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Valentino Ivory Cocktail Dress with Sequin Embellishments
Valentino Ivory Cocktail Dress with Sequin Embellishments

Valentino Ivory Cocktail Dress with Sequin Embellishments

By Valentino

Located in London, GB

A Valentino ivory crepe de chine cocktail dress with a slouched halter-neck and plunging neckline.

Category

20th Century Cocktail Dresses

Ivory guipure cocktail dress SELF-PORTRAIT New
Ivory guipure cocktail dress SELF-PORTRAIT New

Ivory guipure cocktail dress SELF-PORTRAIT New

By Self-Portrait

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Ivory guipure cocktail dress. Main fabric composition ( lace) : 96% polyester, 4% polyamide.

Category

2010s Chinese Cocktail Dresses

1960's Ivory Beaded Cocktail Dress Size 8-10
1960's Ivory Beaded Cocktail Dress Size 8-10

1960's Ivory Beaded Cocktail Dress Size 8-10

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This cocktail dress is composed of a white (Ivory hue) silk with beading and short sleeves.

Category

1960s American Cocktail Dresses

Eisa Ivory Silk Cloque Bell Shaped Dress, Balenciaga
Eisa Ivory Silk Cloque Bell Shaped Dress, Balenciaga

Eisa Ivory Silk Cloque Bell Shaped Dress, Balenciaga

By Eisa

Located in New York, NY

Elegant Eisa Ivory Silk Cloque Bell Shaped Dress, Balenciaga from the 1960's. Perfection in cut, with slightly open neckline with notched collar. A lovely princess line which curves ...

Category

1960s Spanish Cocktail Dresses

Pat Sandler Ivory Chiffon Cocktail Dress with Pink Embellishment Accents
Pat Sandler Ivory Chiffon Cocktail Dress with Pink Embellishment Accents

Pat Sandler Ivory Chiffon Cocktail Dress with Pink Embellishment Accents

By Pat Sandler, Highlight

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Pat Sandler for Highlight cocktail dress is composed of an ivory silk chiffon and features pink crystal accents on the bodice.

Category

1960s American Cocktail Dresses

Black sequin lace appliqué on ivory silk  cocktail dress Lorena Sarbu
Black sequin lace appliqué on ivory silk  cocktail dress Lorena Sarbu

Black sequin lace appliqué on ivory silk cocktail dress Lorena Sarbu

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black sequin lace appliqué on ivory silk cocktail dress. Boned tulle bustier inside the dress with padded bra.

Category

2010s American Cocktail Dresses

Oscar de La Renta Black & Ivory Satin Cocktail Dress, 1970's
Oscar de La Renta Black & Ivory Satin Cocktail Dress, 1970's

Oscar de La Renta Black & Ivory Satin Cocktail Dress, 1970's

By Oscar De La Renta, Oscar de la Renta Boutique

Located in Atlanta, GA

1970's Oscar de La Renta black & ivory satin cocktail dress with a demure silhouette and decidedly chic look.

Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

GUCCI ivory & pink linen 2020 LACE TRIM KAFTAN Dress 40 S
GUCCI ivory & pink linen 2020 LACE TRIM KAFTAN Dress 40 S

GUCCI ivory & pink linen 2020 LACE TRIM KAFTAN Dress 40 S

By Gucci

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Gucci kaftan dress in ivory linen (100%) with pink floral lace trim. Features a relaxed silhouette with pleats on the front and back, mock neck and wide sleeves. Opens...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

1920s Ivory ' Candy Stripe ' Silk Drop Waist Vintage 20s Day Dress
1920s Ivory ' Candy Stripe ' Silk Drop Waist Vintage 20s Day Dress

1920s Ivory ' Candy Stripe ' Silk Drop Waist Vintage 20s Day Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Incredibly chic 1920s 20s silk vintage dress! Classic drop waist style with a side bow at the waist. Tie at neck. Ivory silk with pastel blue, pink, yellow and green vertical stripes...

Category

1920s Cocktail Dresses

SWEE LO HAUTE COUTURE INTERNATIONAL Ivory Iridescent Cocktail Dress Size 8 10
SWEE LO HAUTE COUTURE INTERNATIONAL Ivory Iridescent Cocktail Dress Size 8 10

SWEE LO HAUTE COUTURE INTERNATIONAL Ivory Iridescent Cocktail Dress Size 8 10

By SWEE LO

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Haute Couture International cocktail dress is composed of an off white silk with iridescent sequin applique in a floral motif. There is a center back zipper closure. In excellen...

