material: Wool Color: Navy Pattern...
CELINE 2017 Phoebe Philo Runway pink red white striped cotton knit midi dress XS
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CELINE 2017 Phoebe Philo Runway pink red white striped thick ribbed cotton knit midi dress XS XS Reference: TGAS/G00453 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: SS 2017 - Run...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2014 dark green wool mock neck ribbed knit dress S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo 2014 dark green wool mock neck ribbed knit dress S Reference: TGAS/F00070 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: Fall 2014 Material: Wool, Blend Col...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo red grey abstract intarsia knit sweater dress S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo red grey abstract intarsia knit sweater dress S Reference: TGAS/C01949 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Wool, Cashmere, Mohair Color: Red, Grey ...
Celine Bone White Asymmetric Knit Dress XS 36
By Celine
Located in London, England
Cream/Bone White Unique Sleeveless Short Casual Dress from Celine. - Asymmetrical hemline - Side slit cut out - Hidden back zipper - Made in France - 45% Wool, 24%Viscose, 13% Pol...
Celine Brush Stroke Jacquard Knit Mini Dress SIZE S
By Celine
Located in London, England
Celine Brush Stroke Jacquard Mini Dress Cream with black Paint Jacquard print Racer back dress Round neck, Sleeveless Stretch material Mini dress Slip-on dress Heavy weight, thick...
Celine Brush Stroke Jacquard Knit Mini Dress SIZE S
By Celine
Located in London, England
Celine Brush Stroke Jacquard Mini Dress Cream with black Paint Jacquard print Racer back dress Round neck, Sleeveless Stretch material Mini dress Slip-on dress Heavy weight, thick...
CELINE purple silk blend 2015 WOVEN TRIM MAXI KNIT Dress L
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Cèline by Phoebe Philo woven trim knit maxi dress in purple and black acetate (54%) and silk (46%).
CELINE by PHOEBE PHILO moss green cable knit sweater dress
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Moss Green cableknit sweater dress designed by Phoebe Philo for Celine for the pre fall 2010 collection.
Celine orange ribbed knit pure wool sailor collar dress, c. 1970
By Celine
Located in London, GB
▪ Celine ribbed knit dress ▪ Orange pure wool ▪ Sailor collar ▪ Striped trim on the collar and wrists ▪ FR 40 - UK 12 - US 8 ▪ Circa 1970 ▪ 100% Pure Wool ▪ Made in Italy
runway CELINE PHILO black knit oversized wool collar ruffle hem fitted dress S
By Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
runway CELINE PHILO black knit oversized wool collar ruffle hem fitted dress S CELINE BY PHOEBE PHILO FROM THE PRE-FALL 2014 COLLECTION Black knitted.
Anthracite knit dress open on the side and longer on the back Céline
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Anthracite knit dress open on the side and longer on the back. Knit composition: 45% wool, 24% rayon, 13% polyamide, 12% angora, 5% polyester, 1% elastane Zip closure on the middle ...
OLD CELINE 2010 Runway Phoebe Philo green wool cashmere cable knit dress S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE 2010 Runway Phoebe Philo green wool cashmere cable knit dress S Reference: NKLL/A00258 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: Pre fall 2010 - Runway Material: Wo...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo red grey abstract intarsia knit sweater dress S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo red grey abstract intarsia knit sweater dress S Reference: TGAS/C01949 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Wool, Cashmere, Mohair Color: Red, Grey ...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo red grey abstract intarsia knit sweater dress S
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo red grey abstract intarsia knit sweater dress S Reference: TGAS/C01949 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Wool, Cashmere, Mohair Color: Red, Grey ...
Stunning Celine Knit Dress (40 Fr)
By Celine
Located in Port Hope, ON
75% wool and 25% angora, this high necked knit dress in a dark grey and white speckled pattern, has a sutle covering of see through sequins adding an overall sheen to the dress. I...
Celine Navy Knit Dress with Red and Yellow detail-XS
By Celine
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celine Navy Knit Dress with Red and Yellow detail-XS This knit ribbed dress has a collar and cuff on sleeves that have red and yellow striped detail.
Celine sheer wool alpaca ivory fringe stretch knit top sweater dress XS
By Celine
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Celine ivory knit sweater top with long sleeves and crew neckline Longline cut allows this to perhaps be worn as a sweater dress by someone smaller in height Fringe neck and cuffs R...
Vintage Celine fine wine silk knit print button front dress and belt 1970s
By Celine
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Celine fine wine silk knit print button front dress and belt 1970s...A great dress to travel with!
Celine Phoebe Philo cream ribbed stretch body con knitted sweater midi dress
By Celine
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE Celine Phoebe Philo Resort 2017 A beautifully stretch fitted knit ribbed dress in cream as seen on Kim Kardashian Turned up hem Small slits to each cuff Midi lengt...
