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Tropical Floral Dresses

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60s Pierre Cardin Tropical Floral Silk Dress with Attached  Cape
60s Pierre Cardin Tropical Floral Silk Dress with Attached  Cape

60s Pierre Cardin Tropical Floral Silk Dress with Attached Cape

By Pierre Cardin

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vividly printed tropical floral silk chiffon dress from Pierre Cardin comes with a matching cape that attaches invisibly to the dress straps with a hook and eye.

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1960s American Day Dresses

Vicky Tiel 1980s Tropical Floral Strapless Party Dress
Vicky Tiel 1980s Tropical Floral Strapless Party Dress

Vicky Tiel 1980s Tropical Floral Strapless Party Dress

By Vicky Tiel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This fun, sexy cocktail dress from Vicky Tiel is done with the designer's signature ruched chiffon technique and covered in a vibrant floral print. Fully lined. Side zip.

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1980s French Cocktail Dresses

1980s Pauline Trigere Floral Print Dress
1980s Pauline Trigere Floral Print Dress

1980s Pauline Trigere Floral Print Dress

By Pauline Trigère

Located in Houston, TX

Early 1980's black with multi-color tropical floral print long sleeve dress with fantastic fabric flower at neck.

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1980s American Day Dresses

2000s Vintage Diane Freis Tropical Leopard Print Strapless Evening Dress
2000s Vintage Diane Freis Tropical Leopard Print Strapless Evening Dress

2000s Vintage Diane Freis Tropical Leopard Print Strapless Evening Dress

By Diane Freis

Located in Hong Kong, HK

With its bold leopard print and tropical floral motif, this dress exudes an air of captivating allure and exotic charm.

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Early 2000s Chinese Evening Dresses

D&G DOLCE & GABBANA 2005 Vintage Runway Cheongsam Tropical Floral Dress
D&G DOLCE & GABBANA 2005 Vintage Runway Cheongsam Tropical Floral Dress

D&G DOLCE & GABBANA 2005 Vintage Runway Cheongsam Tropical Floral Dress

By D&G by DOLCE & GABBANA

Located in Leonardo, NJ

D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Vintage SS05 Runway version has flowers (you can add your own, get silk ones on Etsy, etc) Runway version has the slit higher and more open, you could ...

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Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

Tropical 1950's Kamehameha Hawaiian Floral Cotton Dress
Tropical 1950's Kamehameha Hawaiian Floral Cotton Dress

Tropical 1950's Kamehameha Hawaiian Floral Cotton Dress

By Kamehameha

Located in Atlanta, GA

Aloha! Relax island style in this 1950's polished cotton dress from Kamehameha of Hawaii ... a manufacturer of island inspired fashions best known for their vibrant tropical fabrics...

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1950s American Casual Dresses

JASON WU white tropical floral print twist draped viscose dress M
JASON WU white tropical floral print twist draped viscose dress M

JASON WU white tropical floral print twist draped viscose dress M

By Jason Wu

Located in Hong Kong, NT

JASON WU white tropical floral print twist draped viscose dress M Brand: Jason Wu Material: Feels like viscose Color: White Pattern: Floral Closure: Zip Extra Detail: Soft viscose pr...

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2010s American Casual Dresses

JASON WU white tropical floral print twist draped viscose dress M
JASON WU white tropical floral print twist draped viscose dress M

JASON WU white tropical floral print twist draped viscose dress M

By Jason Wu

Located in Hong Kong, NT

JASON WU white tropical floral print twist draped viscose dress M Reference: KNLM/A00145 Brand: Jason Wu Material: Feels like viscose Color: White, Multicolour Pattern: Floral Closur...

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2010s American Casual Dresses

JASON WU white tropical floral print twist draped viscose dress M
JASON WU white tropical floral print twist draped viscose dress M

JASON WU white tropical floral print twist draped viscose dress M

By Jason Wu

Located in Hong Kong, NT

JASON WU white tropical floral print twist draped viscose dress M Reference: KNLM/A00145 Brand: Jason Wu Material: Feels like viscose Color: White, Multicolour Pattern: Floral Closur...

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21st Century and Contemporary American Casual Dresses

1970's Giant Floral Tropical Kaftan
1970's Giant Floral Tropical Kaftan

1970's Giant Floral Tropical Kaftan

Located in New York, NY

1970's Giant Floral Tropical Kaftan

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1970s Kaftans

ISTANTE GIANNI VERSACE 1998 Vintage tropical Jungle floral draped back dress M
ISTANTE GIANNI VERSACE 1998 Vintage tropical Jungle floral draped back dress M

ISTANTE GIANNI VERSACE 1998 Vintage tropical Jungle floral draped back dress M

Located in Hong Kong, NT

ISTANTE GIANNI VERSACE 1998 Vintage tropical Jungle floral draped back dress M Reference: GIYG/A00152 Brand: Istante Designer: Gianni Versace Collection: 1998 Material: Viscose ...

