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Cocktail Dress 80

80-s Vintage Bob Mackie Black Beaded Bolero Dress Size 6
80-s Vintage Bob Mackie Black Beaded Bolero Dress Size 6

80-s Vintage Bob Mackie Black Beaded Bolero Dress Size 6

By Bob Mackie

Located in Montgomery, TX

80-s Bob Mackie Beaded Bolero Dress Details: Color: Black/Gold Size 6 Bodice: 100% Nylon Bottom

Category

1980s Cocktail Dresses

Silk lamé printed and pleated bustier cocktail dress OLEG CASSINI
Silk lamé printed and pleated bustier cocktail dress OLEG CASSINI

Silk lamé printed and pleated bustier cocktail dress OLEG CASSINI

By Oleg Cassini

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Silk lamé printed and pleated bustier cocktail dress. Fabric composition: 80% silk, 20% lurex

Category

1980s Chinese Cocktail Dresses

Recent Sales

Victor Costa 80's Strapless Blue Cocktail Dress with Feather Bust
Victor Costa 80's Strapless Blue Cocktail Dress with Feather Bust

Victor Costa 80's Strapless Blue Cocktail Dress with Feather Bust

By Victor Costa

Located in Cloverdale, CA

Victor Costa 80's Strapless Blue Cocktail Dress with Feather Bust. The zipper works, it is just too

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

VALENTINO Vintage 80's Silk Corset Dress
VALENTINO Vintage 80's Silk Corset Dress

VALENTINO Vintage 80's Silk Corset Dress

By Valentino

Located in Georgetown, ME

Vintage 80's VALENTINO Boutique Silk Corset Dress. This dress is so flirty and fun. I'm in love

Category

1980s European Cocktail Dresses

80-s Vintage Bob Mackie Black Beaded Bolero Dress US Size 10
80-s Vintage Bob Mackie Black Beaded Bolero Dress US Size 10

80-s Vintage Bob Mackie Black Beaded Bolero Dress US Size 10

By Bob Mackie

Located in Montgomery, TX

80-s Bob Mackie Beaded Bolero Dress Beaded with sequins and glass beads. Turtleneck, zippers on

Category

1980s Cocktail Dresses

Diamond Dangling Hoop Earrings in 18KY Gold
Diamond Dangling Hoop Earrings in 18KY Gold

Diamond Dangling Hoop Earrings in 18KY Gold

Located in New York, NY

be worn with your casual jeans or cocktail dress. They have 80 round diamonds all set in 18karat

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Polka dots 80's cocktail dress Nina Ricci "Haute Boutique"
Polka dots 80's cocktail dress Nina Ricci "Haute Boutique"

Polka dots 80's cocktail dress Nina Ricci "Haute Boutique"

By Nina Ricci

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Pink silk taffetas dress with black polka dress Nina Ricci ( ligne "Nina Ricci Haute Boutique" )

Category

1980s Cocktail Dresses

Pink and lurex knit pleated cocktail dress VIONNET
Pink and lurex knit pleated cocktail dress VIONNET

Pink and lurex knit pleated cocktail dress VIONNET

By Vionnet

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Pink and lurex knit pleated cocktail dress. Knit composition: 80% rayon, 20% polyester. Slip dress

Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Blue 80's dress
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Blue 80's dress

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Blue 80's dress

By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Blue taffetas dress with black glass buttons in the front /above the knee length

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Black Origami jacquard  sleeveless cocktail dress ALAIA
Black Origami jacquard  sleeveless cocktail dress ALAIA

Black Origami jacquard sleeveless cocktail dress ALAIA

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black sleeveless jacquard Origami cocktail dress. Fabric composition: 20% polyester, 80% rayon

Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Badgley Mischka Black Lace &Tulle Dress-Sz 4-Circa 80's
Vintage Badgley Mischka Black Lace &Tulle Dress-Sz 4-Circa 80's

Vintage Badgley Mischka Black Lace &Tulle Dress-Sz 4-Circa 80's

By Badgley Mischka

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Vintage Badgley Mischka Black Lace and Tulle Dress-Sz 4 Circa 80's(from their second season

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

Abito Yves Saint Laurent rive Gauche anni’80 in perfette condizioni
Abito Yves Saint Laurent rive Gauche anni’80 in perfette condizioni

Abito Yves Saint Laurent rive Gauche anni’80 in perfette condizioni

By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche

Located in Basaluzzo, IT

Abito rosa Yves Saint Laurent rive Gauche in seta e Lino. Perfette condizioni, laccio interno per mantenere la forma Lunghezza midi, articolo da sfilata Taglia 40 Misure: Petto 41cm ...

