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Strapless Maxi Dresses

Ralph Lauren Midnight Blue & White Sheer Woven Strapless Maxi Dress
Ralph Lauren Midnight Blue & White Sheer Woven Strapless Maxi Dress

Ralph Lauren Midnight Blue & White Sheer Woven Strapless Maxi Dress

By Ralph Lauren

Located in New York, NY

Ralph Lauren midnight blue and white sheer woven strapless maxi dress accented with a ruffle

Category

1990s Italian Maxi Dresses

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Giorgio Armani Black Off White Satin Trim Buttoned Strapless Maxi Dress SZ 42
Giorgio Armani Black Off White Satin Trim Buttoned Strapless Maxi Dress SZ 42

Giorgio Armani Black Off White Satin Trim Buttoned Strapless Maxi Dress SZ 42

By Giorgio Armani

Located in Chicago, IL

draped strapless maxi dress from Giorgio Armani features an off-white stain trim along the neckline. Two

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Maxi Dresses

Lanvin Tropical Printed Ruched Strapless Maxi Dress - 34
Lanvin Tropical Printed Ruched Strapless Maxi Dress - 34

Lanvin Tropical Printed Ruched Strapless Maxi Dress - 34

By Lanvin Paris

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Lanvin Tropical Printed Ruched Strapless Maxi Dress - 34. This silk lame dress is in excellent

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21st Century and Contemporary French Day Dresses

Ralph Lauren Black Label Navy Cashmere Strapless Maxi Dress
Ralph Lauren Black Label Navy Cashmere Strapless Maxi Dress

Ralph Lauren Black Label Navy Cashmere Strapless Maxi Dress

By Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Black Label

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Ralph Lauren BL Navy Cashmere Strapless Maxi Dress - Small This simple yet elegant dress is in

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Early 2000s Chinese Day Dresses

Mexican Exotic Strapless Maxi Dress, 1970's
Mexican Exotic Strapless Maxi Dress, 1970's

Mexican Exotic Strapless Maxi Dress, 1970's

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Size: Unmarked (Best Fits Size 6)

Mexican Exotic Strapless Maxi Dress, 1970's

Located in Atlanta, GA

1970's strapless cotton dress with a vibrant Mexican folkloric print depicting birds and foliage in

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1970s Mexican Maxi Dresses

Isabel Toledo Strapless Jersey Maxi Dress
Isabel Toledo Strapless Jersey Maxi Dress

Isabel Toledo Strapless Jersey Maxi Dress

By Isabel Toledo

Located in New York, NY

Isabel Toledo, multi tone striped, rayon, jersey knit, strapless maxi dress, having four tiers that

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2010s American Maxi Dresses

Missoni Multi Striped Knit Strapless Maxi Dress - S
Missoni Multi Striped Knit Strapless Maxi Dress - S

Missoni Multi Striped Knit Strapless Maxi Dress - S

By Missoni

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This Missoni dress is strapless and knitted. It is maxi length and multi colored with stripes. This

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses

Missoni M Missoni Abstract Jersey Strapless Maxi Dress Size M
Missoni M Missoni Abstract Jersey Strapless Maxi Dress Size M

Missoni M Missoni Abstract Jersey Strapless Maxi Dress Size M

By Missoni

Located in London, GB

M Missoni designer resale item. Details Multicolour Viscose Dress Maxi Strapless Stretchy

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Day Dresses

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Jean paul Gaultier color block mesh and taffeta strapless maxi dress. See through mesh panel at

Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

Valentino Red Silk Strapless Draped Maxi Dress Size S
Valentino Red Silk Strapless Draped Maxi Dress Size S

Valentino Red Silk Strapless Draped Maxi Dress Size S

By Valentino

Located in London, GB

CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to dress is evident. Minor loose threads to bust and slight

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Maxi Dresses

Halston Strapless Tan Dress
Halston Strapless Tan Dress

Halston Strapless Tan Dress

By Halston

Located in Water Mill, NY

A soft tan strapless light weight knit gown from Halston. Incredibly simple with an adjustable tie