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1990s Cocktail Dresses

ISTANTE GIANNI VERSACE 1998 Vintage tropical Jungle floral draped back dress M
ISTANTE GIANNI VERSACE 1998 Vintage tropical Jungle floral draped back dress M

ISTANTE GIANNI VERSACE 1998 Vintage tropical Jungle floral draped back dress M

By Istante by Versace, Gianni Versace

Located in Hong Kong, NT

ISTANTE GIANNI VERSACE 1998 Vintage tropical Jungle floral draped back dress M Reference: GIYG/A00152 Brand: Istante Designer: Gianni Versace Collection: 1998 Material: Viscose, Blen...

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1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1990S Pink & Orange Bias Cut Rayon Silk Burnout Velvet Tropical Floral Halter S
1990S Pink & Orange Bias Cut Rayon Silk Burnout Velvet Tropical Floral Halter S

1990S Pink & Orange Bias Cut Rayon Silk Burnout Velvet Tropical Floral Halter S

Located in New York, NY

Dress is lined in jersey for a smooth stretch to fit line. 1990S Pink & Orange Bias Cut Rayon Silk Burnout Velvet Tropical Floral Halter Slip Dress With Beaded Fringe Ties

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1990s Cocktail Dresses

1970’s Diane Von Furstenberg Tropical Floral Maxi Wrap Dress
1970’s Diane Von Furstenberg Tropical Floral Maxi Wrap Dress

1970’s Diane Von Furstenberg Tropical Floral Maxi Wrap Dress

By Diane von Furstenberg

Located in Atlanta, GA

This is an unusual maxi version of Diane Von Furstenberg’s classic wrap dress. The cotton jersey fabric features a graphic red and white tropical floral print.

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1970s Italian Maxi Dresses

Chic Vintage Albert Nipon Tropical Hawaiian Floral Line Wrap Dress
Chic Vintage Albert Nipon Tropical Hawaiian Floral Line Wrap Dress

Chic Vintage Albert Nipon Tropical Hawaiian Floral Line Wrap Dress

By Albert Nipon

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic vintage Albert Nipon colorful linen wrap dress! Double breasted, functional buttons on bodice, with snaps at bust, and at skirt. Wonderful marigold color, with vibrant hawaiian ...

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1980s Casual Dresses

Bill Blass Pink Tropical Print Mini Dress
Bill Blass Pink Tropical Print Mini Dress

Bill Blass Pink Tropical Print Mini Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Vintage hot pink mini dress. tropical floral print. halter style v neck bodice with notch lapels & open back. off center/side zip closure at skirt. wrap style closure at bodice with ...

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1990s American Day Dresses

Vintage African Straw & Leather Pagoda Style Hat
Vintage African Straw & Leather Pagoda Style Hat

Vintage African Straw & Leather Pagoda Style Hat

Located in Atlanta, GA

The pagoda shape provides both shade and a fun silhouette to pair with everything from beach wear to a tropical floral dress. Excellent condition. MEASUREMENTS The hat measure 44" i...

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1980s Ghanaian Hats

Pierre Cardin Tropical Floral Silk Dress with Cape
Pierre Cardin Tropical Floral Silk Dress with Cape

Pierre Cardin Tropical Floral Silk Dress with Cape

By Pierre Cardin

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vividly printed tropical floral silk chiffon dress from Pierre Cardin comes with a matching cape that attaches invisibly to the dress straps with a hook and eye.

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1960s French Casual Dresses

1940's Hawaiian Tropical-Floral Silk Strapless Sarong Dress Set
1940's Hawaiian Tropical-Floral Silk Strapless Sarong Dress Set

1940's Hawaiian Tropical-Floral Silk Strapless Sarong Dress Set

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Absolutely exquisite 1940's "Jaxon's Waikiki" sarong dress with its original shawl-wrap! The print is a beautiful autumn-hue yellow, orange & brown tropical-floral in "light as a fea...

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1940s American Aesthetic Day Dresses

Dolce & Gabbana Black Multicolor Jungle Tropical Print Mini Dress Cotton Floral
Dolce & Gabbana Black Multicolor Jungle Tropical Print Mini Dress Cotton Floral

Dolce & Gabbana Black Multicolor Jungle Tropical Print Mini Dress Cotton Floral

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in WELWYN, GB

Dolce & Gabbana Jungle Tropical printed mini dress Size 40IT UK8, S. 100% cotton Made in Italy Brand new with tags! Please check my other DG clothing, bags, shoes & accessories!