Category

1980s Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Nina Ricci Black Crepe/Silk Taffeta Halter Dress-Sz 6- 80's
Vintage Nina Ricci Black Crepe/Silk Taffeta Halter Dress-Sz 6- 80's

Vintage Nina Ricci Black Crepe/Silk Taffeta Halter Dress-Sz 6- 80's

By Nina Ricci

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Vintage Nina Ricci Black Crepe & Silk Taffeta Halter Dress with dramatic ruffle detail-Sz 6- 80's

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

80' Christian Lacroix Cocktail Dress
80' Christian Lacroix Cocktail Dress

80' Christian Lacroix Cocktail Dress

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Hamburg, Deutschland

80' Christian Lacroix Cocktail Dress with scarf. Size 38 EU about 6 US measurements: Lenght 41

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

80's Valentino Cocktail Dress
80's Valentino Cocktail Dress

80's Valentino Cocktail Dress

By Valentino

Located in Hamburg, Deutschland

80's Valentino Cocktail Dress. Velvet top, silver metal silk and a wool skirt.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Cocktail Dresses

80's Yves Saint Laurent Cocktail Dress
80's Yves Saint Laurent Cocktail Dress

80's Yves Saint Laurent Cocktail Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Hamburg, Deutschland

AS SOON AS IT’S POSSIBLE. THANK YOU. 80's Yves Saint Laurent Cocktail Dress.

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

80's Yves Saint Laurent Cocktail Dress
80's Yves Saint Laurent Cocktail Dress

80's Yves Saint Laurent Cocktail Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Hamburg, Deutschland

1984 Yves Saint Laurent Cocktail Dress. Black velvet with pink taffeta silk sleeves and belt

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

80's Yves Saint Laurent Bustier Cocktail Dress
80's Yves Saint Laurent Bustier Cocktail Dress

80's Yves Saint Laurent Bustier Cocktail Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Hamburg, Deutschland

80's Yves Saint Laurent Bustier Cocktail Dress Black satin and a big bow in bronze colored

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

80's Yves Saint Laurent Bustier Cocktail Dress
80's Yves Saint Laurent Bustier Cocktail Dress

80's Yves Saint Laurent Bustier Cocktail Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Hamburg, Deutschland

80's Yves Saint Laurent Bustier Cocktail Dress Black satin and a big black taffeta bow

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Mid 80's Jacqueline de Ribes Cocktail Dress
Mid 80's Jacqueline de Ribes Cocktail Dress

Mid 80's Jacqueline de Ribes Cocktail Dress

By Jacqueline de Ribes

Located in Hamburg, Deutschland

Mid 80's Jacqueline de Ribes Cocktail dress. Black and pink silk satin, velvet bows and a

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

80's James Galanos Cocktail Dress and Lace Blouse
80's James Galanos Cocktail Dress and Lace Blouse

80's James Galanos Cocktail Dress and Lace Blouse

By James Galanos

Located in Hamburg, Deutschland

80's James Galanos Dress and Lace Blouse. Galanos "little black dress" in wool and velvet with

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

Late 80's Scherrer Boutique Black Silk Cocktail Dress
Late 80's Scherrer Boutique Black Silk Cocktail Dress

Late 80's Scherrer Boutique Black Silk Cocktail Dress

By Jean-Louis Scherrer

Located in Hamburg, Deutschland

Black chiffon silk and two tone sequins in white and crème.
The ruched bodice is boned for great fit, sarong draped skirt
opens every move.
The matching scarf i...

Category

20th Century French Cocktail Dresses

80's Yves Saint Laurent Floral Silk Chiffon Dress
80's Yves Saint Laurent Floral Silk Chiffon Dress

80's Yves Saint Laurent Floral Silk Chiffon Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Hamburg, Deutschland

1980's Yves Saint Laurent Floral Silk Chiffon Dress.

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Balmain 80's Classic Black & Pink Wool Silk Dress with Belt
Balmain 80's Classic Black & Pink Wool Silk Dress with Belt

Balmain 80's Classic Black & Pink Wool Silk Dress with Belt

By Balmain

Located in Montgomery, TX

The 80's will never fade out of style!!! Balmain 80's Claccic Black & Pink Wool Dress with Belt

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

80's James Galanos Creme Silk Afternoon or Cocktail Dress
80's James Galanos Creme Silk Afternoon or Cocktail Dress

80's James Galanos Creme Silk Afternoon or Cocktail Dress

By James Galanos

Located in Hamburg, Deutschland

80's James Galanos Creme Silk Afternoon or Cocktail Dress. Slip-on style, detachable belt, one

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

Thierry Mugler Vintage 80's Black Sequin Wrap Style Cocktail Dress
Thierry Mugler Vintage 80's Black Sequin Wrap Style Cocktail Dress

Thierry Mugler Vintage 80's Black Sequin Wrap Style Cocktail Dress

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Cloverdale, CA

Sexy vintage black sequin cocktail dress from Thierry Mugler . This has a wrap style section that