Category

1960s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses

Chic 1960s Pauline Trigere Grey Taupe Ivory Sleeveless Striped 60s Shift Dress
Chic 1960s Pauline Trigere Grey Taupe Ivory Sleeveless Striped 60s Shift Dress

Chic 1960s Pauline Trigere Grey Taupe Ivory Sleeveless Striped 60s Shift Dress

By Pauline Trigère

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1960s Pauline Trigere gray, taupe, and ivory sleeveless shift dress ! Features matching detachable belt at waist. Flattering high neck Hidden metal zipper up the back with hook...

Category

1960s American Cocktail Dresses

Ivory rayon jersey bustier dress with belt Hervé Léger NEW with tag
Ivory rayon jersey bustier dress with belt Hervé Léger NEW with tag

Ivory rayon jersey bustier dress with belt Hervé Léger NEW with tag

By Herve Léger

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Ivory rayon jersey bustier dress with belt. Fabric composition: 90% rayon, 9% nylon, 1% elastane. Invisible zip on the middle back + hook&eye closure. Silicone strap on the edge of ...

Category

2010s Chinese Cocktail Dresses

Chic 1960s Ivory Off White Flower Crochet Vintage 60s Sleeveless Shift Dress
Chic 1960s Ivory Off White Flower Crochet Vintage 60s Sleeveless Shift Dress

Chic 1960s Ivory Off White Flower Crochet Vintage 60s Sleeveless Shift Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1960s ivory / off-white flower crochet shift dress ! Features a rayon/silk base, with crochet overlay. Hidden metal zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure. Very well made,...

Category

1960s American Cocktail Dresses

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2003 Black Ivory Contrast Stitch Kick Flare Cocktail Dress
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2003 Black Ivory Contrast Stitch Kick Flare Cocktail Dress

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2003 Black Ivory Contrast Stitch Kick Flare Cocktail Dress

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Thiensville, WI

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2003 Black Ivory Contrast Stitch Kick Flare Cocktail Dress Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: S/S 2003 Style: Cocktail dress Color(s): Shade...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

CHANEL  green Lesage and ivory leather dress FR 40  Spring 2012  12P
CHANEL  green Lesage and ivory leather dress FR 40  Spring 2012  12P

CHANEL green Lesage and ivory leather dress FR 40 Spring 2012 12P

By Chanel

Located in Rubiera, RE

Chanel dress collection spring 2012 Look 57/86 on the show Sleeveless dress, top in green, gray and white Lesage fabric, with ornamental synthetic pearls in the center of the front,...

Category

2010s French Cocktail Dresses

Ivory and black wool jersey sleeveless dress with grafic pattern Circa 1960's
Ivory and black wool jersey sleeveless dress with grafic pattern Circa 1960's

Ivory and black wool jersey sleeveless dress with grafic pattern Circa 1960's

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Ivory and black wool jersey sleeveless dress with grafic pattern. Zip and hook&eye closure in the middle back. The brand tag has been cut. SIZE M

Category

1960s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

1960s R & K Originals Ivory Off White Silk Jacquard Sleeveless Cocktail Dress 60
1960s R & K Originals Ivory Off White Silk Jacquard Sleeveless Cocktail Dress 60

1960s R & K Originals Ivory Off White Silk Jacquard Sleeveless Cocktail Dress 60

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 50s vintage R&K ORIGINALS ivory / off-white silk jacquar sleeveless Dress! Features a luxurious silk jacquard floral silk. Fitted bodice with a forgiving full skirt. Two bows at...

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1960s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Deadstock Pink Ivory Beaded Floral Party Dress XS 00 0 Full Skirt 50s New
1950s Deadstock Pink Ivory Beaded Floral Party Dress XS 00 0 Full Skirt 50s New

1950s Deadstock Pink Ivory Beaded Floral Party Dress XS 00 0 Full Skirt 50s New

Located in San Diego, CA

⸻ Measurements: Bust: 30–32 inches Waist: 24 inches Hips: Free Length (top back shoulder to hem): 37 inches ⸻ Condition: Excellent deadstock condition with original tags attache...

