Valentino Boutique Pleated Wool Dress - '90s
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Achieve a sophisticated 90s look with our Valentino Boutique Pleated Wool Dress. The structured
Valentino Boutique Pleated Wool Dress - '90s
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Achieve a sophisticated 90s look with our Valentino Boutique Pleated Wool Dress. The structured
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Valentino Garavani Red Wool Black Wool Pom Pom Dress
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning red and black Valentino Garavani dress. From the 1970s, this vibrant red wool
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
VALENTINO petrol blue wool CAPE Dress 42 M
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino cape cocktail dress in petrol wool (100%). Opens with a concealed zipper
Valentino Black and Cream Wool Day Dress, Circa 1980's
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a black and cream day dress by Valentino, from the 1980's. The dress has a cream color
Valentino Miss V Wool Dress with Turtle Buttons - '90s
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This light grey wool midi dress from the 1991 Miss V collection features a round neck, long sleeves
VALENTINO cream wool & silk 2021 BRODERIE ANGLAISE MINI Dress M
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino broderie anglaise mini shift dress in cream wool (65%) and silk (35
VALENTINO coral wool & silk 2018 BELL SLEEVE CREPE Dress XS
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino mini dress is crafted from a luxurious blend of coral red crêpe wool
$1,032Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.85 in W 15.75 in D 6.3 in
VALENTINO red wool & silk EMBELLISHED Sleeveless Flared Dress 44 L
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
authentic Valentino sleeveless dress in red virgin wool 65% silk (35%) embellished with multicolor
$792Sale Price|20% Off
VALENTINO midnight blue wool blend Long Sleeve Sheath Dress 10
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
Valentino long-sleeve sheath dress in wool (84%), polyamide (11%) and elastane (5%) featuring
VALENTINO navy blue wool V BELTED EMBELLISHED Shift Dress 44 L
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino logo belted a-line dress with bell sleeves in navy blue virgin wool (65
VALENTINO cream & black wool & silk 2021 POLKA DOT FLARED Dress 42 M
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Valentino mini dress in cream and black polka dot wool (65%) and silk (35
Wool cocktail dress with animal print and gold metal buttons Valentino Boutique
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Wool cocktail dress with animal print and gold metal buttons. Snap closure under the decorative
VALENTINO grey wool blend Flared Hem Long Sleeve Sheath Dress 6 S
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino long-sleeve dress in grey wool (84%), nylon (11%) and elastane (5
VALENTINO A/W 2007 Blush Pink 100% Wool Ruched Sleeve Cocktail Dress
By Valentino
Located in Thiensville, WI
Valentino Autumn/Winter 2007 blush pink 100% wool cocktail dress. 3/4 length sleeves with ruched
Valentino Miss V Blue Cady Wool Vintage Sheath Dress 1990s
By Valentino Miss V
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Valentino Miss V 90s vintage dress. Wool cady blouson, blue color, zip closure on the front. 100
$119Sale Price|30% Off
VALENTINO pink wool blend black lace trimmed waist flared skirt dress IT42 M
By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO pink wool blend black lace trimmed waist flared skirt dress IT42 M Reference: LACG/A00110
$960Sale Price|20% Off
VALENTINO black wool silk Rockstud pockets scoop minid ress IT38 XS
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO black wool silk Rockstud pockets scoop minid ress IT38 XS Reference: AAWC/A01442 Brand
Valentino mini Dress
Located in Carnate, IT
Valentino mini dress. In wool and silk. Silk lined. Italian size 40. Shoulders 42 cm Bust 42 cm
Valentino Boutique Vintage Black Wool Midi Dress XL
By Valentino
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Experience the joy of expert tailoring with this designer dress for women. Meticulously made, it
1980s Valentino Miss V Black Wool Day Dress Size 6
By Valentino
Located in Portland, OR
This is a timeless Valentino vintage wool dress that is fully lined in rayon. The late 1980's dress
Valentino Pale Pink Floral Lace & Wool Knit Long Sleeve Dress S
By Valentino
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Experience the joy of expert tailoring with this designer dress for women. Meticulously made, it
Unavailable
