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Shelf Bust Dress

1950s Dress Black Embroidered Shelf Bust Taffeta Party Dress
1950s Dress Black Embroidered Shelf Bust Taffeta Party Dress

1950s Dress Black Embroidered Shelf Bust Taffeta Party Dress

Located in Wallkill, NY

Vintage Dress with Layers of Tulle. Measurements taken Laying flat Dress 34 Bust** 26 Waist** Open Hips

Category

1950s American Evening Dresses

Bill Tice Vintage 1970s Hand Painted Blue Maxi Halter Dress
Bill Tice Vintage 1970s Hand Painted Blue Maxi Halter Dress

Bill Tice Vintage 1970s Hand Painted Blue Maxi Halter Dress

By Bill Tice

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful vintage 1970s Bill Tice hand painted dress. Shelf bust, spaghetti straps, and adjustable

Category

1970s American Maxi Dresses

Recent Sales

Karl Lagerfeld Evening Dress with Shelf Bust
Karl Lagerfeld Evening Dress with Shelf Bust

Karl Lagerfeld Evening Dress with Shelf Bust

By Karl Lagerfeld

Located in Yucca Valley, CA

Excellent 1990s Karl Lagerfeld evening dress with shelf bust. Super sleek on right on trend for

Category

20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage 1950's Ceil Chapman Beaded Baby-Blue Silk Ruched Shelf-Bust Dress
Vintage 1950's Ceil Chapman Beaded Baby-Blue Silk Ruched Shelf-Bust Dress

Vintage 1950's Ceil Chapman Beaded Baby-Blue Silk Ruched Shelf-Bust Dress

By Ceil Chapman

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

ruched shelf-bust with wide scoopneck. I especially love the hourglass nipped-waist tailored skirt which

Category

1950s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

2002 Alexander McQueen Corset Shelf-Bust Lace & Chiffon Cocktail Dress
2002 Alexander McQueen Corset Shelf-Bust Lace & Chiffon Cocktail Dress

2002 Alexander McQueen Corset Shelf-Bust Lace & Chiffon Cocktail Dress

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

schoolgirls. I love the ruched shelf-bust bodice with slight flutter cap-sleeves. The lace-up detailing is so

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Vintage 1950's Black Silk Shelf Bust Deadstock Wiggle Dress
Vintage 1950's Black Silk Shelf Bust Deadstock Wiggle Dress

Vintage 1950's Black Silk Shelf Bust Deadstock Wiggle Dress

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

vintage 1950's dress * black silk dupioni * acetate lining * amazing ruche bodice and hips

Category

1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950's Ruby-Red Beaded Satin Shelf-Bust Halter Cocktail Dress
1950's Ruby-Red Beaded Satin Shelf-Bust Halter Cocktail Dress

1950's Ruby-Red Beaded Satin Shelf-Bust Halter Cocktail Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

, pleated shelf-bust halter. My favorite part is the sparkling beadwork which really catches the eye! The

Category

1950s French Cocktail Dresses

1950's Black Embroidered-Swirl Taffeta Shelf-Bust Full Party Dress
1950's Black Embroidered-Swirl Taffeta Shelf-Bust Full Party Dress

1950's Black Embroidered-Swirl Taffeta Shelf-Bust Full Party Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

seductive low-cut plunge, pleated sweetheart shelf-bust. I adore the hourglass nipped-waist which was the

Category

1950s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1950's Alfred Shaheen Metallic Floral Print Shelf-Bust Long Gown
1950's Alfred Shaheen Metallic Floral Print Shelf-Bust Long Gown

1950's Alfred Shaheen Metallic Floral Print Shelf-Bust Long Gown

By Alfred Shaheen

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

accents. I adore the low-cut plunge, sweetheart bodice with built-in boned shelf-bust. The hourglass

Category

1940s Maxi Dresses

1940's Royal-Blue Embroidered Chiffon Shelf-Bust Evening Gown
1940's Royal-Blue Embroidered Chiffon Shelf-Bust Evening Gown

