1960s Kenrose Brown and Orange Floral Shirtwaister Dress
Located in London, GB
This cotton shirtwaister dress was made by Kenrose in the mid to late 1960s.
1960s Kenrose Brown and Orange Floral Shirtwaister Dress
Located in London, GB
This cotton shirtwaister dress was made by Kenrose in the mid to late 1960s.
1950s Sambo Fashions Purple and White Silk Shirtwaister Dress
Located in London, GB
Sublime mid to late 1950s shirtwaister dress by Sambo Fashions, cut in a classic fit and flare style.
1950s Alice Edwards Floral Cotton Shirtwaister Dress
Located in London, GB
This feminine, princess length shirt-dress dates back to the mid 1950s and is one of the earliest designs we have even seen from this label. The whimsically printed cotton is quintes...
Vintage Red and White Stripe Cotton Shirtwaister Dress
Located in London, GB
A chic and fund vintage dress for Spring /Summer. The dress is in a red and white vertical stripe cotton, and has a stand up collar , popper front opening , v neckline and turn back...
1960s Parikene Cotton Novelty Frame Print Shirtwaister Dress
Located in London, GB
This lively cotton dress as designed in the 1960s by Parikene and probably made in France. It showcases a playful novelty print of folk art in elaborate frames and English country ga...
1970s Louis Feraud Sky Blue Silk Shirtwaister Dress
By Louis Feraud
Located in London, GB
Super stylish 1970s silk daywear from Louis Feraud with a high open collar, front fastening buttons and elasticated waist. There is a wide box pleat at the front of the dress for eas...
1950s White Eyelet Shirtwaister Dress with Double Frilled Collar
Located in London, GB
Characterised by embroidered details and peekaboo eyelets on crisp cotton cloth, this well made 1950s dress displays these details across its length. Tailored to a timeless shirtwais...
1960s Navy and White Gingham Shirtwaister Dress with Applique
Located in London, GB
A desirable shirtwaister style which falls to just below the knee, it is full-skirted and pleated, typical hallmarks of dresses which straddled these two decades.
1970s Gold Label by Tricoville Abstract Print Shirtwaister Dress
Located in London, GB
This vibrant dress was designed by Tricoville in the 1970s as part of their Gold Label line. Crafted from a lightweight bubble-gum pink crepe playfully patterned with splashy, abstra...
1940s White and Purple Rayon Floral Print Shirtwaister Dress
Located in London, GB
This unusual rayon crepe shirt-dress dates to the 1940s. The purple and black print looks like tangled vines or electric static - popping out on the rayon cloth against a bright whit...
1990 Yves Saint Laurent Colourful Abstract Print Shirtwaister Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in London, GB
This staple dress is from the 1990 A/W Rive Gauche collection from Yves Saint Laurent. The simple lines create a classic silhouette that can be dressed up or down as evident in the ...
1970s Green Shirtwaister Dress with Jacquard Detail and Ruffle Collar
Located in London, GB
This pretty seafoam green dress was designed in the late 1970s to early 1980s.
1950s Abstract Purple and Blue Cotton Shirt Dress
Located in London, GB
This good size 1950s shirtwaister dress is labelled Penney's Brentwood and showcases many hallmarks of mid-century dress design.
1950s Lou-Ette Red and Black Cotton Shirt Waister Dress
Located in London, GB
This is a superb and incredibly classic late 1950s shirtwaister dress by Lou-Ette of California. It is made from a beautiful deep burgundy red cotton with a delicate black woven geom...
1980s Guy Laroche Novelty Horse Print Cotton Dress
By Guy Laroche
Located in London, GB
1980s or early 1990s Guy Laroche cotton shirtwaister dress that features a crossover sweetheart neckline with gently puffed sleeves.
1970s Ted Lapidus Boho Silk and Leather Dress
By Ted Lapidus
Located in London, GB
Original 1970s Ted Lapidus boho shirtwaister dress. A wonderful creation by this revered designer who began his long fashion career at the House of Dior in 1951.
Vintage Stripe Shirtwaister by J Tiktiner France
Located in London, GB
A great dress for Summer by French designer J Tiktiner. In a pinstripe , this vintage dress has a button front and cuffs, self fabric belt and lined skirt.
1970s Susan Small Silk Psychedelic Floral Print Dress
By Susan Small
Located in London, GB
The gracefully fluid cut can be cinched with the coordinating belt with circular buckle. A shirtwaister style, the dress fastens down the front with a hidden zip and popper closure.
1950s Gold Lame Shirtwaister Dress
Located in London, GB
Original 1950s or early 1960s lame dress in a classic shirtwaister style with two large front fastening fabric buttons, a smart double lapel collar and a three-quarter length sleeve ...
1970s Pucci Style Jersey Shirtwaister Dress
Located in London, GB
1970s abstract jersey shirt-waister dress clearly inspired by the colourful prints designed by Emilio Pucci. The dress is an excellent tribute in a combination of lilac, turquoise, ...
1970s Ralph Colourful Jersey Print Dress with Belt
Located in London, GB
1970s colourful and bold shirtwaister dress simply labelled 'Ralph' and of excellent quality.