Size: equivalent S / M - see measures
VALENTINO "New" Black White Prince of Wales Wool Dress - Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO black white Prince of Wales wool dress - Unworn, New. .. SIZE: equivalent to about Small
Valentino Virgin Wool Black Knee-Length Dress (Size: S US 4)
By Valentino
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Valentino Virgin Wool Dress. Grey. Sleeveless with V-Neck Concealed Zip Closure at Side. Designer
Unavailable
Size: equivalent S / M - see maeasures
VALENTINO "New" White Cream Silk and Wool Silk Lined Buttons Dress - Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO white cream silk and wool dress silk lined with buttons - Unworn SIZE: equivalent to
Unavailable
Size: equivalent S / M - See measures
VALENTINO "New" Black Cream Silk Wool Crêpe Bow Dress - Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO black wool and silk crêpe, cream shoulders, bow in front, velvet hems dress - Unworn
Unavailable
Size: equivalent S / M - se measures
VALENTINO "New" Couture bleu with white strips wool dress - Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO Couture bleu with white strips wool dress - Unworn, New. SIZE: equivalent to about Small
Valentino Runway Black Red Wool Floral Leather Collar Long Sleeve Dress
By Valentino
Located in Chicago, IL
Size: 8 Color: Black,Red, Made In: Italy Fabric Content: Wool, Silk; Leather; Silk Item Specifics
Unavailable
Size: equivalent S / M - see measures
VALENTINO New Cashmere Blue Jacket Silk Wool Skirt with Crocodile Belt - Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO blue cashmere and vicuña jacket and silk wool skirt suit with crocodile Valentino belt
Valentino Wool Dress
Located in Austin, TX
Valentino wool dress with diamond print. Velvet belt and accents. Conditon: Excellent. 34" bust, 26
Cream & Black Valentino Stretch-Wool Sheath Dress
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Product details: Cream stretch-wool sheath dress by Valentino. Boatneck. Sleeveless. Black lace
Valentino Yellow Wool & Silk Pleated Sleeveless Dress - 6
By Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Valentino Yellow Wool & Silk Pleated Sleeveless Dress - 6. This dress is in excellent condition
Valentino Red Wool Collar Dress with Bow - '80s
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Crafted with red and black mélange wool, the Valentino red long-sleeve collar dress features a
Valentino Boutique Dress
By Valentino
Located in Austin, TX
Valentino red wool dress with olive stripe. 40" bust, 27" waist, 23 "sleeve, 40" length. Two side
VALENTINO Sweater Dress
By Valentino
Located in Austin, TX
Valentino black wool dress with sweater sleeves. Two front pockets, zipper down front and side
Valentino Technocouture Black Wool Sleeveless Fitted Dress Size S
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
Black Wool Body-con dress Knee length Figure hugging fit Sleeveless Round neckline Back zip and
Valentino Black Wool Polkadot Knee Length Dress Size XS
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to dress is evident on this used Valentino designer
Valentino Garavani Red Valentino Black Wool Lace Trim Dress Size XL
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Never worn, with tags. No visible wear to dress is evident on this new Red Valentino
Valentino Boutique purple dress
By Valentino
Located in Austin, TX
Valentino Boutique purple wool dress with two front pockets and elastic cuffs. 38" bust, 27" waist
1980s Valentino Sweater Dress
By Valentino
Located in Austin, TX
1980s Valentino creme wool dress with brown stripes and pockets. 39" bust, 35" waist, 35
Valentino Pink Wool Ruffle Sleeve Dress Size XL
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
is evident on this new Valentino designer resale item. Details Pink Wool Knee
Valentino 1967 Re-Edition Green Wool Tiger Dress Size S
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
1967 Re-Edition Green Wool Dress Tiger print Knee length Long sleeves Ruffle cuffs Square neck
Valentino Red Black Wool Velvet Sheath Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Miss V
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Valentino Miss V 90s vintage woman dress. Short dress, red with buttons and black velvet pockets
Valentino Vintage tailored red wool twill big zipper dress 1990s
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Valentino tailored red wool twill zipper dress from the 1990s...Light weight bright red
VALENTINO Size 8 Pink Wool Blend Ruffled Sleeveless Dress
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO dress comes in a pink wool blend featuring a ruffled hem, sleeveless, and a back zip up