CELINE by PHOEBE PHILO ribbed salmon knit runway dress - NEW
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Salmon colored, ribbed knit dress with empire waistline and snap detail designed by Phoebe Philo exactly as seen on the spring 2016 Celine runway.
2010 CELINE by PHOEBE PHILO moss green cable knit sweater dress
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Moss Green cable-knit sweater dress designed by Phoebe Philo for Celine for the pre fall 2010 collection.
Celine Cutout Plunge Halter Maxi Dress
By Celine
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous rich black silk knit dress from Celine. It has a plunging halter top closing across the back with a metal clasp, then is open to the waist.
CELINE by PHOEBE PHILO navy and black knit dress
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Navy blue and black knit dress with raw collar and delicate woven hem designed by Phoebe Philo for Celine.
Celine By Phoebe Philo black knit dress with woven trim - new
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet-black, floor length knit dress with raw collar and delicate woven hem designed by Phoebe Philo for Celine.
Celine Blush Plunge Cutout Maxi Dress
By Celine
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous blush pink silk knit dress from Celine. It a halter style top with a plunging front and bare in the back with the exception of a strap across the center closing with a me...
Charcoal Grey Celine Knit Sweater Turtleneck Dress
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Charcoal Grey Celine Knit Sweater Turtleneck Dress
Celine Beige Knit Turtle Neck Mini Dress S
By Celine
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Look nothing but lovely as you don this marvelous dress from Celine . Pair it with your favorite accessories as you head out for the day.
Celine Cream Ribbed Knit Long Bodycon Dress S
By Celine
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The fine artistry and the feminine silhouette of this designer Celine dress exhibit the label's impeccable craftsmanship in tailoring. It is stitched using quality materials, has a g...
A/W 2018 Old Céline by Phoebe Philo Cream Knit Wool Blend Midi Dress
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A/W 2018 Old Céline by Phoebe Philo cream knit wool blend midi dress.
Celine Olive Green Knit Satin Belt Trim Racer Back Tank Top S
By Celine
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Simple and stylish is what you can call this Celine creation. In olive green color, the tank top features trim racer back and satin belts with a tie up at the front. Tailored from a ...
Resort 2015 Céline by Phoebe Philo Scoop Neck Cream Knit Dress
By Celine, Phoebe Philo
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Resort 2015 Céline by Phoebe Philo wool blend scoop neck cream knit dress.
Celine Olive Green Knit Sweater Dress
By Celine
Located in San Francisco, CA
Thanks to so many designers, this season will be full of layered sweater knits. This olive version is soft and warm enough that you'll want to wear it everyday, while it also featur...
Celine Backless Knit Dress
By Celine
Located in Xiamen, Fujian
Backless, 3/4 length, turtleneck dress in ribbed wool with ribbon bow closure.
RALPH LAUREN olive green cashmere blend CABLE KNIT Cardigan Sweater XL
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Ralph Lauren cardigan in olive cashmere (55%) and wool (45%). Features a cable-knit elements, two pockets and a self-tie belt. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excelle...
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo stone wool cashmere draped neck open back sweater XS
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo stone wool cashmere draped neck open back sweater XS Reference: TGAS/D01070 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Wool, Cashmere Color: Beige Pattern...
Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Black Velour Sheer Long Sleeve Mini Sweater 80s dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1980s Gianfranco Ferre Black Velour Sheer Long Sleeve mini knit sweater dress or Top. Size: Medium Bust : 36 stretch up to 40" Waist 32 - 40 / Hip 34 inch - 40 inch / Length: ...
Vintage ALAIA Green Knit Top and Skirt Set
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s ALAIA green viscose knit top and skirt set. Size: small - medium / 4/6 Top measurement Bust: 36 inch / Length: 24 inch / Sleeve: 26 inches Skirt waist: 25 inch/ Hip : 38 inch / L...
Kaki green wool dress THIERRY MUGLER
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Kaki green wool dress. Snap closure on the middle front and snap closure under the collar t on the chest ) as well. Shoulder pad. Pocket on both side. Box pleats on the back; SIZE 38...
1980S GEOFFREY BEENE Grey Wool Knit Long Sleeve Sweater Dress With Partial Silk
By Geoffrey Beene
Located in New York, NY
1980S GEOFFREY BEENE Grey Wool Knit Long Sleeve Sweater Dress With Partial Silk Lining
$948
Size: Recommended Size; UK 6
2000s Thierry Mugler Khaki Olive Green Vintage Fuzzy Wool Long Sleeve Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Sheffield, GB
An exquisitely tailored early 2000's Thierry Mugler Olive Green soft and fuzzy fitted wool dress, featuring 3/4 sleeves, wrap over drapery at the front, concealed zip up the back and...
