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Cocktail Dress 50s

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50s Silk Jacquard Cocktail Dress w/ Swallowtail Bow -
50s Silk Jacquard Cocktail Dress w/ Swallowtail Bow -

50s Silk Jacquard Cocktail Dress w/ Swallowtail Bow -

Price Upon Request

50s Silk Jacquard Cocktail Dress w/ Swallowtail Bow -

Located in Gresham, OR

A fantastic 50s silk jacquard cocktail dress in black with a floral pattern: zips up the back with

Category

1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Sarmi Black Lace Cocktail Dress-Sz 6 Circa 50's
Vintage Sarmi Black Lace Cocktail Dress-Sz 6 Circa 50's

Vintage Sarmi Black Lace Cocktail Dress-Sz 6 Circa 50's

$700Sale Price|30% Off

Vintage Sarmi Black Lace Cocktail Dress-Sz 6 Circa 50's

By Ferdinando Sarmi

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Vintage Sarmi Black Lace Cocktail Dress - Size 6 Circa 50's This dress is in excellent vintage

Category

1950s American Cocktail Dresses

James Galanos Early 50s Cocktail Dress in Wool and Silk Chiffon
James Galanos Early 50s Cocktail Dress in Wool and Silk Chiffon

James Galanos Early 50s Cocktail Dress in Wool and Silk Chiffon

Price Upon Request

James Galanos Early 50s Cocktail Dress in Wool and Silk Chiffon

By James Galanos

Located in Gresham, OR

A gorgeous very early example of James Galanos' fine work. Label style indicates it was made between '51 and '55. Very simple but extremely structured wool strapless bodice and volu...

Category

1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Badgley Mischka Light Gold Fit and Flare 50s Style Flattering Silk Dress
Badgley Mischka Light Gold Fit and Flare 50s Style Flattering Silk Dress

Badgley Mischka Light Gold Fit and Flare 50s Style Flattering Silk Dress

$650

Badgley Mischka Light Gold Fit and Flare 50s Style Flattering Silk Dress

By Badgley Mischka

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful BADGLEY MISCHKA light gold 1950s style silk dress! Perfect gold color, on the finest silk

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Dresses

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Cocktail Dress 50s For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of cocktail dress 50s for sale on 1stDibs. Many people prefer Black cocktail dress 50s, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Blue, Beige and more options on these pages. The ideal items for you are waiting among the distinctive accessories we have available, which include versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding appealing cocktail dress 50s such as these — no matter the origin — is easy, but Ceil Chapman, Suzy Perette and James Galanos each produced popular versions that are worth a look.

How Much are Cocktail Dress 50s?

On average, cocktail dress 50s on 1stDibs sell for $853, while they’re typically $125 on the low end and $8,200 for the highest priced versions of these items.

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 Cocktail Dress 50s
  • What are 50s style dresses called?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    1950s-style dresses are often called poodle skirt dresses. The dress is generally a fit-and-flare shape with a wide swing skirt. Another popular type of dress is the form-fitting sheath, also known as a pencil dress.
  • 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.
  • What guys wore in the 50s?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Trends from the 1950s included skinny ties, sports coats, letterman jackets, bowling shirts and saddle shoes. Men like Frank Sinatra helped define trends in the 1950s.
  • 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.
  • How much were Chanel bags in the 50s?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023
    How much Chanel bags were in the 1950s varied based on style. When introduced in 1955, the now iconic Chanel 2.55 sold for $220. Chanel has raised the price of popular accessories over the years. Shop a large collection of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • What were record players called in the 50s?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    In the 1950s, most people just called record players record players. The technical name for record players from this period is a phonograph. Until the 1940s, many people referred to record players as gramophones. On 1stDibs, find a variety of record players.
  • Were leather jackets popular in the 50s?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Yes, leather jackets were popular in the 50s. They became a trend after Marlon Brando wore one in the 1953 film The Wild One. Beloved by rockers, rebels and outsiders, the original leather biker jacket was introduced by the Schott Brothers, in Manhattan, in 1928. Because of its association with motorcycle club riots, U.S. schools banned the jackets for a time. Shop a selection of leather jackets 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.
  • What is a 1940s style dress?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.
  • What dresses did they wear in the 1960s?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    The 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 dress was popular in the 1980s?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    One 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.

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A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet

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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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