VALENTINO turquoise blue wool MOCK NECK SHIFT Dress 44
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
Valentino high-neck shift dress in turquoise and black wool (68%) and silk (32%). With two slit
VALENTINO TECHNOCOUTURE pale pink wool fleece Sleeves Dress 4
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
Valentino Technocouture sheath dress in pale rose fleece wool (98%) and elastane (2%). With piping
Valentino Black Wool Rockstud Lace Top Dress Size XL
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to dress is evident on this used Valentino designer
Valentino Garavani Wool Floral Knee Length Dress Size S
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Garavani designer resale item. Details Multicolour Wool Dress Short sleeves V
VALENTINO Black and White Striped Wool and Silk Long Dress Size 40IT
By Valentino
Located in Paris, FR
Very elegant long dress Valentino in wool and silk with black and white stripes. Lined with white
VALENTINO Size 6 Blush Wool Ruffled One Shoulder Cocktail Dress
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO cocktail dress comes in a blush pink wool featuring a one shoulder design, ruffled detail
Valentino Garavani Vintage Wool Maxi Dress in Multicolour
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Carnate, IT
Valentino Garavani Vintage Wool Maxi Dress in Multicolour Vintage wool dress from Valentino
VALENTINO TECHNOCOUTURE fuchsia wool LACE PANEL Short Sleeve Dress 42
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
Valentino Techocouture short.sleeve dress in fucsia wool (90%), nylon (8%), and elastane (2%). With
VALENTINO eggplant wool FLEECE BOW SHORT SLEEVE Dress 6 S
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino short sleeve knee-length dress in eggplant fleece wool (98%) and elastane
VALENTINO midnight blue wool fleece BOW Short Sleeve Dress 8
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
Valentino short-sleeve sheath dress in midnight blue fleece wool (98%) and elastane (2%). With crew
VALENTINO dusty pink wool silk LACE TRIM MIDI Dress 38 XS
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino sleeveless flared dress in dusty rose virgin wool (65%) and silk (35
VALENTINO cream wool 2017 RUFFLED OFF-SHOULDER CREPE Dress 46 XL
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino off-shoulder dress in cream crêpe wool (65%) and silk (35%). Features
Valentino NWT Red Wool V Pocket A-Line Dress sz 12 rt $2, 490
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino NWT Red Wool V Pocket A-Line Dress sz 12 rt $2,490 Made In: Italy Color: Red Materials
Valentino Garavani Wool Floral Knee Length Dress Size S
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Garavani designer resale item. Details Multicolour Wool Dress Short sleeves V neck
VALENTINO cream floral lace front wool silk cashmere knit back casual dress
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO cream floral lace front wool silk cashmere knit back casual dress M Reference: MELK
VALENTINO hot pink wool & silk 2022 SIDE BOW MINI Dress 44 L
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino mini dress in hot pink crepe wool (65%) and silk (35%). Features a
Valentino Black and Ivory Sleeveless Bow Dress - 10
By Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Valentino wool blend dress is a timeless piece. The black dress is sleeveless with an ivory
VALENTINO MISS V black & white Gingham wool Long Sleeve Dress 46 VINTAGE 1990s
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
Valentino Vintage casual dress in black and white wool (probably, as content tag is missing). Opens
VALENTINO Size 8 Black Wool Draped V Neck 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Dress
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO shift dress comes in wool fabric with a darted deep V neck, pleat darted body, and ruched
1980's Valentino Brown Wool Shirtdress
By Valentino
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980's Valentino brown tweed wool button front long sleeve shirt dress. Cinched waist, brown wood
VALENTINO Size L Dark Green Lace Wool Blend Tunic Dress
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO dress comes in a dark green lace wool blend featuring a tunic style and a v-neck. Made in
VALENTINO Miss V, Wool Blend and Velvet Midi Dress
By Valentino Miss V
Located in Kingston, NY
Valentino Miss V blue wool and black velvet midi dress EU 46 US 12 EU 46 / US 12, Shoulder to
Valentino Cowl Neck Cream Faille Cocktail Dress
By Valentino
Located in Gresham, OR
Gorgeous Valentino cream wool crepe cocktail dress with deep front and back cowl! Fully lined