1940's Royal-Blue Embroidered Chiffon Shelf-Bust Evening Gown

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

the time. The bodice is an alluring low-cut plunge shelf-bust. I love the flattering hourglass nipped

Category

1940s French Evening Dresses

2008 Christian Dior by John Galliano Beaded Ivory Silk Shelf-Bust Hourglass Gown
2008 Christian Dior by John Galliano Beaded Ivory Silk Shelf-Bust Hourglass Gown

2008 Christian Dior by John Galliano Beaded Ivory Silk Shelf-Bust Hourglass Gown

By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

meticulously tailored clothes. This gown is everything you look for in Galliano era Dior. The flattering shelf

Category

Early 2000s French Wedding Dresses

1950s Blums Voque Silk Cocktail Dress
1950s Blums Voque Silk Cocktail Dress

1950s Blums Voque Silk Cocktail Dress

Located in Chicago, IL

not separate form the dress Shelf bust Dress is in exceptional condition

Category

1950s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

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Missoni Colorful Silk Halter Dress
Missoni Colorful Silk Halter Dress

Missoni Colorful Silk Halter Dress

By Missoni

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous colorful fine silk knit halter dress from Missoni in a red, orange, blue, yellow, white, lavender and black abstract pattern. It slips on over the head and has 2 black str...

Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

1950s Vintage Brown + Beige Wool Blazer Jacket Size XS
1950s Vintage Brown + Beige Wool Blazer Jacket Size XS

1950s Vintage Brown + Beige Wool Blazer Jacket Size XS

Located in Sparks, NV

Darling vintage early-1950s blazer jacket in a beige and brown woven wool. Fully lined with front button closure. Light shoulder pads are sewn in underneath the lining. This has a ju...

Category

1950s American Blazers

Black Beaded Cardigan
Black Beaded Cardigan

Black Beaded Cardigan

Located in Alford, MA

Black cardigan from the 1950s-'60s embellished with black beads and sequins. Sweater composition is lambswool, angora and nylon and has tiny spherical buttons. Lined. Retailed by Gim...

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Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Cardigans

GunneSax By Jessica Tulle Shoulder Angel Sleeve Calico Prairie Dress 1969
GunneSax By Jessica Tulle Shoulder Angel Sleeve Calico Prairie Dress 1969

GunneSax By Jessica Tulle Shoulder Angel Sleeve Calico Prairie Dress 1969

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

GunneSax by Jessica made in San Francisco, tulle shoulder angel sleeve calico prairie dress 1969. Early rare open tulle shoulder calico prairie dress with huge angel sleeves. The fab...

Category

1960s American Empire Waist Dresses

Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Camisole and Skirt Set
Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Camisole and Skirt Set

Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Camisole and Skirt Set

By John Galliano, Christian Dior

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous 2 piece set in white lace from Christian Dior. It consists of a scoop neck camisole tank style top and straight midi length skirt in alternating lines of lace and sheer. ...

Category

Early 2000s French Day 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...

Category

1960s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses

Red Silk Sleeveless Cocktail Dress w Convertible Draped Scarf Back - L, 1960s
Red Silk Sleeveless Cocktail Dress w Convertible Draped Scarf Back - L, 1960s

Red Silk Sleeveless Cocktail Dress w Convertible Draped Scarf Back - L, 1960s

Located in Tucson, AZ

An ingenious design, this dress features a draped shoulder-to-shoulder scarf that may be worn in the back, the front, or even on the head for three different and completely captivati...

Category

1960s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

ROBERTO CAVALLI long dress
ROBERTO CAVALLI long dress

ROBERTO CAVALLI long dress

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in Rubiera, RE

ROBERTO CAVALLI Long dress, black background, floral pattern, thin straps. Deep neckline on the back. 90% polyamide/nylon 10% Elastane/Spandex SIZE L Made in Italy Flat measurements:...