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Alaia Black Knit Long Sleeve Dress - L
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Azzedine Alaia dress is a staple for fall and winter. The dress has a classic shape and features a v-neck, flare skirt, and knit detail on the bottom. It is in excellent conditi...
$450
H 9.85 in W 15.75 in D 6.3 in
BURBERRY LONDON navy blue cotton & silk PLEATED Sleeveless FLARED Dress 10 M
By Burberry London
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Burberry pleated dress in navy blue cotton (94%) and silk (6%). Opens with a concealed zipper on the back and a hook on the back. Lined in navy blue acetate (60%) and ...
CELINE black viscose cAP SLEEVE TURTLENECK MIDI SHIFT Dress 38 S
By Celine
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Céline by Phoebe Philo shift dress in black viscose (57%) and silk (43%). Features a high rise draped collar and deconstructed details. Has two slit pockets at the sid...
Ganni Melange Knit Dress in Green Rayon
By Ganni
Located in Houston, TX
The Ganni Melange Knit Dress in Green Rayon is a chic and versatile piece, featuring a bodycon silhouette with long sleeves and a flattering midi length. Crafted from a melange knit ...
Ganni Ruched Ribbed-Knit Long Sleeve Mini Dress in Olive Rayon
By Ganni
Located in Houston, TX
The Ganni Ruched Ribbed-Knit Long Sleeve Mini Dress in olive rayon perfectly balances casual comfort with modern femininity. Its ribbed texture and ruched detailing create a flatteri...
90s Celine Black Wool V-Shaped Neckline Long Dress
By Celine
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Celine black wool long dress. - V-Shaped Neckline. - Slit hem in front. - Back zip closure. - Size 40. - Shoulder: 15 inches. Bust: 32 inches. Height: 51 inche...
Y'S YOHJI YAMAMOTO wool button up asymmetric turtleneck knit sweater dress JP3 L
By Yohji Yamamoto Y's
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Y'S YOHJI YAMAMOTO dark grey wool button up asymmetric turtleneck knit sweater dress JP3 L Reference: DYTG/A00103 Brand: Y's Yohji Yamamoto Material: Wool Color: Grey Pattern: Solid ...
$1,196Sale Price|38% Off
Size: 6
S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Navy Wool Button Up Pinafore Strap Long Sleeve Dress US6
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a long-sleeve navy Gianni Versace Couture dress designed by Gianni Versace. Created as part of the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this dress did not appear on the runway, ...
Oscar De La Renta Green Knitted Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in London, GB
A superb forest green knitted Oscar De La Renta dress. This dress features a scooped neckline and fitted bodice. The dress, however, falls into a fluted skirt trimmed with fox fur dy...
1991 AZZEDINE ALAIA RUNWAY leggings with butterfly motif
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare leggings with butterfly motif from Azzedine Alaia dating to fall of 1991 as seen on the runway. Labeled a size M although these fit small. Approximate un-stretched meas...
La Perla vintage silk nightgown dress
By La Perla
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
La Perla vintage silk nightgown dress Size 3 Excellent condition, a couple of micro-spots, see photo
White wedding ( or evening) dress CHRISTIAN DIOR by Maria-Grazia Chiuri
By MARIA GRAZIA CHIURI, Christian Dior
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White wedding ( or evening) dress. No fabric composition tag but probably rayon. Invisible zip and hook&eye closure on the middle back. Button and buttonhole closure on the cuffs and...
EPIC John Galliano Evening Gown Black Silk Dress FW 08/09
By John Galliano
Located in Berlin, BE
This black silk evening gown by John Galliano, from his Fall/Winter 08/09 Collection is one of those moments: a love letter to the art of couture at its most theatrical and refined. ...
$790Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 6
Bill Blass Pink White Polka Dot Hand Painted Fit and Flare Vintage Dress, 1990
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 90s BILL BLASS pale pink and white hand painted polka dot fit n' flare cocktail silk taffeta dress! Features large handpainted polka dots throughout. Attached white lace underla...
1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Semi-Sheer Black Extra Long Gown Dress
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Baar, CH
Rare 1997 Tom Ford for Gucci dress with original gold-tone "Illusion" hook belt, crafted from thick, body-molding jersey. - From the 1997 Cruise collection. - Comes with original ...
John Galliano Pink Silk Gown
By John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A spectacular John Galliano silk gown in ombre shades of pink. The bodice has spaghetti straps and gathers onto 2 angled bands crossing at the waist. It has a 2 tier skirt, the sho...
Dolce & Gabbana Pink Green Geometric Print Lace up Sides Silk Dress 1990s
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful silk dress in a pink and green geometric print from Dolce & Gabbana. The bodice is vertically boned, fitted through to the hips and has an attached matching pink adj...
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Era Lotus Slides * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977 His Final Coll...