1980s Valentino black wool crepe collar & cuff dress
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Valentino Studio, 1980s black wool crepe dress...Attached off white silk collar and cuffs add a Mod
Valentino Ivory Wool Ruffle Dress with Pockets - 6
By Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Valentino ivory dress has ruffles along the neckline and bottom. It is a wool-silk blend with
Valentino Brown/Ivory Checkered Wool Dress - 12 - Circa 70's
By Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Valentino vintage brown/ivory wool dress with velvet piping late 70's
Valentino Belted Wool & Silk Blend Crepe Dress
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Valentino Belted Wool & Silk Blend Crepe Dress Pink, midi dress designed with tonal logo belt at
Valentino grey dress
By Valentino
Located in Austin, TX
Valentino grey wool dress with black velvet collar. 40" bust, 28" waist, 25" sleeve, 16 1/2
VALENTINO Size 6 Red Silk Wool Short Sleeve Cocktail Dress
By Valentino
Located in San Francisco, CA
VALENTINO cocktail dress in a red silk wool blend fabric featuring ribbon trim details, short
Sold
Size: Italian 42 (Best Fits US 4-6)
1980's Valentino 'Miss V' Black & Green Houndstooth Wool Dress
By Valentino, Valentino Miss V
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 1980's ladylike dress by Valentino for the youthful 'Miss V' line incorporates classic design
VALENTINO gey wool blend Long Sleeve TRUMPET KNIT Dress 6
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
Valentino dress in navy blue viscose (with 17% polyester) with ruffled details. Unlined. Has been
$43,716
Size: IT 38 - FR 34 - UK 6 - US 2
Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton dusty pink fur coat, fw 2012
By Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
▪ Alexander McQueen dusty pink fur coat ▪ Designed by Sarah Burton ▪ Dyed Mongolian Lamb, Mink fur and Ostrich feathers ▪ Leather belt with silver shell detail ▪ Mirrored visor shad...
S/S 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford GG Monogram Rhinestone Silk Chiffon Navy Dress
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting the rhinestone 'GG' Gucci slip dress of your dreams, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 1998 collection, this incredibly rare dress is constructed of two layers:...
Victorian Cream Cotton & Lace High Swan Neck Blouse With Trim Sleeves Hand-Made
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Cream Cotton & Lace High Swan Neck Blouse With Trim Sleeves Hand-Made Buttons
VALENTINO c.1990's 2pc White Blazer Wide Leg Trouser Pants Power Suit Set
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in Thiensville, WI
VALENTINO c.1990's 2pc White Twill Blazer & Wide Leg Trouser Pants Suit Set Circa: 1990’s Label(s): Valentino Roma Designer: Valentino Garavani Style: Pants suit set Color(s): Whit...
1950s Eleanor Green / Mary Norton Silk Crepe Pink Short Sleeve Vintage 50s Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and flattering late 1950s ELEANOR GREEN for MARY NORTON pink silk crepe short sleeve dress! Features the perfect shade pink with a tailored bodice with intricate draping at the ...
Oscar de la Renta 2007 Runway Look Brown Ruffle Trim Sun Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
Oscar de la Renta brown pencil dress with raw edged ruffle trim. Grosgrain trim circles the bodice. Boned at bodice for shape. Back zip and hook and eye. Seen in another color in L...
Valentino Shoe D'Orsay Satin Pumps Bold Bow 39 / 9 w/Box
By Valentino
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Valentino black satin D'Orsay pump. Peeptoe with signature bold bow. Hidden .25" platform. High stiletto heel. Comes with box. final sale Mightychic offers ...
Valentino New Silk Cape Gown
By Valentino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous pink silk cape dress from Valentino. It is a sleeveless body skimming dress with a panel draping over the shoulders forming a cape in the back. The bust is lined in the s...
$500
Size: vintage 12; comparable to size M
Dove Gray A-Line Shift Dress with Bead-Crusted Neckline and Pockets - M, 1960s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Perfect for brunch, weddings and cocktail parties, this heavyweight linen dress combines crisp geometry with masterful but discrete beading. Its Mod fingertip pockets and gentle A-li...
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress
By Alexander McQueen, Givenchy
Located in Thiensville, WI
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Knit Fitted Button Front Dress Circa: 1998 Label(s): Givenchy / Couture / Made In France / Paris / 8HG 8520152830 Desig...