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Thierry Mugler Vintage 80's Sequin Cocktail Dress
Thierry Mugler Vintage 80's Sequin Cocktail Dress

Thierry Mugler Vintage 80's Sequin Cocktail Dress

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Cloverdale, CA

Thierry Mugler Vintage 80's Super Sexy Sequin Cocktail Dress. This is so much prettier than the

Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

Vicky Tiel Paris 80's Gold Sequin Cocktail Dress
Vicky Tiel Paris 80's Gold Sequin Cocktail Dress

Vicky Tiel Paris 80's Gold Sequin Cocktail Dress

By Vicky Tiel

Located in Cloverdale, CA

Vicky Tiel Couture Paris Sexy 80's Sequin Cocktail Dress The witty quote was "It's Chanel for the

Category

1970s French Evening Gowns

80's Atelier Versace Rhinestone Skirt and Top
80's Atelier Versace Rhinestone Skirt and Top

80's Atelier Versace Rhinestone Skirt and Top

By Gianni Versace

Located in Hamburg, Deutschland

80's Atelier Versace Rhinestone Skirt and Top. There are a few rhinestones missing but there are

Category

1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses

80'S Oleg Cassini "Flower Power" Silk Sequin Cocktail Dress
80'S Oleg Cassini "Flower Power" Silk Sequin Cocktail Dress

80'S Oleg Cassini "Flower Power" Silk Sequin Cocktail Dress

By Oleg Cassini

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

" cocktail dress by Designer Oleg Cassini. Made of 100% silk, heavily adorned beads and sequins with a

Category

20th Century Evening Dresses and Gowns

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Victor Costa Strapless Dress
Victor Costa Strapless Dress

Victor Costa Strapless Dress

By Victor Costa

Located in Alford, MA

One of Victor Costa's best designs, this strapless cocktail/evening dress is fashioned of white satin and black velvet alternating horizontal stripes with fitted bodice leading to an...

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Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Luca Luca 1990s Terra Cotta Tan Sz 8 / 10 Virgin Wool Italian Vintage 90s Dress
Luca Luca 1990s Terra Cotta Tan Sz 8 / 10 Virgin Wool Italian Vintage 90s Dress

Luca Luca 1990s Terra Cotta Tan Sz 8 / 10 Virgin Wool Italian Vintage 90s Dress

By LUCA LUCA

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic and classic never worn 1990s LUCA LUCA terra-cotta virgin wool sleeveless sheath dress! The perfect alternative to the little black dress, this gem offers so much versatility. F...

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1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Max Nugus Haute Couture 1990s Size 6 8 Pink Brown Ombre Chiffon Vintage 90s Gown
Max Nugus Haute Couture 1990s Size 6 8 Pink Brown Ombre Chiffon Vintage 90s Gown

Max Nugus Haute Couture 1990s Size 6 8 Pink Brown Ombre Chiffon Vintage 90s Gown

By Max Nugus Haute Couture, Max Nugus

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous 1990s MAX NUGUS HAUTE COUTURE ombre beaded silk chiffon full length evening dress! Warm colors of pink, peach and brown. Strapless underlay with an attached intricately bead...

Category

1990s American Evening Gowns

1980's Brown Mink Lightweight Reversible Coat
1980's Brown Mink Lightweight Reversible Coat

1980's Brown Mink Lightweight Reversible Coat

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Chic 1980's unmarked Canadian brown mink reversible long coat. One side is brown leather patchwork pattern with a fur collar and cuffs. The textured pattern is created by piecing the...

Category

1980s Canadian Coats and Outerwear

Oscar de la Renta 2007 Runway Look Brown Ruffle Trim Sun Dress
Oscar de la Renta 2007 Runway Look Brown Ruffle Trim Sun Dress

Oscar de la Renta 2007 Runway Look Brown Ruffle Trim Sun Dress

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in San Francisco, CA

Oscar de la Renta brown pencil dress with raw edged ruffle trim. Grosgrain trim circles the bodice. Boned at bodice for shape. Back zip and hook and eye. Seen in another color in L...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Casual Dresses

New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 37
New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 37

New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 37

By Gucci

Located in Conroe, TX

Gucci Brand New From Gucci's 90th anniversary Fall Runway show, Frida Giannini cited her influence was Anjelica Huston $1815 * Python Heels * Rare Ad Runway Heels * Size: 37 * Yel...