Yves Saint Laurent Smocked Floral-Print Silk-Chiffon Maxi Dress, SS1977
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
Cut from airy sheer silk chiffon, this rare 1977 Spring-Summer Saint Laurent Rive Gauche maxi dress is shirred from under the chest to the hips for a flattering - though comfortable ...
DANES Vintage Black Silk Extra Long Evening Gown Maxi Dress
Located in Leonardo, NJ
DANES Vintage Black 100% silk Extra long Pullover Sheer mesh back Size USA 8 NWT's, Pristine Measurements in inches laying flat: length 66, pit to pit 16 to 18, smallest of waist up ...
Vintage 1930s Black Silk Chiffon Floral evening Gown Tulips US 6 UK 10
Located in Nashville, TN
A marvel to behold, this original vintage 1930's black cotton voile and silk chiffon evening gown, decorated with a silver rhinestone inlay metal chain, is a rare piece to behold. T...
$320Sale Price|50% Off
Size: 8.5
Rare 1990s Stubbs & Wootton Palm Motif Embroidered Jacquard & Leather Mules 8.5
By Stubbs & Wootton
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare Stubbs & Wootton Limited Edition Palm Beach Mules – Size 8.5 Offered here is a rare and collectible pair of vintage late 90s Stubbs & Wootton limited edition mules, imp...
1978 YVES SAINT LAURENT metallic caftan cape and dress ensemble
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This stunning Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche two-piece ensemble, dating to circa 1978, is made of a sheer silk chiffon woven with metallic threads forming a dense floral motif in ton...
F/W 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Genuine Snakeskin Rhinestone Dragon Black Flap Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Designed by Tom Ford for his final collection as Gucci's creative director, this black snakeskin flap bag from the Fall/Winter 2004 collection is an ultra-luxurious must-have. A vers...
$1,450
Size: No size/fits FR 34/36
Fall 2019 CHRISTIAN DIOR by Maria Grazia Chiuri sheer black tulle corset dress
By Christian Dior
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Black tulle corset dress designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri for Dior's Fall 2019 collection. The strapless bodice is constructed from sheer mesh tulle with wide opaque bands that define...
Now renowned for chic womenswear as well as luxury leather handbags that are often recognized for their iconic gold-tone fastening and hardware, French fashion house Celine got its start in children’s shoes.
In 1945, Céline Vipiana and her husband, Richard, opened a made-to-measure shoe shop for children at 52 rue de Malte in Paris. Designer Céline’s name graced the business, alongside a red elephant designed by French cartoonist Raymond Peynet that served as the company’s first logo.
In 1967, following an expansion into women’s shoes and leather accessories, the Vipianas decided to expand their company’s reach into women’s ready-to-wear, focusing on high-end sportswear. Céline Vipiana, who remained chief designer until her death in 1997, would oversee a range of fashion that would reach an international audience with a pared-down elegance and timeless style.
The company quickly achieved widespread success with its new offerings, most notably its trench coat, which became a staple for the brand. In the 1970s, they expanded outside Paris with boutiques in Monte Carlo, Beverly Hills and Hong Kong. In 1973, Céline Vipiana, inspired by chain links around the Arc de Triomphe, debuted the Blazon Chaîne motif of interlocking C’s. She began using it on a printed canvas and branding as well as accents on accessories, such as the Triomphe bag.
Vipiana’s designs were created to appeal as everyday fashion: Celine skirts, suits, fitted shirts, vests and coats were stylish but rooted in practicality. Quality, too, was paramount; Vipiana’s determination to deliver the best possible leather led to the opening of a studio in Florence, where the brand created its leather goods.
Vipiana died a year after her brand was acquired by Bernard Arnault’s luxury conglomerate LVMH for about $540 million. American designer Michael Kors then took the helm as creative director. Kors, too, was known for practical but chic ready-to-wear. He introduced such luxury staples as cashmere sets, smartly tailored pants and simple slip dresses, plus themed collections around jet-setter locales like Monte Carlo and Tahiti. Following Kors’s departure in 2004, onetime Burberry designer Roberto Menichetti took the job for just a year. He was followed by designer Phoebe Philo, the young British designer who is now credited with establishing Celine’s 21st-century style.
Philo created a distinct, minimal style that channeled the brand’s roots of practical simplicity with luxury materials. (“I just thought I’d clean it up,” she quipped of her debut collection in 2010.) Over the course of ten years, Philo turned the company into a beloved fixture of the fashion industry. In 2018, after Philo’s departure, the house tapped Hedi Slimane, former creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, as its new leader; he caused a stir when he famously removed the accent from the brand name. Controversial though it was, Slimane maintained it was a return to the label’s roots: an exercise in strong simplicity.
Find vintage Celine day dresses, handbags and other items on 1stDibs.
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.