Category

1970s American Maxi Dresses

Gucci Strapless Long Dress - '10s
Gucci Strapless Long Dress - '10s

Gucci Strapless Long Dress - '10s

By Gucci

Located in Milano, Lombardia

The turquoise Gucci Strapless Long Dress is an elegant piece with a unique twist-drape waist. The

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2010s Maxi Dresses

Geoffrey Beene White Grecian Style Strapless Dress
Geoffrey Beene White Grecian Style Strapless Dress

Geoffrey Beene White Grecian Style Strapless Dress

By Geoffrey Beene

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Float away in a dream in the Geoffrey Beene White Grecian Style Jersey Strapless Dress! This

Category

2010s Maxi Dresses

Geoffrey Beene White Grecian Style Strapless Dress
Geoffrey Beene White Grecian Style Strapless Dress

Geoffrey Beene White Grecian Style Strapless Dress

By Geoffrey Beene

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Float away in a dream in the Geoffrey Beene White Grecian Style Jersey Strapless Dress! This

Category

2010s North American Maxi Dresses

DELPOZO FW 19 Size 4 Pink Silk Strapless Dress
DELPOZO FW 19 Size 4 Pink Silk Strapless Dress

DELPOZO FW 19 Size 4 Pink Silk Strapless Dress

By Delpozo

Located in San Francisco, CA

DELPOZO Fall Winter 2019 dress comes in a pink tulle silk with a slip liner featuring a strapless

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Maxi Dresses

Diane Freis Strapless Ruffle Full Skirt Tropical Print Dress 1980s
Diane Freis Strapless Ruffle Full Skirt Tropical Print Dress 1980s

Diane Freis Strapless Ruffle Full Skirt Tropical Print Dress 1980s

By Diane Freis

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Diane Freis strapless, ruffled, full skirt tropical print dress from the 1980s. The print is

Category

1980s American Maxi Dresses

Saint Laurent Women's Yves Saint Laurent Edition Soir Strapless Dress
Saint Laurent Women's Yves Saint Laurent Edition Soir Strapless Dress

Saint Laurent Women's Yves Saint Laurent Edition Soir Strapless Dress

By Saint Laurent

Located in London, GB

CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to dress is evident. Minimal wear around bust on this used

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21st Century and Contemporary British Maxi Dresses

Pre-Loved Missoni Women's Purple Sequins Maxi Bustier Dress
Pre-Loved Missoni Women's Purple Sequins Maxi Bustier Dress

Pre-Loved Missoni Women's Purple Sequins Maxi Bustier Dress

By Missoni

Located in London, GB

this used Missoni designer resale item. Details Purple Viscose Strapless bustier dress Sleeveless Maxi

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Maxi Dresses

E2 Size 6 Black Crepe Grommet Trim Strapless Gown
E2 Size 6 Black Crepe Grommet Trim Strapless Gown

E2 Size 6 Black Crepe Grommet Trim Strapless Gown

Located in San Francisco, CA

E2 maxi dress comes in black viscose crepe with a deep v neck, grommet and stud trim, ribbon tied

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21st Century and Contemporary French Maxi Dresses

Fuchsia Zora Maxi-Length Strapless Dress Size M
Fuchsia Zora Maxi-Length Strapless Dress Size M

Fuchsia Zora Maxi-Length Strapless Dress Size M

Located in London, GB

dress Figure hugging fit Maxi length Leg slit on the side Back zip fastening Made in China

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21st Century and Contemporary British Day Dresses

Pinko Blue Denim Strapless Tiered Maxi Dress Size XS
Pinko Blue Denim Strapless Tiered Maxi Dress Size XS

Pinko Blue Denim Strapless Tiered Maxi Dress Size XS

Located in London, GB

resale item. Details Blue Cotton Dress Maxi Stretchy Strapless Button up

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Day Dresses

House of CB Floral Strapless Flared Maxi Dress Size XS
House of CB Floral Strapless Flared Maxi Dress Size XS

House of CB Floral Strapless Flared Maxi Dress Size XS

Located in London, GB

designer resale item. Details Multicolour Polyester Dress Maxi Floral Strapless Back zip

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Day Dresses

1970s Anne Klein Cotton Strapless Blue plaid maxi dress
1970s Anne Klein Cotton Strapless Blue plaid maxi dress

