Skip to main content

Seventies Evening Dress

1970s Leonard Paris Silk Chiffon Angel Sleeve Caftan Maxi Dress Documented
By Leonard
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Leonard Paris dress from the Seventies. Cut from silk chiffon, the sleeves are sheer and lightweight to
Category

1970s French Maxi Dress

Galanos Red Polka Dot Lucite Belted Silk Maxi Dress, 1970s
By James Galanos, Galanos
Located in Boca Raton, FL
below-the-knee dresses alongside pants and jumpsuits in his 1970’s show in Paris, a distinct change from
Category

1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

2004 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Helmut Newton Dress Fall 2004 Ready-to-Wear
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Dolce & Gabbana Runway Helmut Newton Dress dress Fall 2004 Ready-to-Wear RTW Brand: Dolce & Gabbana
Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Leonard Paris Silk Jersey Swirl Print Maxi Dress Vintage Documented, 1970s
By Leonard
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A scrumptious swirl print tops this Leonard Paris maxi dress that would be at home in a Seventies
Category

1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1970's Halston Couture Iridescent Beaded Black Silk One-Shoulder Disco Dress
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An absolutely stunning and highly desirable Halston couture fully beaded silk one-shoulder dress
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1970's Halston Couture Metallic Red Sheer Lurex Knit Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress Gown
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ultra gorgeous and highly coveted Halston couture metallic lurex knit dress ensemble dating back to
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Thea Porter Couture Embroidered Silk Chiffon Caftan
By Thea Porter
Located in Geneva, CH
Very representative and collectible Thea Porter Couture caftan dating from the seventies. This see
Category

1970s English Caftans

NEW DVF Diane von Furstenberg Maxi Neckholder Evening Gown Dress
By Diane von Furstenberg
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Diane von Furstenberg Signature Print Dress Wonderful coral print with turquoise
Category

2010s American Maxi Dresses

1990s Sergio Tegon Navy Blue and White Italian Cotton 90s Vintage Bubble Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1990s SERGIO TEGON for SEVENTY navy blue and ivory white polka dot cotton sleeveless mini
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Paco Rabanne Futuristic Chrome Metal Cuff Bracelet Bangle Fall 2014 Collection
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
athletic-meets-evening with outfits that blended references to martial arts with sleek tailoring. Crisp
Category

2010s French Modern Cuff Bracelets

Emilio Pucci silk scarf
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Rubiera, RE
scarves, shirts, printed trousers, evening dresses, swimsuits, towels. It was the designer's first
Category

1950s Italian Scarves

People Also Browsed

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 Net and Satin Slip Dress
Located in London, GB
A slinky and easty to wear vintage slip dress in a pretty ivory colour. The dress has a net bodice and side opening. Measurements Bust 33'', waist 29'',length 65''
Category

1930s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns

1970's Pauline Trigere Gold & Copper Brocade Evening Gown w/Rhinestone Detail
By Pauline Trigère
Located in Studio City, CA
Vintage Pauline Trigere gold & copper brocade evening gown featuring rhinestone detail at top of shoulders. In excellent condition. No size tag, please consult measurements. MEASUREM...
Category

1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Yves Saint Laurent Vintage 1976 Rare Moroccan Inspired Hooded Cape
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche vintage 1976 rare Moroccan inspired hooded cape. Similar models displayed at the exhibitions : - " YVES SAINT LAURENT ET LE MAROC" - VILLA DES ARTS DE...
Category

20th Century French Capes

NEW John Galliano Black Crochet Knit Ruched Dress M
By John Galliano
Located in Switzerland, CH
An extremely luxurious JOHN GALLIANO piece that will last you for years Made of soft black knitted fabric Ruched details Fully lined with black soft fabric Dry clean only
Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

NWT 1970s Joy Stevens Size 10 / 12 Black Sequined Flapper Style Vintage Dress
By Joy Stevens
Located in San Diego, CA
New with tags 70s does 20s JOY STEVENS black sequined flapper style fringed dress! Features thousands of hand-sewn black sequins throughout. Fringe hem makes this dress perfect for d...
Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Striped Zip-Front Utility Jumpsuit
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage rare striped zip-front utility jumpsuit. This jumsuit features : - Long sleeves with button cuffs. - Stretchy fabric. - Zip-front closure. - Two breast po...
Category

20th Century Moroccan Jumpsuits

1950s Ceil Chapman Atomic Brocade Cocktail Suit
By Ceil Chapman
Located in San Francisco, CA
1950s Ceil Chapman metallic rust-colored Cocktail Suit made of an atomic-patterned silk brocade. The Dress has spaghetti straps, a fitted torso, pipped was it line, side metal zip cl...
Category