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mini Dresses

1950's Suzy Perette Tropical Floral Cotton Halter Full Sun Dress
1950's Suzy Perette Tropical Floral Cotton Halter Full Sun Dress

1950's Suzy Perette Tropical Floral Cotton Halter Full Sun Dress

By Suzy Perette

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Stunning "Suzy Perette" tropical rose-garden cotton-print dress! Suzy Perette was not an actual person, but the name of a dress manufacturing company that made affordable versions of...

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1950s Ballerina Day Dresses

1950's Hawaiian Tropical-Hibiscus Blue Floral Print Cotton Halter Sun Dress
1950's Hawaiian Tropical-Hibiscus Blue Floral Print Cotton Halter Sun Dress

1950's Hawaiian Tropical-Hibiscus Blue Floral Print Cotton Halter Sun Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

An absolutely exquisite 1950's Hawaiian resort dress just in time for the summer season! The vibrant blue-ombre screen print cotton has the most breathtaking watercolor hibiscus-flor...

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1950s American Aesthetic Day Dresses

1950's Hibiscus Tropical Floral Print Cotton Halter Circle-Skirt Sun Dress
1950's Hibiscus Tropical Floral Print Cotton Halter Circle-Skirt Sun Dress

1950's Hibiscus Tropical Floral Print Cotton Halter Circle-Skirt Sun Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

With its vivid pink hibiscus tropical-floral print and flawless styling, this garment has the casual elegance the 1950's were known for.

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1950s American Aesthetic Day Dresses

Vintage 1960's Tropical Tiki Floral Print Cotton Drop-Waist Tiered Resort Dress
Vintage 1960's Tropical Tiki Floral Print Cotton Drop-Waist Tiered Resort Dress

Vintage 1960's Tropical Tiki Floral Print Cotton Drop-Waist Tiered Resort Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Truly a wonderful and unusual designer sundress from Sara's Las Vegas boutique. I think this is one of the best examples of 1960's flower power fashion I have seen in a long time. Th...

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1960s American Aesthetic Day Dresses

1950's Alfred Shaheen Hawaiian Red-Ombre Wiggle Sarong Dress
1950's Alfred Shaheen Hawaiian Red-Ombre Wiggle Sarong Dress

1950's Alfred Shaheen Hawaiian Red-Ombre Wiggle Sarong Dress

By Alfred Shaheen

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Shaheen pioneered Hawaii's vital garment manufacturing industry by stretching beyond the limits imposed by the isolation of the Hawaiian Islands. This beautiful tropical hibiscus-flo...

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1950s Day Dresses

1950s Shaheen Tropical Floral Cotton Dress
1950s Shaheen Tropical Floral Cotton Dress

1950s Shaheen Tropical Floral Cotton Dress

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950s dress * Hawaiian print cotton * metallic accents * smocked waist * adjustable straps * bodice stays * metal back zipper * by Shaheen condition | excellent...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

90s Thierry Mugler Tropical Floral Print Silk Dress
90s Thierry Mugler Tropical Floral Print Silk Dress

90s Thierry Mugler Tropical Floral Print Silk Dress

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Summerweight light silk dress from the 1990s by Thierry Mugler. Tropical floral print with body con shirred with snap front closure and self belt that clasps at back.

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1990s French Day Dresses

Vintage 1960's era tropical floral printed silk dress
Vintage 1960's era tropical floral printed silk dress

Vintage 1960's era tropical floral printed silk dress

Located in Newport Beach, CA

Vintage 1960's era tropical floral printed silk dress. Ruffle detail neck line with self fabric covered, adjustable waist belt.

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1960s American Day Dresses

1970s Vintage Gottex Tropical Hibiscus Floral Caftan Style Semi-Sheer Dress
1970s Vintage Gottex Tropical Hibiscus Floral Caftan Style Semi-Sheer Dress

1970s Vintage Gottex Tropical Hibiscus Floral Caftan Style Semi-Sheer Dress

By Gottex

Located in Portland, OR

This pretty dress has red trim and the bold tropical floral print with red hibiscus and white flowers is in shades of black, green, white, yellow, red and pink.