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2010s Italian Shoes

Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Black White Plunging Cleavage Cut Out Gown Dress
Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Black White Plunging Cleavage Cut Out Gown Dress

Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Black White Plunging Cleavage Cut Out Gown Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy and highly collectible museum quality vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL by TOM FORD black and white plunging runway cut-out gown ! Features a soft crepe blend fabric that hugs the ...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Gowns

ALEXANDER McQUEEN 1996 "The Hunger" White Ivory Silk Crepe Asymmetric Dress
ALEXANDER McQUEEN 1996 "The Hunger" White Ivory Silk Crepe Asymmetric Dress

ALEXANDER McQUEEN 1996 "The Hunger" White Ivory Silk Crepe Asymmetric Dress

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Thiensville, WI

ALEXANDER McQUEEN 1996 "The Hunger" White Ivory Silk Crepe Asymmetric Dress Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: 1996 Designer: Alexander McQueen Style: Cocktail dr...

Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Iconic S/S 2000 Plunging Jungle Dress
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Iconic S/S 2000 Plunging Jungle Dress

GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Iconic S/S 2000 Plunging Jungle Dress

By Gianni Versace Couture

Located in Rubiera, RE

GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Silk jersey jungle dress Spring Summer 2000 Collection 100% silk Made in Italy Measures: Length cm. 100 Shoulders cm. 42 Bust cm. 48 Waist cm. 38 Sleeve cm. 64...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Incredible Vintage Victor Costa for Neiman Marcus Hot Pink Origami Tulip Dress
Incredible Vintage Victor Costa for Neiman Marcus Hot Pink Origami Tulip Dress

Incredible Vintage Victor Costa for Neiman Marcus Hot Pink Origami Tulip Dress

By Victor Costa, Neiman Marcus

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing vintage Victor Costa for Neiman Marcus dress!!! Vibrant hot pink/fuchsia color, with black sequin waistband. Origami detail at bust, that continues on the back. Great tulip s...

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1980s American Evening Gowns

1970s Halston Couture Black Silk Chiffon Beaded Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Dress
1970s Halston Couture Black Silk Chiffon Beaded Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Dress

1970s Halston Couture Black Silk Chiffon Beaded Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Dress

By Halston

Located in San Diego, CA

Exceptional vintage 70s HALSTON Couture black silk chiffon beaded dress and sash belt or head scarf! Features a separate black silk chiffon slip with three layers of chiffon and nude...

Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

Oscar de la Renta Gold Sequin Polka Dot Sleeveless Cocktail Dress
Oscar de la Renta Gold Sequin Polka Dot Sleeveless Cocktail Dress

Oscar de la Renta Gold Sequin Polka Dot Sleeveless Cocktail Dress

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in San Francisco, CA

Oscar de la Renta metallic gold sequin fitted sleeveless party dress. The sequins switch direction in spots, forming a polka dot pattern. The perfect holiday dress! Back zip and hook...

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2010s American Cocktail Dresses

1980s Victor Costa for Bergdorf Goodman Hunter Green Black Strapless 80s Dress
1980s Victor Costa for Bergdorf Goodman Hunter Green Black Strapless 80s Dress

1980s Victor Costa for Bergdorf Goodman Hunter Green Black Strapless 80s Dress

By Victor Costa

Located in San Diego, CA

Striking 1980s VICTOR COSTA for BERGDORF GOODMAN hunter / forest green and black strapless dress ! Green taffeta fabric with sheer black mesh and velvet overlay. Bow sash detail at l...

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1980s American Cocktail Dresses

UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch
UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch

UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Switzerland, CH

EXTREMELY RARE GUCCI BY TOM FORD GORGEOUS FUR EVENING BAG WITH STUNNING JEWELED DRAGON DETAIL DETAILS: A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years From one of GUCC...

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Early 2000s Italian Clutches

1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress
1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress

1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress

By Escada Margaretha Ley, Amen Wardy

Located in Sparks, NV

Vintage 1980s black and white strapless tube dress by Margaretha Ley for Escada with a polka dot and stripe print. Fully lined with rear zip closure. The marked size is 34, and the d...

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1980s German Cocktail Dresses

1990s Vintage Moschino Cheap & chic red blazer jacket
1990s Vintage Moschino Cheap & chic red blazer jacket

1990s Vintage Moschino Cheap & chic red blazer jacket

By Moschino Cheap and Chic

Located in LAGNY-SUR-MARNE, FR

1990s Vintage Moschino Cheap & chic red blazer jacket, in a bright red with black velvet buttons collar and pockets. Condition : Excellent Vintage Condition - Fully lined - Made i...

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1990s Italian Blazers

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Cocktail Dress 80 For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary cocktail dress 80 you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Many people prefer Black, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Blue, Brown and more options on these pages. You’re likely to find the perfect cocktail dress 80 among the distinctive accessories we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th 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, Thierry Mugler and Vicky Tiel are consistently popular. When shopping for these accessories, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men or unisex today than there are for women.

How Much is a Cocktail Dress 80?

The price for a cocktail dress 80 starts at $150 and tops out at $4,800, and on average, selling for $850.

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 80
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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