1950s Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

1990s Ralph Lauren Black Label Size 14 Paisley Velvet Off the Shoulder Blouse
By Ralph Lauren Black Label, Ralph Lauren
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic mid 90s vintage RALPH LAUREN COLLECTION black label paisley lightweight velvet Size 14 blouse top ! Features warm tones of taupe, blue, brown, pink and tan throughout. Simply sl...
Category

1990s Hong Kong Bishop Sleeve Blouses

1970s Lanz Navy Polka Dot Dress
By Lanz
Located in San Francisco, CA
1960s Lanz navy blue cotton dress featuring bold white polka-dots, a drop waist line, in-set cummerbund, full tea length skirt, scoop neckline, low backline, and white contrasting pi...
Category

1960s Day Dresses

Chanel Black Spaghetti Strap Backless Silk Maxi Dress
By Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage Chanel black silk maxi dress from 1995 A/W collection. - Slim spaghetti strap. - Slim fit close to the body with A - shape bottom. - Backless with zip closure. - Si...
Category

1990s French Maxi Dress

John Galliano Red Knitted Maxi Dress with Heart Cut-outs, SS 2000
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: John Galliano ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 2000 ▪ Fabric: 60% Viscose, 40% Cotton 
▪ Details: Open-knit heart shaped cut-outs ▪ Size: Mediu...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

John Galliano Pink Bias Cut Satin Back Crepe Evening Slip Dress, SS 2004
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: John Galliano ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 2004 ▪ Fabric: Pink Satin Back Crepe, 68% Acetate, 32% Viscose 
▪ Details: Bias-cut, shoulder st...
Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Black Sheer Silk Organza Bias Cut Top Skirt Setup 1970's
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant two piece black silk organza set from circa 1970's. The bias cut silk drapes perfectly at the neckline with bow. The sheer black top and layered skirt gives the perfect balan...
Category

1970s Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

1998 Vivienne Westwood runway coat
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
This exquisite coat, crafted from rose floral canvas and adorned with distressed fringe, is a standout piece from Vivienne Westwood's Spring 1998 "Tied to the Mast" collection. The c...
Category

1990s Coats and Outerwear

Chic 1960s Gabar Lime Green + Pink Flower Silk Vintage 60s One Piece Romper
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 60s GABAR silk flower print one piece romper jumpsuit! Features a vibrant lime green background with flowers in pink, blue, yellow and white throughout. Adjustable straps can be...
Category

1960s American Jumpsuits

Recent Sales

Travilla for Saks Fifth Avenue 1970's Plunging Coral Sequin Evening Dress
By Travilla
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Travilla for Saks Fifth Avenue Plunging Vintage Seventies Sequin Evening Dress Appx Size 8-10 Bust
Category

1960s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Oleg Cassini Seventies Disco Era Beaded & Sequined Plunging Zebra Pattern Top
By Oleg Cassini
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Oleg Cassini Vintage Disco Era Zebra Pattern Sequin Bugle Bead Low Cut Top Size M Bust 40" Waist 36" Length 22" Great pre owned condition
Category

1970s American Evening Dresses

Caterina Gatta Dress
Located in Topanga, CA
green evening dress from a Roman market), Gatta is rather more secretive about where she gets those
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Nicholas Oakwell, print dress, circa 2012
Located in London, GB
Nicholas Oakwell “Stepping Stones” printed dress in organza with paillettes from the Spring/Summer
Category

2010s British Evening Dresses and Gowns

Nicholas Oakwell, haute couture silver & gold dress, Spring/Summer 2012
Located in London, GB
Nicholas Oakwell “London Lights” printed dress in organza with paillettes from the Spring/Summer
Category

2010s British Evening Dresses and Gowns

Halston Violet and Purple Silk Chiffon Dress
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire McCardell and Norman Norell, to define what is
Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

Halston Black Silk Chiffon Dress with Angled Sleeves
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire McCardell and Norman Norell, to define what is
Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

Circa 1980 Halston Ruffled Black Silk Wrap Dress
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional black silk satin-faced organza wrap dress. Circa 1980. Made with a single seam
Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

Halston Black Sequin Beaded Tank Style Dress and cardigan
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Halston's idea of evening glamour. Dress is sold with its original silk chiffon sequin cardigan. The
Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

Halston Black Silk Charmeuse Wrap Dress with Angled Hem
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
The wrap dress was a signature look for Halston. He designed clothes with minimal fastenings for
Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

GUCCI Carte De Tendre Silk Print Dress IT42 US 6-8
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
de chine dress typifies the label's studious Seventies sensibility, with its Carte de Tendre print
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Caterina Gatta Gown
By Caterina Gatta
Located in Topanga, CA
evening dress from a Roman market), Gatta is rather more secretive about where she gets those treasured
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

