Off The Shoulder Dresses
1980s Evening Dresses and Gowns
21st Century and Contemporary Day Dresses
Late 20th Century Evening Dresses
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
21st Century and Contemporary British Evening Dresses
1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses and Gowns
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
1970s Day Dresses
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
2010s German Cocktail Dresses
Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Watercolor
1960s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1990s Italian Day Dresses
1970s Maxi Dresses
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1990s British Cocktail Dresses
1970s French Maxi Dress
1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses
2010s French Mini Dress
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Day Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Day Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary British Mini Dress
Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns
2010s Day Dresses
1990s French Mini Dress
2010s Italian Mini Dresses
1980s Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary British Evening Dresses
Early 2000s Greek Style Dresses
Early 2000s Italian Informal Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses and Gowns
1960s French Evening Dresses
2010s European Day Dresses
2010s Italian Day Dresses
1990s Mini Dresses
2010s American Evening Gowns
2010s American Evening Gowns
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses
2010s Mini Dresses
2010s Italian Casual Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Evening Dresses
Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses
Early 2000s European Cocktail Dresses
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
1990s American Cocktail Dresses
1950s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
2010s Romanian Evening Dresses
1980s American Casual Dresses
1980s American Evening Gowns
1980s Cocktail Dresses
2010s North American Evening Gowns
1970s Cocktail Dresses
1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
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Off The Shoulder Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs
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Finding the Right Clothing for You
Start building your collection of covetable and iconic vintage clothing today — no matter where you roam, there is a curated selection of designer dresses and gowns, sweaters, shirts, dazzling shoes and more on 1stDibs that will keep you covered in the hottest styles from head to toe.
From elegant museum-worthy vintage Chanel dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing for sale on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement.
For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think John Galliano and Roberto Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures.
Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino, Ralph Lauren and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Balmain endure for haute couture advocates and beyond.
And vintage is the name of the game on today’s red carpets, too. Celebrity stylists are turning to archival pieces created by the likes of Bob Mackie, Thierry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier as alternatives to new gowns plucked straight off the runway. Wearing such sought-after items gives celebrities instant allure and suggests a personal style that’s not only achingly glamorous but intellectually informed and influenced by a love of craftsmanship.
Those seeking contemporary luxury looks and in-demand street-style fits can indulge in designs by Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Loro Piana, while pieces from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace endure as examples of fashion’s most covetable goods.
The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. Find vintage clothing and accessories for sale on 1stDibs, including designs by Balenciaga, Valentino, Celine, Loewe and more.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Several different styles of big shoulder bags exist, including tote bags and backpacks that are worn over the shoulder. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of tote bags and other shoulder bags from brands like Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Christian Dior.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023No, Birkin bags don’t have shoulder straps. As a result, the iconic bag is best toted by gripping the double handles in your hand or slipping them over your wrist. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Hermès Birkin bags from some of the world’s top boutiques.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024Coco Chanel invented a shoulder bag that was based on the backpacks that soldiers carried on the battlefield. Some experts suggest that this is the first handbag designed with a shoulder strap.
In 1929, when the pioneering French fashion designer grew tired of toting around her belongings in a purse she carried by hand, she added an adjustable chain to her accessory. This meant that she’d freed up her hands, and her bag could be slung over her shoulder. It was reintroduced decades later as Chanel’s iconic 2.55, a vast improvement on the day’s top-handle accessories and clutches.
Named for the month (February) and the year (1955) that the designer formally brought the bag to the greater market, the Chanel 2.55 was a smashing success, a chic, rectangular accessory in soft quilted leather. Find a large collection of Chanel shoulder bags 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 ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, you can wear the Chanel 19 as a shoulder bag. All of the sizes of the handbag feature a shoulder strap. They include the Round Clutch, the Flap Coin Purse, the Wallet on Chain, the Medium, the Large and the Maxi. Find a large collection of Chanel 19 bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024The difference between a bodycon dress and a bandage dress is construction. A bodycon dress is any stretchy dress cut to hug the curves of the wearer. Bandage dresses are bodycon dresses that look as if they consist of strips of fabric sewn together. Find a range of bodycon dresses on 1stDibs.