1970s Anne Klein Cotton Strapless Blue plaid maxi dress

By Anne Klein

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage 1970s Anne Klein strapless blue, red and black plaid cotton maxi dress. Tie on the side

Category

1970s American Empire Waist Dresses

Missoni Grey Ombré Ruched Strapless Knit Dress Size XS
Missoni Grey Ombré Ruched Strapless Knit Dress Size XS

Missoni Grey Ombré Ruched Strapless Knit Dress Size XS

By Missoni

Located in London, GB

resale item. Details Grey Ombré Viscose Knit dress Strapless Ruched Maxi

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Day Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier Silk Strapless Maxi Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier Silk Strapless Maxi Dress

Jean Paul Gaultier Silk Strapless Maxi Dress

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful silk jersey maxi dress from Jean Paul Gaultier in a blue, green, yellow and red

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

BILL BLASS Size 8 Lavender Blue & Olive Striped Silk Strapless Bustier
BILL BLASS Size 8 Lavender Blue & Olive Striped Silk Strapless Bustier

BILL BLASS Size 8 Lavender Blue & Olive Striped Silk Strapless Bustier

By Bill Blass

Located in San Francisco, CA

This gorgeous BILL BLASS strapless maxi dress comes in a lovely striped chiffon an features a built

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21st Century and Contemporary American Maxi Dresses

Vivienne Tam Tiger print strapless stretch mesh maxi dress, 1998
Vivienne Tam Tiger print strapless stretch mesh maxi dress, 1998

Vivienne Tam Tiger print strapless stretch mesh maxi dress, 1998

By Vivienne Tam

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Vivienne Tam Tiger print strapless stretch mesh maxi dress in the collection of The Museum at FIT

Category

1990s American Maxi Dresses

Roberto Cavailli Multi-Color with Optional Hood Strapless Dress
Roberto Cavailli Multi-Color with Optional Hood Strapless Dress

Roberto Cavailli Multi-Color with Optional Hood Strapless Dress

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in New York, NY

Roberto Cavailli's wonderfully wicked yet elegant strapless multi-color maxi dress has an

Category

1990s Italian Sheath Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Ruched Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Ruched Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress

Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Ruched Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress

By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil

Located in Naples, FL

very versatile and it could be styled as a strapless dress or a maxi skirt as worn by Kylie Jenner.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Day Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tropical Flamingo Logo Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tropical Flamingo Logo Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress

Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tropical Flamingo Logo Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress

By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil

Located in Naples, FL

note this piece is very versatile and it could be worn as a strapless dress or a maxi skirt as shown in

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Day Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tropical Flamingo Logo Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tropical Flamingo Logo Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress

Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tropical Flamingo Logo Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress

By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil

Located in Naples, FL

Please note this piece is very versatile and it could be worn as a strapless dress or a maxi skirt as

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Day Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tropical Flamingo Logo Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tropical Flamingo Logo Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress

Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tropical Flamingo Logo Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress

By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil

Located in Naples, FL

Please note this piece is very versatile and it could be worn as a strapless dress or a maxi skirt as

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Day Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tropical Flamingo Logo Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tropical Flamingo Logo Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress

Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Tropical Flamingo Logo Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress

By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil

Located in Naples, FL

Please note this piece is very versatile and it could be worn as a strapless dress or a maxi skirt as

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Day Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil F/W 2001 Ruched Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil F/W 2001 Ruched Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress

Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil F/W 2001 Ruched Semi-Sheer Mesh Maxi Dress

By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil

Located in Naples, FL

is very versatile and it could be styled as a strapless dress or a maxi skirt as worn by Kylie Jenner.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Day Dresses

1970s Joy Stevens Strapless Maxi Dress
1970s Joy Stevens Strapless Maxi Dress

1970s Joy Stevens Strapless Maxi Dress

By Joy Stevens

Located in Rockwood, ON

Fabulous strapless maxi dress by one of my favorite California girls - designer Joy Stevens! Her

Category

1970s Day Dresses

Dolce & Gabbana Green Sequined Strapless Maxi Dress M
Dolce & Gabbana Green Sequined Strapless Maxi Dress M