Category

2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Early 1990s Michael Kors Red Stretch Cotton Ribbed Halter Dress
Early 1990s Michael Kors Red Stretch Cotton Ribbed Halter Dress

Early 1990s Michael Kors Red Stretch Cotton Ribbed Halter Dress

By Michael Kors

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This body-hugging halter dress was designed by Michael Kors for his mainline in the early 1990's. It is crafted from a cotton blend in a ribbed knit with a bodycon fit. The minimalis...

Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

New Etro Silk Paisley Print Orange Black Long Dress with Belt It. 42
New Etro Silk Paisley Print Orange Black Long Dress with Belt It. 42

New Etro Silk Paisley Print Orange Black Long Dress with Belt It. 42

By Etro

Located in Montgomery, TX

New Etro Silk Paisley Long Dress with Belt Designer size 42 100% Silk, Famous Etro Paisley Print, Orange and Black Colors, Attached Belt, Side Zip Closure, Fully Lined in Black Silk....

Category

2010s Italian Maxi Dress

Lillie Rubin New 1950s Silk Damask Dress and Mink Collar Coat Set
Lillie Rubin New 1950s Silk Damask Dress and Mink Collar Coat Set

Lillie Rubin New 1950s Silk Damask Dress and Mink Collar Coat Set

By Lillie Rubin

Located in Water Mill, NY

A rare, new 1950s dress and coat set from Lillie Rubin in a black silk damask flower pattern. The dress is semi fitted with a matching belt, a bateau neckline, and a straight skirt. ...

Category

1950s American Dress and Coat Ensembles

1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress
1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress

1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress

By Amen Wardy, Escada Margaretha Ley

Located in Sparks, NV

Vintage 1980s black and white strapless tube dress by Margaretha Ley for Escada with a polka dot and stripe print. Fully lined with rear zip closure. The marked size is 34, and the d...

Category

1980s German Cocktail Dresses

1940s Orchid Print Rayon Crepe Dress W/ Dramatic Orchid Corsage
1940s Orchid Print Rayon Crepe Dress W/ Dramatic Orchid Corsage

1940s Orchid Print Rayon Crepe Dress W/ Dramatic Orchid Corsage

Located in Gresham, OR

1940s Orchid print rayon crepe dress: Large-scale orchid print makes this fabulous V-neck dinner dress really pop! Long sleeves and a sarong-style pleated and gathered panel at sid...

Category

1940s American Cocktail Dresses

Bill Blass Pink White Polka Dot Hand Painted Fit and Flare Vintage Dress, 1990
Bill Blass Pink White Polka Dot Hand Painted Fit and Flare Vintage Dress, 1990

Bill Blass Pink White Polka Dot Hand Painted Fit and Flare Vintage Dress, 1990

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 90s BILL BLASS pale pink and white hand painted polka dot fit n' flare cocktail silk taffeta dress! Features large handpainted polka dots throughout. Attached white lace underla...

Category

1990s American Cocktail Dresses

Gucci by Tom Ford Black Knit fitted Spaghetti Strap Dress
Gucci by Tom Ford Black Knit fitted Spaghetti Strap Dress

Gucci by Tom Ford Black Knit fitted Spaghetti Strap Dress

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

2000s Gucci Black Knit fitted dress with thin strap. Size 0/2 ***small flaws ( see last pic attached)

Category

1990s Italian Mini Dress

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2000 “Eye” Runway Red Black Leather Cut Out Vest Jacket
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2000 “Eye” Runway Red Black Leather Cut Out Vest Jacket

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2000 “Eye” Runway Red Black Leather Cut Out Vest Jacket

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Thiensville, WI

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2000 “Eye” Runway Red Black Leather Cut Out Vest Jacket Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Spring / Summer 2000 “Eye” Runway look #50 Style...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Vests

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Shelf Bust Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary shelf bust dress you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Many people prefer Black, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Brown, Red and more options on these pages. If you’re looking for a shelf bust dress from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing accessory such as this — no matter the origin — is easy, but Ceil Chapman, Alfred Shaheen and Don Loper each produced a popular version that is worth a look. 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 Shelf Bust Dress?

The price for a shelf bust dress starts at $295 and tops out at $3,500, and on average, selling for $688.

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.

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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.

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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.