- What is a dress clip?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021A dress clip is a type of pin that typically accents a piece of clothing and can be styled on either the shirt collar of a jacket or the straps of a dress. Dress clips were originally worn in pairs, but today, a dress clip can also be worn as a brooch. Shop a range of vintage dress clips from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is a column dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A column dress is a slim-fit dress — this garment will feature a straight cut and will fit your body very closely. Column dresses are a timeless, classic style and are ideal for formal evening engagements or just a night out on the town. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer column dresses from top fashion boutiques around the world.
- What is a peplum on a dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A peplum on a dress is a pleated, short and gathered fabric strip or frill of cloth, which is attached at the waist of the dress. Peplum dresses are considered very trendy and fashionable. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer peplum dresses from top fashion boutiques around the world.
- What is a ruched dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A ruched dress uses a specific pleating or gathering of the dress material which results in a slimming effect. The ruched style is also used as a means of decoration.
- What is a bodycon dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024A bodycon dress is a dress designed to accentuate the curves of the body. Most bodycon dresses feature stretchy material that allows for a form-fitting effect. The name “bodycon” comes from the term "body conscious," referring to the fact that the cut of the dress makes you conscious of the wearer's curves. Shop a collection of bodycon dresses on 1stDibs.
- What is a Balmain dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A dress designed by Balmain promises exceptional quality in materials and design. The designs are inspired by power and confidence, and are well known for flattering structured silhouettes. Stud detailing is commonly featured on Balmain dresses. Shop a variety of Balmain dresses on 1stDibs.
- What is a tiki dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A tiki dress is a flowy, Hawaiian style, ultra-comfortable dress. It looks elegant on all body types from tiny mini to plus-sizes. On 1stDibs, find a variety of tiki dresses from the world's most prestigious fashion designers.
- What is a Grecian dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A Grecian dress is distinguished by draped or pleated fabric, ruching, and toga-like shoulders. During New York Fashion Week in 2021, Grecian gowns were seen on the runways and in presentations by designers such as Donna Karan and Monique Lhuillier. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage Grecian dresses.
- What is a Halston dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024A Halston dress is any dress produced by the American fashion house of Halston. One of Halston's early successes was the sexy Ultrasuede shirtdress, an unassuming adaptation of a man's oxford shirt introduced in 1972 that became a fashion staple for the well-dressed woman. Named for a washable synthetic fabric that evokes the feel of suede, the Ultrasuede shirtdress was cut to complement many figures with buttons that began at the breastbone rather than at the garment's structured neckline. In one season, 60,000 were sold. Halston is also well known for its seductive, bodycon evening dresses that helped define the style trends of the 1970s. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of Halston dresses.
- What is an organza dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021An organza dress is made from a specific lightweight weave material that is sheer called organza. Because it drapes well, it allows for nice volume of dresses.
- Is a gown and a dress the same?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, a gown and a dress are not always the same type of clothing. While a gown is a type of dress, not all dresses are gowns. Gowns tend to be more formal and suited for black-tie and evening events. Shop a wide selection of high-end gowns and designer dresses on 1stDibs.
- Where is the hem of a dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024The hem of a dress is the bottom edge. Depending on the length of the dress, the hem will fall in different places. With a gown or maxi dress, the hemline is usually between the ankle and floor, while the hemlines of micro and mini dresses brush against the thighs. Explore a large selection of dresses from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is a wiggle dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A wiggle dress is a dress that falls just below the knee and has a hemline that is narrower than your waist. It is a figure-hugging dress that might add some pep to your walk, resulting in a “wiggle” in your hip. Wiggle dresses came about in the 1950s. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns from top fashion boutiques around the world.
- What is a mod dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A mod dress is a style of dress that originated along with the mod subculture in London — a culture with roots in 1950s' bohemian-style coffee bars where jazz and blues were played on jukeboxes. Later, during the 1960s, mods were generally fashion-conscious teenagers living in London and south England who listened to these types of music as well as R&B. Mod dresses were among the garments worn by mods, and they were colorful and were embellished by interesting patterns and designs. Mod dresses were made with a short hem. A range of mod dresses by Mary Quant, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent and others can be found on 1stDibs.
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