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1970s Israeli Casual Dresses

1950's Hawaiian Tropical-Floral Metallic Turquoise Print Cotton Halter Dress
1950's Hawaiian Tropical-Floral Metallic Turquoise Print Cotton Halter Dress

1950's Hawaiian Tropical-Floral Metallic Turquoise Print Cotton Halter Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

The vibrant turquoise screen print cotton has the most breathtaking metallic silver hibiscus-floral tropical design. The bodice has an elegant sculpted drape halter design complete w...

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1950s American Aesthetic Day Dresses

1970's Pauline Trigere Tropical Floral Watercolor Silk Rhinestone Resort Dress
1970's Pauline Trigere Tropical Floral Watercolor Silk Rhinestone Resort Dress

1970's Pauline Trigere Tropical Floral Watercolor Silk Rhinestone Resort Dress

By Pauline Trigère

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Trigère designs commanded some of the highest prices often because they were made with very expensive materials. This stunning tropical floral print resort dress is a perfect example...

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1970s American Aesthetic Day Dresses

Emanuel Ungaro Parallele Vintage Dress in Tropical Floral Print Caftan Style
Emanuel Ungaro Parallele Vintage Dress in Tropical Floral Print Caftan Style

Emanuel Ungaro Parallele Vintage Dress in Tropical Floral Print Caftan Style

By Emanuel Ungaro

Located in Portland, OR

This beautiful silk Ungaro dress has gorgeous pleating on the front and very unique peaked sleeves. The dress is labeled a size 6 and is meant to be free flowing. The dress has pre...

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1970s Italian Kaftans

1950's Alfred Shaheen Hawaiian Tropical-Floral Wiggle Sarong Dress Swimsuit Set
1950's Alfred Shaheen Hawaiian Tropical-Floral Wiggle Sarong Dress Swimsuit Set

1950's Alfred Shaheen Hawaiian Tropical-Floral Wiggle Sarong Dress Swimsuit Set

By Alfred Shaheen

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Alfred Shaheen was the most creative and prolific Hawaiian designer in post-WWII fashion. Shaheen pioneered Hawaii's vital garment manufacturing industry by stretching beyond the lim...

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1950s American Aesthetic Day Dresses

1930's Andree Gay Tropical Floral-Print Silk Cut-Out Halter Fishtail Gown
1930's Andree Gay Tropical Floral-Print Silk Cut-Out Halter Fishtail Gown

1930's Andree Gay Tropical Floral-Print Silk Cut-Out Halter Fishtail Gown

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

The breathtaking Andree Gay tropical-floral and butterfly print used for this 1930's silk-rayon gown has a fresh innocence that I find irresistible.

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1930s American Maxi Dresses

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Art Deco Hand Embroidered Silk Chiffon and Crepe Slip Dress
Art Deco Hand Embroidered Silk Chiffon and Crepe Slip Dress

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. ...

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1930s French Day Dresses

CLAIRE PETTIBONE 2015 Vanilla Cream Lace Bridal Gown Backless Wedding Dress
CLAIRE PETTIBONE 2015 Vanilla Cream Lace Bridal Gown Backless Wedding Dress

CLAIRE PETTIBONE 2015 Vanilla Cream Lace Bridal Gown Backless Wedding Dress

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Claire Pettibone Romantique Collection 2015 Sample Wedding Dress Vanilla Cream Like with all lighter neutrals, sometimes this leans more yellow, and sometimes this leans more ivory B...

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2010s Wedding Dresses

Taupe Crêpe Scallop Hem Flapper Dress with Silver-Plate Glass Beads – M, 1920s
Taupe Crêpe Scallop Hem Flapper Dress with Silver-Plate Glass Beads – M, 1920s

Taupe Crêpe Scallop Hem Flapper Dress with Silver-Plate Glass Beads – M, 1920s

Located in Tucson, AZ

From its rare beads to its scalloped hem to its wearable size, this Jazz Age gem is a “unicorn” among flapper dresses. Quite literally dripping with silver-plate hollow beads and cry...

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1920s Unknown Evening Dresses

Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Green Silk Crepe Sequined Cocktail Dress ca. 1967
Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Green Silk Crepe Sequined Cocktail Dress ca. 1967

Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Green Silk Crepe Sequined Cocktail Dress ca. 1967

By Pierre Cardin

Located in Studio City, CA

A circa 1967 Pierre Cardin haute couture green sequined silk crêpe cocktail dress that features a keyhole opening at the back. The main draw of this slinky silk cocktail dress are th...

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1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Galliano Black Ruffle Dress
Vintage Galliano Black Ruffle Dress

Vintage Galliano Black Ruffle Dress

By John Galliano

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A Vintage Galliano Black Ruffle Dress is a statement piece that would embody the dramatic and avant-garde style that John Galliano is known for. As a designer who has consistently p...