Dolce & Gabbana Green Sequined Strapless Maxi Dress M

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This gorgeous maxi number from Dolce & Gabbana will make sure you make a glamorous style statement

Category

2010s Italian Maxi Dresses

Marchesa Notte Floral Lace Strapless Maxi Dress XS
Marchesa Notte Floral Lace Strapless Maxi Dress XS

Marchesa Notte Floral Lace Strapless Maxi Dress XS

By Marchesa Notte

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This stylish maxi dress is a fashionable and versatile piece that exudes elegance and comfort. With

Category

2010s Maxi Dresses

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1993 JACQUES FATH mini skirt suit
1993 JACQUES FATH mini skirt suit

1993 JACQUES FATH mini skirt suit

By Jacques Fath Paris

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Tailored from a light beige viscose with a smooth hand, this two-piece suit features a fitted jacket cut with a flared peplum. The jacket is detailed with a striking oversized remova...

Category

1990s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

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...

Category

2010s Italian Shoes

Dolce & Gabbana Lime Green Flared Pencil Skirt with Yellow Lace Accents
Dolce & Gabbana Lime Green Flared Pencil Skirt with Yellow Lace Accents

Dolce & Gabbana Lime Green Flared Pencil Skirt with Yellow Lace Accents

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in San Francisco, CA

Dolce and Gabbana lime green fit and flare pencil skirt with yellow lace godet panels at bottom. Vertical seam detail at one side. Back zip and hook and eye. 100% viscose (linen-loo...

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pencil Skirts

Celine Brown Cut out Back Dress with Bead Trim S/S 2003
Celine Brown Cut out Back Dress with Bead Trim S/S 2003

Celine Brown Cut out Back Dress with Bead Trim S/S 2003

By Michael Kors, Celine

Located in Water Mill, NY

A very chic brown jersey dress by Michael Kors for Celine. It has rows of brown wooden bead adorned fine straps emanating from the front neckline which extend over the shoulders cros...

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Early 2000s French Day Dresses

F/W 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Ad Black Wool Pinstripe Epaulet Pant Suit
F/W 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Ad Black Wool Pinstripe Epaulet Pant Suit

F/W 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Ad Black Wool Pinstripe Epaulet Pant Suit

By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting a fabulous black pinstripe Gucci suit designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 1996 collection, this fabulous suit debuted on the season's runway as part of Look 16, mod...

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1990s Italian Trouser Pant Suits

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Sz 44 Black Corset / Bustier Dress YSL
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Sz 44 Black Corset / Bustier Dress YSL

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Sz 44 Black Corset / Bustier Dress YSL

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Diego, CA

Drop dead gorgeous vintage Yves Saint Laurent 'Rive Gauche' YSL black dress! Quite possibly the most flattering dress I have ever seen! This rare beauty does wonders for the body! Co...

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1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Chic 1960s Mademoiselle Canary Yellow Silk Borcade A - Line Dress & Jacket Suit
Chic 1960s Mademoiselle Canary Yellow Silk Borcade A - Line Dress & Jacket Suit

Chic 1960s Mademoiselle Canary Yellow Silk Borcade A - Line Dress & Jacket Suit

By MADEMOISELLE

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 60s vintage MADEMOISELLE canary yellow silk brocade A-Line dress and coat ensemble! Dress features a fitted bodice with a bell shaped skirt. Gold metallic embroidery detail at w...

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1960s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses

1990s Linda Segal Size 10 12 Red White Colorblock Pique Cotton Vintage 90s Dress
1990s Linda Segal Size 10 12 Red White Colorblock Pique Cotton Vintage 90s Dress

1990s Linda Segal Size 10 12 Red White Colorblock Pique Cotton Vintage 90s Dress

By Linda Segal

Located in San Diego, CA

Stylish and flattering early 90s LINDA SEGAL lipstick red and white colorblocked pique cotton sleeveless nautical sheath dress ! Linda Segal pieces were often worn by Fran Fine, play...