1970s Ossie Clarke Black Moss Crepe Maxi Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
Original 1970s Ozzie Clark for Radley moss crepe shirtwaister dress. This is the classic Ozzie design that has made him one of the most enduring and admired fashion designers of the ...
Late 1940s Very Early Suzy Perette Labelled Novelty Leaf Print Rayon Dress
By Suzy Perette
Located in London, GB
Made from a light weight rayon, the dress is shirtwaister style with a v-neck collar and the original fabric covered buttons intact.
1970s Colourful Floral and Silver Lame Shirtwaister Dress
Located in London, GB
This early 1970s silver lame shirtwaister dress features a pointed collar with a deep V neckline, and gathered long sleeves with poppered cuffs.
1970s Floral Striped Shirtwaister Maxi Dress
Located in London, GB
This is a really fun 1970s maxi print that reminds me of a fiesta dress. It has brightly coloured coordinating stripes interspersed with a roundel and floral arrangement in red, tur...
Blue & white striped palm print silk dress
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior blue & white striped palm print silk dress - Shirtwaister style dress, with collared deep V neckline, cinched waist and full, long skirt - Watercolour stripe effec...
Jane Andre 1950s Full Skirt Dress
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great black dress by Jane Andre in a cotton linen blend. It has cap sleeves, a drop waist and full skirt. There is fine band around the crew neckline and the drop waistline ending ...
Art Deco Hand Embroidered Silk Chiffon and Crepe Slip Dress
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Art Deco Hand Embroidered Silk Chiffon and Crepe Slip Dress from the 1930's. Sheer chiffon bodice with double ruffle collar and wonderful hand embroidered florals throughout. ...
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 38
Yves Saint Laurent Édition Soir Teal Silk Gown, FW 2009, Size 38, NWT
By Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingston, NY
This brand-new-with-tags (NWT - priced at $6590) Yves Saint Laurent Édition Soir gown, attributed to Fall-Winter 2009 under Stefano Pilati’s creative direction, represents a rare jew...
1960s Vintage Black Satin Floral Brocade Cocktail Dress with Box Pleats
Located in Sparks, NV
Simple and chic 1960s vintage cocktail dress with short sleeves and box pleats. Partially lined with rear metal zip and hook closure. Fits like a modern size small. The bust measures...
DONNA KARAN 90's Vintage Hammered Satin Black Evening Gown Maxi Dress
By Donna Karan
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Donna Karan Vintage 1990's Hammered Satin Jet black Made in Italy Pullover Throw on and go! This gown is so easy and effortless USA 6 aka IT42 Excellent vintage condition, minor feel...
Mignon Paris Draped Silk Dress 1950s
By Mignon
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning black silk dress from Mignon Paris. It is sleeveless with a draped portrait collar, fitted waist and a full skirt- a feat of draping and ruching. The dress has a back pai...
Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top
By Alexander McQueen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top would be an exciting addition to any wardrobe, especially for someone who enjoys pieces that combine boldness, sophistication, and art...
$14,740
Size: FR38 - UK10
John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival John Galliano Evening Dress ▪ Spring-Summer 2001 ▪ Crafted from crimson crepe-back satin, with alternating panels that highlight both the satin sheen and crepe texture ▪ D...
Vintage 1990s black and white wool suit Moschino Cheap & Chic
By Moschino
Located in LAGNY-SUR-MARNE, FR
Vintage 1990s black and white suit (jacket and skirt) by Moschino Cheap & Chic. The black and red version of this suit can be seen on the ICONIC Fran fine on the hit sitcom the Nanny...
$1,780Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Large
1960s Jean Patou Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble with Faux Fur Trim
By Jean Patou
Located in Sparks, NV
Completely amazing vintage 1960s Jean Patou black wool jacket and skirt ensemble with faux fur trim and gold studs. Incredible tailoring and construction and chic enamel buttons. Ful...
Ballantyne Cashmere Ladybug Sweater 1950s
By Ballantyne
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous pink cashmere cardigan sweater from Ballantyne. It has a scoop neckline, long sleeves with fold back cuffs, and matching mother of pearl buttons up the front. It is ador...
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...
Roberto Cavalli 2003 Runway Cut-Out Silk Gown Showstopper Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Berlin, BE
Holy Grail Archival Cavalli Gown Thie beautiful Roberto Cavalli’s Spring/Summer 2003 gown is an exquisite statement in feminine allure, a masterpiece of fluid elegance. Well documen...
1950s Worth Haute Couture Pink and White Tulle Dress With Organza Bud Appliqués
By Charles Worth
Located in London, GB
This enchanting 1950s couture dress in pink and white net tulle is by the extolled French fashion house Worth and retailed at their London boutique on Grosvenor Street. The quality a...
90s Gianfranco Ferre White Silk V Neck Sleeveless Gown
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Gianfranco Ferre White Silk sleeveless gown with v neck satin lapel. Size: 40italy, fit size 6 US Perfect for wedding or rehearsal dinner. Measurement flat: Bust : 36”/ empire wa...
Alexander McQueen New Coat AW 1999
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous red wool coat by Alexander McQueen. It has a stand up mandarin collar, a button front with matching buttons hidden in a placket and shoulder pads. The front bodice has a ...
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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