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Late 20th Century Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1920's Filet Lace and Chiffon Dress
1920's Filet Lace and Chiffon Dress

1920's Filet Lace and Chiffon Dress

Located in New York, NY

Charming Cotton Filet Lace and Chiffon Dress from the 1920's. Pin tucked silk chiffon is inserted with cotton filet lace panels and attached to a lace skirt gathered from hip. Silk k...

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1910s American Day Dresses

90s John Galliano Teal Blue Silk Halter Gown
90s John Galliano Teal Blue Silk Halter Gown

90s John Galliano Teal Blue Silk Halter Gown

By John Galliano

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1990s John Galliano empire sweetheart bust bias cut gown with thin spaghetti strap with slit. Big bow ties in the front. Fit US size 4 or 6 Bust 34 - 36 inch /Waist: 32 inch / hip ...

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Early 2000s French Day Dresses

Revillon Sable Fur Coat for Saks Fifth Avenue
Revillon Sable Fur Coat for Saks Fifth Avenue

Revillon Sable Fur Coat for Saks Fifth Avenue

By Revillon Frères

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is an absolutely sumptuous natural brown Sable fur coat, by Revillon for Saks Fifth Avenue. This coat has a large notched collar, two front slit pockets, an open front and is ...

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Late 20th Century Coats

1930s White Cotton Embroidered Dress with Lace
1930s White Cotton Embroidered Dress with Lace

1930s White Cotton Embroidered Dress with Lace

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Late 1930s to early 1940s White Cotton embroidered summer wedding dress. Dress has horse hair crinoline to give fullness. Size: 4 - Small Bust: 36” / Waist: 26” / Hip 40” / Dress l...

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1930s Unknown Wedding Dresses

Vintage Thierry Mugler Pink Mini Dress Circa 1990's
Vintage Thierry Mugler Pink Mini Dress Circa 1990's

Vintage Thierry Mugler Pink Mini Dress Circa 1990's

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Thierry Mugler Dress We offer more exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore This vintage spaghetti strapped pink tailored mini dress consists of satin inserts as well as cross ...

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20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage turquoise beaded silk sheer floral layered wedding slip dress gown M L
Vintage turquoise beaded silk sheer floral layered wedding slip dress gown M L

Vintage turquoise beaded silk sheer floral layered wedding slip dress gown M L

Located in Milano, Lombardia

LOVE LALI VINTAGE A breathtaking vintage gown. I would estimate this to be from around the late 90's. It has a pale blue lining which is overlayed with a sheer turquoise layer that ...

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1990s Evening Dresses

1920s Yellow Floral Print Day Dress
1920s Yellow Floral Print Day Dress

1920s Yellow Floral Print Day Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1920s Silk Dress in orange, purple black eye susan sun flower print. Some flaws inside lining ( collar) see image attached Bust: 36 inches/ Waist: 32 inches/ Hip : 36 inches/ Dress l...

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1920s American Cocktail Dresses

90s Gianfranco Ferre White Silk V Neck Sleeveless Gown
90s Gianfranco Ferre White Silk V Neck Sleeveless Gown

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...

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1990s Italian Wedding Dresses

Halston 1970s Documented Beaded Dress
Halston 1970s Documented Beaded Dress

Halston 1970s Documented Beaded Dress

By Halston

Located in Water Mill, NY

Featured in "Halston: An American Original" by Elaine Gross and Red Rottham, this beautiful sleeveless off white silk dress from Halston is completely adorned in horizontal rows of e...

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1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

1920s French Art Deco Gold & Black Harlequin Sequin Dancing Dress--Ultra Rare!
1920s French Art Deco Gold & Black Harlequin Sequin Dancing Dress--Ultra Rare!

1920s French Art Deco Gold & Black Harlequin Sequin Dancing Dress--Ultra Rare!

Located in Gresham, OR

A truly spectacular 1920s French-made Art Deco styled harlequin patterned sequin dancing dress in gold and black. Very full skirt with dropped, banded waist for lots of movement. Dia...

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1920s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

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Tropical Floral Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of tropical floral dresses for sale on 1stDibs. Many people prefer Black tropical floral dresses, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Purple, Orange and more options on these pages. If you’re looking for accessories from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find some that date back to the 20th Century while other versions may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding appealing tropical floral dresses such as these — no matter the origin — is easy, but Leonard, Albert Nipon and Alfred Shaheen each produced popular versions that are worth a look. 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 Tropical Floral Dresses?

The prices for tropical floral dresses start at $190 and top out at $2,800 with these items, on average, selling for $585.

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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