1970s Halston Yellow Cashmere Sweater Gown and Long Cardigan
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
A signature Halston look for evening: The classic sweater set transformed into a long fitted gown
Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

70s Radley Tiered Noir Maxi Gown
By Radley
Located in Miami Beach, FL
A Radley Dress Straight From A Bohemian Fantasy . . . The Editorials Are Singing The Praises Of The
Category

1970s British Evening Dresses and Gowns

Halston Black Cashmere Gown with Keyhole Opening Neckline
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
of Halston is that he revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers, alongside
Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

1970s Plunging Neckline Coral Jersey Gown and Cardigan
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire McCardell and Norman Norell, to define what is
Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

Nicholas Oakwell, haute couture gold sequin gown, Spring/Summer 2012
Located in London, GB
of gowns and coats inspired by the British jeweller, Andrew Grima. In the Sixties and Seventies
Category

2010s British Evening Dresses and Gowns

Nicholas Oakwell, haute couture gold gown, Spring/Summer 2012
Located in London, GB
British jeweller, Andrew Grima. In the Sixties and Seventies, Grima shook up the jewellery world with his
Category

2010s British Evening Dresses and Gowns

Caterina Gatta Dress
By Caterina Gatta
Located in Topanga, CA
green evening dress from a Roman market), Gatta is rather more secretive about where she gets those
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses

Caterina Gatta Dress
Located in Topanga, CA
green evening dress from a Roman market), Gatta is rather more secretive about where she gets those
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses

Halston Black Linen wrap Dress
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire McCardell and Norman Norell, to define what is
Category

1970s American Day Dresses

Halston Turquoise Ultrasuede Wrap Halterneck Dress
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Turquoise Halston ultrasuede halter neck wrap dress. Halston is practically synonomous with
Category

1970s American Day Dresses

Bright Blue Jersey Dress with Gathered Sleeves
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Bright blue jersey dress with gathered detail on sleeves. The myth of Halston is that of the
Category

1970s American Day Dresses

Circa 1972 Halston Navy Blue Ultrasuede Dress
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
ultrasuede dresses over my bathing suit and then after a swim going to lunch with it wet. It dried
Category

1970s American Day Dresses

Summer 1977 Halston Silk Dot Print Dress with Kimono Sleeves.
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Halston Summer 1977 dot print silk dress with kimono style sleeves. Bias cut. Slips on overhead
Category

1970s American Day Dresses

Caterina Gatta Gown
By Caterina Gatta
Located in Topanga, CA
green evening dress from a Roman market), Gatta is rather more secretive about where she gets those
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses

Caterina Gatta Gown
Caterina Gatta Gown
Size: one size
Caterina Gatta Gown
Located in Topanga, CA
evening dress from a Roman market), Gatta is rather more secretive about where she gets those treasured
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses

Caterina Gatta Gown
Caterina Gatta Gown
Size: one size
Halston Rust Colored Print Silk Wrap Blouse and Skirt
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
of Halston is that he revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers, alongside
Category

1970s American Day Dresses

John Anthony Alluring Vintage Nude Lace Trim Evening Dress
By John Anthony
Located in Cloverdale, CA
John Anthony Vintage Nude Lace Trim Evening Dress. This is so understated and elegant. This is
Category

1990s American Ponchos

Halston Black Velvet Pantsuit
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Halston black velvet evening pantsuit. Please note the belt is sold separately. The myth of
Category

1970s American Trouser Pant Suits

Vasarette for Halston Black Slip
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire McCardell and Norman Norell, to define what is
Category

1970s American Slips

Halston Olive Green Cashmere Hooded Sweater and Skirt
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire McCardell and Norman Norell, to define what is
Category

1970s American Sweaters

Halston Bordeaux Ultrasuede Wrap Coat
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
. The reality of Halston is that he revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers
Category

1970s American Coats

Halston Hat Featured on Newsweek 1972
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire McCardell and Norman Norell, to define what is
Category

1970s American Hats

1970s Halston Tobacco Colored Ultrasuede Ensemble
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
the little ultrasuede dresses over my bathing suit and then after a swim going to lunch with it wet
Category

1970s American Skirt Suits

Halston Ruffled Silk Organza Blouse and Long Skirt
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
on East 63rd Street. The reality of Halston is that he revolutionized the way women dress and is
Category

1970s American Skirt Suits

1977 Halston Purple Illusion Sequin Silk Chiffon Long-Sleeve Evening Dress Gown
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1970's Halston Black Sequin Silk-Jersey Belted Wrap Low-Plunge Evening Gown
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Halston started his own business in 1968. Throughout most of the seventies he epitomized the
Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