Category

1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1960s Ivory and Gold Lace + Sequins Mod Vintage A - Line 60s Babydoll Dress
1960s Ivory and Gold Lace + Sequins Mod Vintage A - Line 60s Babydoll Dress

1960s Ivory and Gold Lace + Sequins Mod Vintage A - Line 60s Babydoll Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1960s ivory and gold lace A-line dress! Features a fitted bodice, with a nice full flattering flared skirt. Gold embroidered waistband and sleeve cuffs are adorned with gold seq...

Category

1960s American Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Ivory Raw Silk Shift Dress
Vintage Ivory Raw Silk Shift Dress

Vintage Ivory Raw Silk Shift Dress

Located in London, GB

A great vintage raw silk shift dress. The dress has wonderful sleeves, a button opening at the back and two pockets at the front. It has the original shoudler pads and is fully lined.

Category

1980s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

Jil Sander Architectural Grid Print Black & Ivory Dress, 2010s
Jil Sander Architectural Grid Print Black & Ivory Dress, 2010s

Jil Sander Architectural Grid Print Black & Ivory Dress, 2010s

By Jil Sander

Located in Boca Raton, FL

A standout piece from Jil Sander’s this dress captures the brand’s refined modernism and sculptural precision. Crafted from smooth, medium-weight viscose with a lined silk bodice, it...

Category

2010s Cocktail Dresses

Christian Dior Ivory Lace Dress FR 36 / IT  40
Christian Dior Ivory Lace Dress FR 36 / IT  40

Christian Dior Ivory Lace Dress FR 36 / IT 40

By Christian Dior

Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT

Magnificent Christian Dior dress Wool (77%) and silk Ivory color Lace and embroideries Short sleeve Shoulder/hem length cm 78 (30,7 inches) Shoulder cm 36 (14,1 inches) French size 3...

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2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Celine by Phoebe Philo Structured Ivory Dress with Overskirt Pockets
Celine by Phoebe Philo Structured Ivory Dress with Overskirt Pockets

Celine by Phoebe Philo Structured Ivory Dress with Overskirt Pockets

By Celine

Located in Kingston, NY

A beautifully tailored ivory dress by Céline, likely from the celebrated Phoebe Philo era, showcasing the house’s signature minimalist sophistication and architectural construction. ...

Category

2010s French Cocktail Dresses

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2005 Ivory Satin Floral Bodycon Mini Dress
Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2005 Ivory Satin Floral Bodycon Mini Dress

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2005 Ivory Satin Floral Bodycon Mini Dress

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Paris, FR

From the S/S 2005 collection of Dolce & Gabbana, this sleeveless mini dress is executed in a lustrous satin-finish fabric printed with a painterly all-over floral motif in shades of ...

Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

Ivory silk crêpe dress with turquoise blue beadwork and belt
Ivory silk crêpe dress with turquoise blue beadwork and belt

Ivory silk crêpe dress with turquoise blue beadwork and belt

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Ivory silk crêpe dress with turquoise blue beadwork and belt. Silk lining. snap ( covered with fabric) in the middle back and zip. Zip on the cuff as well. Shoulder pads. Draped and ...

Category

1980s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

NWT's MANDALAY Vintage Ivory Silk Embellished Babydoll Dress Bridal Wedding
NWT's MANDALAY Vintage Ivory Silk Embellished Babydoll Dress Bridal Wedding

NWT's MANDALAY Vintage Ivory Silk Embellished Babydoll Dress Bridal Wedding

By Mandalay

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Mandalay Vintage Ivory White Creamy colored 100% silk has an ombre effect Heavy embellishments throughout, combined with cut-outs on the front and back, makes this really special Siz...

Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

Roberto Cavalli Ivory Gown with Crystal Details 38 IT
Roberto Cavalli Ivory Gown with Crystal Details 38 IT

Roberto Cavalli Ivory Gown with Crystal Details 38 IT

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in Sydney, New South Wales

A dramatic evening gown by Roberto Cavalli, crafted in fluid black silk with a beautifully sculpted silhouette. The pleated crossover bodice and deep V neckline create an elegant, el...