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1990s American Cocktail Dresses

1960's Jean Patou Bordeau Suede Coat Full Mink Lining
1960's Jean Patou Bordeau Suede Coat Full Mink Lining

1960's Jean Patou Bordeau Suede Coat Full Mink Lining

By Jean Patou

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Unusual Jean Patou bordeau suede whip stitched swing coat lined in honey colored mink from the 1960s. So cozy and stylish, this swing coat is perfect over anything to keep you warm i...

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1960s French Swing Coats

S/S 2006 Dolce & Gabbana Corset Boned Sheer Black Broderie Anglais Bustier Top
S/S 2006 Dolce & Gabbana Corset Boned Sheer Black Broderie Anglais Bustier Top

S/S 2006 Dolce & Gabbana Corset Boned Sheer Black Broderie Anglais Bustier Top

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in West Hollywood, CA

From Dolce & Gabbana's Spring/Summer 2006 collection, this black bustier top is crafted from sheer broderie anglaise with intricate floral eyelet embroidery. Structured boning provid...

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Early 2000s Italian Blouses and Tops

Issac Mizrahi New Crochet Cardigan with Appliques and Bead Trim 1990s
Issac Mizrahi New Crochet Cardigan with Appliques and Bead Trim 1990s

Issac Mizrahi New Crochet Cardigan with Appliques and Bead Trim 1990s

By Isaac Mizrahi

Located in Water Mill, NY

A very pretty black crochet cardigan from Issac Mizrahi. It has long sleeves, applique matching crochet flowers around the neck, front, hem and on the sleeves. There are black glass ...

Category

1990s American Cardigans

Azzedine Alaïa Black Viscose Knit Lace Dress with Integrated Bodysuit, SS 1992
Azzedine Alaïa Black Viscose Knit Lace Dress with Integrated Bodysuit, SS 1992

Azzedine Alaïa Black Viscose Knit Lace Dress with Integrated Bodysuit, SS 1992

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in London, GB

This black dress from Azzedine Alaïa’s Spring-Summer 1992 collection is constructed from fine-gauge viscose knit. The bodice features a semi-sheer ribbed knit with an integrated body...

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1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Brown Fur Coat with Collar Small
Brown Fur Coat with Collar Small

Brown Fur Coat with Collar Small

$793Sale Price|26% Off

L 36.62 in

Brown Fur Coat with Collar Small

Located in Amsterdam, NL

This vintage coat is made of sheared beaver with a fur collar and is embroidered at the sleeves and back. We offer more exclusive fur items, see our frontstore. Details: It has 2 l...

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20th Century Unknown Coats and Outerwear

Giorgio Armani 1990s 90s Vintage Khaki / Light Green Herringbone Blazer Jacket
Giorgio Armani 1990s 90s Vintage Khaki / Light Green Herringbone Blazer Jacket

Giorgio Armani 1990s 90s Vintage Khaki / Light Green Herringbone Blazer Jacket

By Giorgio Armani

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautifully tailored vintage Giorgio Armani blazer! This fitted blazer is a khaki/ on the verge of light green, with herringbone print throughout. Two pockets at each side of the wai...

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1990s Italian Blazers

Chanel Runway Spring 2000 Multi colored Silk Skirt-38
Chanel Runway Spring 2000 Multi colored Silk Skirt-38

Chanel Runway Spring 2000 Multi colored Silk Skirt-38

By Chanel

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Chanel Multi colored Silk Skirt-38 from the runway of the 2000 Spring/Summer collection. This adorable Chanel skirt is in excellent condition, it has minimal sign of use. It is made ...

Category

Early 2000s French Pencil Skirts

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Strapless Maxi Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an extraordinary variety of strapless maxi dresses available on 1stDibs. For strapless maxi dresses, Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Brown, Gray, Purple and more in stock now. Making the right choice when shopping for these accessories may mean looking at versions that date from different eras — you can find early iterations from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, all of which have proven very popular over the years. There have been many classic iterations of strapless maxi dresses over the years, but those made by Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci and Jean Paul Gaultier are often thought to be among the most stylish. There aren’t many items for unisex if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for men and women.

How Much are Strapless Maxi Dresses?

Prices for strapless maxi dresses can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $132 and can go as high as $17,200, while these items, on average, fetch $895.

Finding the Right Day Dresses for You

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.

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