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Velvet Formal Dresses

Black Silk Velvet Gown
Black Silk Velvet Gown

Black Silk Velvet Gown

Located in New York, NY

Black Silk Velvet Gown

Category

Late 20th Century Formal Gowns

Black Silk Velvet Gown With Jacket
Black Silk Velvet Gown With Jacket

Black Silk Velvet Gown With Jacket

Located in New York, NY

Black Silk Velvet Gown With Jacket

Category

Late 20th Century Formal Gowns

1990S Yellow & Gold Silk Lurex Burnout Velvet Gown
1990S Yellow & Gold Silk Lurex Burnout Velvet Gown

1990S Yellow & Gold Silk Lurex Burnout Velvet Gown

Located in New York, NY

made quality, fully lined in silk. 1990S Yellow & Gold Silk Lurex Burnout Velvet Gown

Category

1990s Formal Gowns

F/W 2002 Ralph Lauren Runway Plunging V Neckline Black Velvet Sleeveless Gown
F/W 2002 Ralph Lauren Runway Plunging V Neckline Black Velvet Sleeveless Gown

F/W 2002 Ralph Lauren Runway Plunging V Neckline Black Velvet Sleeveless Gown

By Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label

Located in West Hollywood, CA

29, modeled by Betina Holte. This effortlessly chic soft velvet dress features a deep v-neckline

Category

Early 2000s American Formal Gowns

Galanos Evening Gown Formal Long Dress Black Silk Velvet Sculptural Collar
Galanos Evening Gown Formal Long Dress Black Silk Velvet Sculptural Collar

Galanos Evening Gown Formal Long Dress Black Silk Velvet Sculptural Collar

By James Galanos, Galanos

Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

. Made from what we believe is silk velvet (no content tag), this piece features a sculptural collar

Category

1980s American Evening Gowns

Recent Sales

1960s Biba Black Velvet Formal Mini Dress
1960s Biba Black Velvet Formal Mini Dress

1960s Biba Black Velvet Formal Mini Dress

By Biba

Located in Houston, TX

Simply adorable and classic! This "60's London street wear goes to a Formal" dress

Category

1960s British Day Dresses

Vintage CHANEL BOUTIQUE Velvet Halter Formal Dress
Vintage CHANEL BOUTIQUE Velvet Halter Formal Dress

Vintage CHANEL BOUTIQUE Velvet Halter Formal Dress

By Chanel Boutique

Located in Kingersheim, Alsace

Vintage CHANEL BOUTIQUE Velvet Halter Formal Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double

Category

20th Century French Evening Dresses

Travilla Brocade Dress With Velvet Bow Belt, 1950’s
Travilla Brocade Dress With Velvet Bow Belt, 1950’s

Travilla Brocade Dress With Velvet Bow Belt, 1950’s

By William Travilla, Travilla

Located in Atlanta, GA

1950’s Travilla ornate brocade dress with a built-in velvet bow belt. The rolled collar dress zips

Category

1950s American Formal Wear

1990S Metallic Floral Rayon & Silk Burnout Velvet Gown
1990S Metallic Floral Rayon & Silk Burnout Velvet Gown

1990S Metallic Floral Rayon & Silk Burnout Velvet Gown

Located in New York, NY

made quality, fully lined in silk. 1990S Metallic Floral Rayon & Silk Burnout Velvet Gown

Category

1990s Formal Gowns

Midcentury Club Chairs in Sea Velvet, Pair
Midcentury Club Chairs in Sea Velvet, Pair

Midcentury Club Chairs in Sea Velvet, Pair

Sold

H 30 in W 27.5 in D 26 in

Midcentury Club Chairs in Sea Velvet, Pair

Located in Wilton, CT

stain and selected a gorgeous cotton velvet in the color Sea. The combination allows for the formal

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Victor Costa Brown Velvet + Heavy Satin 1980's Formal Dress
Victor Costa Brown Velvet + Heavy Satin 1980's Formal Dress

Victor Costa Brown Velvet + Heavy Satin 1980's Formal Dress

By Victor Costa

Located in Sparks, NV

Elegant fabric blocked formal dress by Victor Costa featuring heavy satin and velvet detailing

Category

1980s American Evening Dresses

Bill Blass  abstract laser cut velvet gown -dress
Bill Blass  abstract laser cut velvet gown -dress

Bill Blass abstract laser cut velvet gown -dress

By Bill Blass

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful Bill Blass laser velvet gown -dress. Abstract print. wide sleeves. Super light in weight

Category

Late 20th Century American Formal Gowns

1930's Silk Burnout Velvet Bias Cut Gown
1930's Silk Burnout Velvet Bias Cut Gown

1930's Silk Burnout Velvet Bias Cut Gown

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Circa 1930's gorgeous, body hugging bias cut gown is made from luxurious burnout silk velvet in a

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Formal Gowns

1932 Molyneux Haute-Couture Applique Floral Silk-Velvet Gown
1932 Molyneux Haute-Couture Applique Floral Silk-Velvet Gown

1932 Molyneux Haute-Couture Applique Floral Silk-Velvet Gown

By Molyneux

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

. Molyneux dressed the likes of Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Gertrude Lawrence, Margaret Leighton, and

Category

1930s Art Deco Formal Gowns

SALE!! Oscar De la Renta Silk Velvet corset  Black gown  sz 12
SALE!! Oscar De la Renta Silk Velvet corset  Black gown  sz 12

SALE!! Oscar De la Renta Silk Velvet corset Black gown sz 12

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in New York, NY

gown is the definitive black tie look. Black silk velvet floor length gown with portrait neckline and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Formal Gowns

Oscar de la Renta Vintage Green Velvet Evening Gown Formal Dress
Oscar de la Renta Vintage Green Velvet Evening Gown Formal Dress

Oscar de la Renta Vintage Green Velvet Evening Gown Formal Dress

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in Portland, OR

velvet with deep green trim at the hem line. The dress has long sleeves, a back zipper, and a beautiful

Category

Late 20th Century Hong Kong Evening Dresses

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Victor Costa Strapless Dress
Victor Costa Strapless Dress

Victor Costa Strapless Dress

By Victor Costa

Located in Alford, MA

One of Victor Costa's best designs, this strapless cocktail/evening dress is fashioned of white satin and black velvet alternating horizontal stripes with fitted bodice leading to an...