Category

2010s Cocktail Dresses

1980s Valentino Black Velvet & Ivory Satin Dress w Fab Rhinestone Feathers
1980s Valentino Black Velvet & Ivory Satin Dress w Fab Rhinestone Feathers

1980s Valentino Black Velvet & Ivory Satin Dress w Fab Rhinestone Feathers

By Valentino, Valentino Garavani

Located in Gresham, OR

1980s Valentino Black Velvet & Ivory Satin Dress w Fab Rhinestone Feathers: A stunning tuxedo-inspired silk velvet and Duchess Satin Semi-Formal dress that is perfect for the holiday...

Category

1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI ivory cotton silk  floral cloque pleated midi dress IT40 XS
GIAMBATTISTA VALLI ivory cotton silk  floral cloque pleated midi dress IT40 XS

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI ivory cotton silk floral cloque pleated midi dress IT40 XS

By Giambattista Valli

Located in Hong Kong, NT

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI ivory cotton silk blend floral cloque textured pleated midi dress IT40 XS Reference: MELK/A00453 Brand: Giambattista Valli Material: Cotton, Silk, Blend Color: Cre...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Chanel S/S 1990 Vintage Bridal Pearl Embellished Pleated Ivory Dress Gown
Chanel S/S 1990 Vintage Bridal Pearl Embellished Pleated Ivory Dress Gown

Chanel S/S 1990 Vintage Bridal Pearl Embellished Pleated Ivory Dress Gown

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel

Located in Jersey City, NJ

An incredibly rare and collectible piece from Chanel’s Spring/Summer 1990 collection by Karl Lagerfeld. It became an instant icon when Madonna wore it for Vanity Fair cover and edit...

Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

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

Beautiful 1950s Fred Perlberg Navy Blue +  Ivory Rhinestone 50s Vintage Dress
Beautiful 1950s Fred Perlberg Navy Blue +  Ivory Rhinestone 50s Vintage Dress

Beautiful 1950s Fred Perlberg Navy Blue + Ivory Rhinestone 50s Vintage Dress

By Fred Perlberg, Fred Perlberg Originals

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s FRED PERLBERG navy blue and ivory lace rhinestone sleeveless dress! Features a pretty navy blue fabric with ivory lace at bust and waist. Sparkly rhinestone sequins a...

Category

1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1970s Ivory Cotton Colrful Embroidered Flowers Off Shoulder Vintage Boho Dress
1970s Ivory Cotton Colrful Embroidered Flowers Off Shoulder Vintage Boho Dress

1970s Ivory Cotton Colrful Embroidered Flowers Off Shoulder Vintage Boho Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 70s ivory cotton embroidered flowers off-the-shoulder boho Spanish inspired dress! Features a flattering relaxed fit bodice with elastic at the shoulders and waist. Bright color...

Category

1970s Cocktail Dresses

1970s Amazing Handkerchief Hem Ivory + Purple + Pink + Blue Slinky Vintage Dress
1970s Amazing Handkerchief Hem Ivory + Purple + Pink + Blue Slinky Vintage Dress

1970s Amazing Handkerchief Hem Ivory + Purple + Pink + Blue Slinky Vintage Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing late 1970s handkerchief hem ivory, turquoise blue, pink and purple swirl print dress! Features a swirl screenprint on the bodice and on the right side of the hem of the skirt...

Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

ROBERTO CAVALLI 2006 Silk Ivory Corset Knee-Length Dress Bride Bridal Wedding
ROBERTO CAVALLI 2006 Silk Ivory Corset Knee-Length Dress Bride Bridal Wedding

ROBERTO CAVALLI 2006 Silk Ivory Corset Knee-Length Dress Bride Bridal Wedding

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in Leonardo, NJ

So amazing to wear as a part of your wedding festivities ceremonies Roberto Cavalli Vintage 2006 Warm toned ivory Silk blend Has stretch Gold hardware Deep plunge v-neck Adjustable c...

Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

1960s Pierre Cardin Ivory and Green Silk Print Ostritch Feather Trim Dress
1960s Pierre Cardin Ivory and Green Silk Print Ostritch Feather Trim Dress

1960s Pierre Cardin Ivory and Green Silk Print Ostritch Feather Trim Dress

By Pierre Cardin

Located in Boca Raton, FL

A magnificent 1960s Pierre Cardin cocktail party and evening dress. Fashioned from sheer silk chiffon in ivory with a light green abstract floral print and trimmed at the hem with i...

Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

SHEDLOCK Ivory Silk Dress with Rhinestone Pocket Details Size Small Medium
SHEDLOCK Ivory Silk Dress with Rhinestone Pocket Details Size Small Medium

SHEDLOCK Ivory Silk Dress with Rhinestone Pocket Details Size Small Medium

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Shedlock coat style dress is composed of an off-white silk and features rhinestone adorned pockets. There are center front rhinestone closures as well as snaps. In excellent vin...

Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Dresses

VALENTINO Crepe Couture ivory wool silk floral embroidered A-line dress IT38 XS
VALENTINO Crepe Couture ivory wool silk floral embroidered A-line dress IT38 XS

VALENTINO Crepe Couture ivory wool silk floral embroidered A-line dress IT38 XS

By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino

Located in Hong Kong, NT

VALENTINO Crepe Couture ivory wool silk floral embroidered A-line dress IT38 XS Reference: LACG/A00493 Brand: Valentino Designer: Pier Paolo Piccioli Collection: Crepe Couture Materi...

Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Beautiful 1950s French Demi Couture Ivory Off White Beaded Vintage 50s Dress
Beautiful 1950s French Demi Couture Ivory Off White Beaded Vintage 50s Dress

Beautiful 1950s French Demi Couture Ivory Off White Beaded Vintage 50s Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful late 1950s ivory / off-white lightweight wool beaded bombshell dress ! Features a silk lace slip that peek through at the hem. Hidden metal zipper up the back with hook-and...

Category

1950s French Cocktail Dresses

1990s James Galanos Black and White Ivory Color Block Vintage 90s Dress
1990s James Galanos Black and White Ivory Color Block Vintage 90s Dress

1990s James Galanos Black and White Ivory Color Block Vintage 90s Dress

By James Galanos

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful vintage early 90s JAMES GALANOS for I MAGNIN black and white ( ivory ) long sleeve color block dress! Features a v neck bodice in ivory with a black skirt. Hidden zipper up...

Category

1990s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Lilli Diamond Ivory Off - White French Lace Vintage 50s Wiggle Dress
1950s Lilli Diamond Ivory Off - White French Lace Vintage 50s Wiggle Dress

1950s Lilli Diamond Ivory Off - White French Lace Vintage 50s Wiggle Dress

By Lilli Diamond

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s LILLI DIAMOND ivory French lace wiggle dress! Wonderful fit hugs the body in all the right places, and was constructed to really flattering the body. Nude illusion de...

Category

1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Demi Couture 1950s Neusteters Ivory + Pink Silk French Lace Vintage Peplum Dress
Demi Couture 1950s Neusteters Ivory + Pink Silk French Lace Vintage Peplum Dress

Demi Couture 1950s Neusteters Ivory + Pink Silk French Lace Vintage Peplum Dress

By Neusteters

Located in San Diego, CA

The prettiest, yet sexiest 50s NEUSTETERS Demi Couture French silk lace peplum wiggle dress! The most fantastic fitting dress, with both flattering construction and materials. Featur...

Category

1950s American Cocktail Dresses

MARTIER RAYMOND Ivory Silk Dress with Silver Metallic Floral Applique Size M
MARTIER RAYMOND Ivory Silk Dress with Silver Metallic Floral Applique Size M

MARTIER RAYMOND Ivory Silk Dress with Silver Metallic Floral Applique Size M

By Martier Raymond

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Martier Raymond dress is composed of an ivory hied silk and features silver floral metallic applique. There is a zipper closure and princess darts. In excellent vintage conditi...

Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Cocktail Dress in Black, Green, Ivory and Silver
Vintage Cocktail Dress in Black, Green, Ivory and Silver

Vintage Cocktail Dress in Black, Green, Ivory and Silver

Located in London, GB

A fun vintage dress in a wonderful print of black, green, ivory and silver. The dress is strapless, with boning in the bodice and a side zip opening. Measurements: Bust 33'', waist 2...

Category

1950s British Day Dresses

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Ivory Cocktail Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary ivory cocktail dress you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. If you’re looking for an option in Beige and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in Gray, Black and more. Finding the perfect ivory cocktail dress may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions were made as early as the 20th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 21st Century, can also be found on the site. There have been many well-made iterations of this accessory over the years, but those made by Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior and Bill Blass are often thought to be among the most stylish. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Ivory Cocktail Dress?

Prices for an ivory cocktail dress can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $155 and can go as high as $32,000, while, on average they fetch $958.

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 Ivory Cocktail Dress
  • 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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