Oscar de la Renta Corsage Cocktail Dress New!
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oscar de la Renta strapless lace and silk corsage cocktail dress offered in brand new condition. Hand ruched black lace bodice with large attached rosette corsage. Bodice extends ...
Oscar de la Renta Resort 2009 Runway One Shoulder Silk Toga Dress $3, 200 BNWT
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing brand new with tags Oscar de la Renta silk one shoulder dress! Detailed for $3,200! Featured in the Resort 2009 Oscar Runway Collection (see pictures). One shoulder can be wo...
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
Beautiful GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE SS 2000 silk blouse Finest purple silk Versace SS 2000 Jungle Collection Extremely versatile Sexy deep cleavage Swarovski crystal buttons Made in ...
$550Sale Price|51% Off
Two piece Wool Tweed Suit with Black Fox Fur Collar
Located in Amsterdam, NL
We offer more exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore. Details: 2-piece suit with a skirt and a jacket. Made from wool/tweed The black fox fur collar is non- detachable. Size f...
Oscar de la Renta Gold Sequin Polka Dot Sleeveless Cocktail Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
Oscar de la Renta metallic gold sequin fitted sleeveless party dress. The sequins switch direction in spots, forming a polka dot pattern. The perfect holiday dress! Back zip and hook...
1980S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Black Silk Chiffon & Lace Strapless Gown XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
1980S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Black Silk Chiffon & Lace Strapless Gown XS
The mononymously known Italian designer Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani (b. 1932) is renowned for his fashion house of romantic styles and feminine shapes that he founded in Rome in 1960. Valentino dresses, skirts and other apparel captured the hearts of many of Italy’s wealthiest ladies in the couturier’s early days and led to commissions from Babe Paley, Gloria Guinness, Jayne Wrightsman and others on the international best-dressed list (when it still meant something). They sought out Valentino for gorgeous gowns, jackets, elegant daytime wear and even when they needed wedding dresses.
An early fascination with fashion developed when Valentino attended the theater as a child and was dazzled by the evening gowns on stage. While a teenager in Voghera, Lombardy, he studied under Italian designer Ernestina Salvadeo and soon moved to Paris, where he trained at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Valentino spent time apprenticing under haute couturiers Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche, learning how to design and construct high fashion while also thinking about how to strike out on his own.
In 1959, Valentino returned to Italy, and a year later, he opened his own salon, soon joining with longtime professional and personal partner Giancarlo Giammetti. It was located on Rome’s trendy Via Condotti and modeled after the French maisons. One of his earliest clients was Elizabeth Taylor, who discovered Valentino while she was in Rome filming Cleopatra and ordered the white dress that she wore to the premiere of Spartacus.
When the designer launched his first couture line in 1962 with its fiery red colors, it was internationally celebrated, with Valentino soon attiring fashion trendsetters including Princess Margaret and Audrey Hepburn. He formed an especially close friendship with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, for whom he designed numerous dresses. Luxurious drapery with fine needlework, bold uses of color and dramatic flourishes would define Valentino fashion across the decades.
As a fashion house, Valentino is best known for its signature Valentino Red color, though one of its iconic lines is the monochromatic “no colour” collection for which the designer won the Neiman Marcus Award in 1967. (The collection also debuted his trademark “V.”) The white dresses and beige dresses led to a demand for Valentino wedding gowns, with clients including Elizabeth Taylor, Jennifer Lopez and Anne Hathaway.
Valentino retired from his fashion empire in 2007, with Alessandra Facchinetti and then the duo Maria Grazia Chiuri (who departed in 2016) and Pierpaolo Piccioli succeeding him as creative directors. But Valentino still steps out of retirement for special occasions, such as designing a wedding gown for Princess Madeleine of Sweden in 2013.
Today, the brand offers a range of collections that include the Valentino Garavani line and REDValentino, a diffusion line that is aimed at a younger audience. The house has expanded far beyond women’s haute couture and prêt-à-porter to encompass various lines of accessories, including shoes, sunglasses, scarves and perfume.
Find vintage Valentino evening dresses, handbags and other items on 1stDibs now.
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.