Category

Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton dusty pink fur coat, fw 2012
Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton dusty pink fur coat, fw 2012

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...

Category

2010s Italian Coats and Outerwear

Thierry Mugler Green Wrap Dress
Thierry Mugler Green Wrap Dress

Thierry Mugler Green Wrap Dress

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous forest green wool military influence dress by Thierry Mugler. It has a small stand up collar, long sleeves with cuffs and 2 bodice patch pockets. The dress skirt wraps ac...

Category

1990s French Day Dresses

Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress
Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress

Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress

By Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in Naples, FL

Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress Size L Gucci knit bodycon midi dress with V-neck and tonal stitching throughout.

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

John Galliano for Christian Dior S/S 2009 Silk Halter Dress
John Galliano for Christian Dior S/S 2009 Silk Halter Dress

John Galliano for Christian Dior S/S 2009 Silk Halter Dress

By John Galliano, Christian Dior

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous rich purple silk halter dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It is fitted through the bodice with a stunning intricately detailed ruffle trimmed plunge halter neckli...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Laura Ashley Batsheva 80s Sz 6 Purple Pink Avant Garde Vintage Floral Midi Dress
Laura Ashley Batsheva 80s Sz 6 Purple Pink Avant Garde Vintage Floral Midi Dress

Laura Ashley Batsheva 80s Sz 6 Purple Pink Avant Garde Vintage Floral Midi Dress

By Laura Ashley

Located in San Diego, CA

Rare and iconic early 1980s LAURA ASHLEY Batsheva Avant Garde purple, pink and green cotton midi dress! Features the signature Ashley floral print. Great double layer of ruffled slee...

Category

1980s British Cocktail Dresses

Bill Blass Cross Back Dress 1980s
Bill Blass Cross Back Dress 1980s

Bill Blass Cross Back Dress 1980s

By Bill Blass

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous black jersey dress from Bill Blass. It is semi fitted with a full gathered skirt. The back is bare to just below the waist with the exception of straps which meet at a me...

Category

1980s American Day Dresses

John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress

John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress

By Christian Dior, John Galliano

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior in brightly colored flowers on a navy and burgundy background. The spaghetti strap bodice is semi fitted and adorned on one ...

Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress
1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress

1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress

By Guy Laroche

Located in San Diego, CA

1960s GUY LAROCHE Couture lipstick red virgin wool A-Line mini dress! The perfect alternative to a little black dress, this red gem is sure to stand out! Hand made, with the utmost a...

Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Black backless wrapped jersey evening dress ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER
Black backless wrapped jersey evening dress ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER

Black backless wrapped jersey evening dress ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER

By Alexandre Vauthier

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black backless wrapped jersey evening dress. Gather on the front. Invisible zip and hook&eye closure on the middle back. SAMPLE SIZE 38 (Fr) M

Category

2010s Evening Dresses

Versace Silk Cut out Back Dress
Versace Silk Cut out Back Dress

Versace Silk Cut out Back Dress

By Versace

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful pink silk dress from Versace. It is is a simple sleeveless sheath from the front. The back is exposed from the shoulders to low back with the exception of draping framin...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Day Dresses

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 Escada Margaretha Ley, Amen Wardy

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

Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Leopard Fur Jacket Skirt
Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Leopard Fur Jacket Skirt

Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Leopard Fur Jacket Skirt

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Thiensville, WI

Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Leopard Print Silk Jacket Pencil Skirt Set Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Autumn / Winter 2005 “The Man W...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Skirt Suits

John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress
John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress

John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress

By Christian Dior, John Galliano

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful ethereal one shoulder dress from Christian Dior comprised of layers of semi sheer black silk over an opaque silk under dress. It has one shoulder with 2 panels of softly...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1930S Pink Bias Cut Silk Double Faced Satin Gown With Slight Train
1930S Pink Bias Cut Silk Double Faced Satin Gown With Slight Train

1930S Pink Bias Cut Silk Double Faced Satin Gown With Slight Train

Located in New York, NY

Unique patterning and hand finishing point to this being a custom made designer gown. The double faced silk satin is to die for! slick and sensually hugging the body. Sold as-is for ...

Category

1930s Formal Gowns

Jean Paul Gaultier Fur Trim Crop Jacket
Jean Paul Gaultier Fur Trim Crop Jacket

Jean Paul Gaultier Fur Trim Crop Jacket

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful black fur trimmed jacket from Jean Paul Gaultier. It is cropped with a soft, fur trimmed collar in shades of grey and full raglan sleeves with matching wide fur cuffs. ...

Category

1990s French Cropped Jackets

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Velvet Formal Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an extraordinary variety of velvet formal dresses available on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for black velvet formal dresses and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in gray, blue and more. Finding the perfect accessories for you may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions of these were made as early as the 20th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 21st Century, can also be found on the site. Velvet formal dresses such as these have likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Caroline Charles London, Caroline Charles and Chanel Boutique are consistently popular. When shopping for these accessories, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men or unisex today than there are for women.

How Much are Velvet Formal Dresses?

The prices for velvet formal dresses start at $475 and top out at $16,000 with these items, on average, selling for $988.

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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