1970s Chanel Haute Couture Vintage Silk Chiffon Dress no 4550
By Chanel
Located in Boca Raton, FL
haute couture dress, number 45509, is in excellent condition. The Seventies garment is crafted from
Category

1970s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Nina Ricci Boutique Fruit and Dots Multicolor Print Silk Organza Dress, 1970s
By Nina Ricci
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Boutique dress from the Seventies is in excellent condition. It is made in a white silk organza printed
Category

1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1970's Halston Asymmetric Sequin Silk-Jersey Bombshell Hourglass Evening Gown
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Halston started his own business in 1968. Throughout most of the seventies he epitomized the
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1970's Halston Black Velvet & Ivory Silk Tuxedo-Ruffle Dress
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Halston started his own business in 1968. Throughout most of the seventies he epitomized the
Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

1990's Vivienne Westwood Striped Silk Asymmetric Corset Sculpted Cocktail Dress
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
the stars when he dressed the Sex Pistols, the British band he managed, in clothes from the boutique
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1977 Halston Couture Red Silk Asymmetric Billow-Sleeve Belted Bias Cut Dress
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous Halston Couture belted dress dating back to his 1977 collection. Throughout most of the
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Halston Couture Black and White Graphic Illusion Silk Chiffon Maxi Dress, 1977
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1970's Halston Ivory-White Silk Chiffon Halter Backless Asymmetric Gown Dress
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1970's Halston Black Sequin Silk-Jersey Plunge Hourglass Mermaid Cocktail Dress
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1975 Halston Black Silk-Chiffon Ruched Low Plunge Draped-Cape Cocktail Dress
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1972 Halston Couture Graphic Tie-Dye Print Silk Bohemian Maxi Dress Caftan
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire
Category

1970s American Caftans

Vintage 1970's Halston Couture Peach Silk-Chiffon Low Plunge Belted Wrap Dress
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous Halston Couture peach ombre wrap dress dating back to the mid 1970's. Halston
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Vintage 1970's Halston Couture Purple Silk Strapless Tube-Top Maxi Dress Set
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
dating back to his spring-summer 1978 collection. Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Vintage 1977 Halston Couture Beaded Sequin Ivory & Black Silk Dolman Sleeve Gown
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire
Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

Vintage 1970s Halston Couture Gold and Silver Beaded Silk Wrap Disco Gown Jacket
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Black Jersey Gown
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Yves Saint Laurent black jersey gown with back and deep front slits. Iconic seventies YSL.
Category

Late 20th Century French Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1976 Halston Couture Navy Silk Draped One-Shoulder Wrap Goddess Gown
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire McCardell and
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Vintage 1970's Halston Couture Sequin Silk Blue Clouds Tie-Dye One Shoulder Gown
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
fabrics" in 1970. Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers, alongside
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Vintage 1970's Halston Couture Ivory Beaded Sheer Lace Backless Halter Wrap Gown
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
dating back to the mid 1970's. Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers
Category

1970s American Wedding Dresses

Vintage 1970's Halston Couture Forest Green Silk Chiffon Draped Bias-Cut Gown
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire McCardell and
Category

1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Pink Rose
Located in Sheffield, MA
lower right Mary Beich McCarthy (or McCarty).   I  met her in the seventies and stayed at her home in
Category

1980s Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Materials

Oil

Pink Rose
Pink Rose
H 20 in W 17 in D 1 in
Original Art Deco gouache on paper fashion design by Russian, French artist Erte
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
age of five he created an evening gown for his mother and managed to persuade the adults to craft it
Category

20th Century Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache, Pencil

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Seventies Evening Dress", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Seventies Evening Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage or contemporary seventies evening dress for your needs in our varied inventory. If you’re looking for an option in black and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in brown, purple and more. Making the right choice when shopping for a seventies evening dress may mean looking at versions that date from different eras — you can find early iterations from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. There have been many well-made iterations of this accessory over the years, but those made by Halston, Leonard and Diane von Furstenberg 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 Seventies Evening Dress?

The price for a seventies evening dress starts at $249 and tops out at $12,639, and on average, selling for $1,664.

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 Seventies Evening Dress
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between an evening dress and an evening gown is length. An evening gown is generally a full-length garment that falls between the ankles and the floor. An evening dress is a semi-formal or formal dress designed to be worn at night or on special occasions. Evening gowns are one type of evening dress, and you can also find examples with mini, knee-length and midi-length hemlines. Shop a wide range of evening gowns and other evening dresses on 1stDibs.

Read More

Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress

Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.

A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet

From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.

Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer

Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)

A Short History of Capri Pants, on the 100th Birthday of Their Inventor

Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.

How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear

The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.

A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story

Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.

You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About

This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.

The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior

Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.