Fringe Cocktail Dresses
1920s Evening Dresses and Gowns
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Dresses and Gowns
1970s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1970s Italian Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses
1990s French Cocktail Dresses
1980s British Cocktail Dresses
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1960s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
1970s French Cocktail Dresses
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
2010s British Cocktail Dresses
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
1980s Cocktail Dresses
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
1960s Italian Cocktail Dresses
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
Early 2000s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
1990s French Cocktail Dresses
1990s Cocktail Dresses
1990s French Cocktail Dresses
1930s Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Dresses
2010s Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Cocktail Dresses
1950s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
Early 2000s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
Late 20th Century Italian Cocktail Dresses
1920s Cocktail Dresses
1960s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Dresses
1990s Cocktail Dresses
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Cocktail Dresses
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Cocktail Dresses
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
1990s American Cocktail Dresses
1960s Cocktail Dresses
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Fringe Cocktail Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs
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Finding the Right Evening Dresses and Gowns 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.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A 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, 2021Cocktail 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, 2024To 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, 2022Cocktail 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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A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet
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A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story
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