Skip to main content

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

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

Vintage Victor Costa Black Velvet Evening Gown, 1990s, Size 12
Vintage Victor Costa Black Velvet Evening Gown, 1990s, Size 12

Vintage Victor Costa Black Velvet Evening Gown, 1990s, Size 12

By Victor Costa

Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

black velvet, this dramatic formal dress is designed with striking embellished long sleeves and a

Category

1990s 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

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 Travilla, William 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

People Also Browsed

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

John Galliano 'L'Ecole de Danse' Ivory Satin Cutwork Formal Dress, ss 1996
John Galliano 'L'Ecole de Danse' Ivory Satin Cutwork Formal Dress, ss 1996

John Galliano 'L'Ecole de Danse' Ivory Satin Cutwork Formal Dress, ss 1996

By John Galliano

Located in London, GB

▪ Archival John Galliano Formal / Bridal Dress ▪ 'L'Ecole de Danse' collection, Spring-Summer 1996 ▪ Crafted from ivory crepe-backed satin cutwork ▪ Boat neck design ▪ Features a lo...

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

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

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 Christian Dior, John Galliano

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

John Galliano Pink Bias-Cut Satin Evening Dress with Rhinestone Straps, SS 2002
John Galliano Pink Bias-Cut Satin Evening Dress with Rhinestone Straps, SS 2002

John Galliano Pink Bias-Cut Satin Evening Dress with Rhinestone Straps, SS 2002

By John Galliano

Located in London, GB

John Galliano, Spring-Summer 2002. Bias-cut evening dress in rose-toned crepe-back satin. The fitted bodice features a draped cowl neckline, with rhinestone-embellished straps. The g...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Sz 44 Black Corset / Bustier Dress YSL
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Sz 44 Black Corset / Bustier Dress YSL

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Sz 44 Black Corset / Bustier Dress YSL

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Diego, CA

Drop dead gorgeous vintage Yves Saint Laurent 'Rive Gauche' YSL black dress! Quite possibly the most flattering dress I have ever seen! This rare beauty does wonders for the body! Co...

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

1990s Janine of London Lillie Rubin Silver Grey Metallic Crushed Velvet Dress
1990s Janine of London Lillie Rubin Silver Grey Metallic Crushed Velvet Dress

1990s Janine of London Lillie Rubin Silver Grey Metallic Crushed Velvet Dress

By Janine of London, Lillie Rubin

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy 90s JANINE OF LONDON for LILLIE RUBIN silver gray crushed velvet metallic bodycon dress! Features the softest crushed velvet that stretches to fit. Has what first appears to be ...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses

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 Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, 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

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

JOHN GALLIANO 1999 Vintage Green Printed Backless Maxi Gown w. Blue Velvet Trim
JOHN GALLIANO 1999 Vintage Green Printed Backless Maxi Gown w. Blue Velvet Trim

JOHN GALLIANO 1999 Vintage Green Printed Backless Maxi Gown w. Blue Velvet Trim

By John Galliano

Located in Leonardo, NJ

John Galliano Vintage FW99 Green paisley baroque peacock swirl print Rich dark blue velvet trim Pullover Cowl neck Open back Size F40 Excellent vintage condition, minor feeling of w...

Category

1990s Evening Gowns

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

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

Alexander McQueen Gown The Cosmic Rain Dress  Embroidery Corset
Alexander McQueen Gown The Cosmic Rain Dress  Embroidery Corset

Alexander McQueen Gown The Cosmic Rain Dress Embroidery Corset

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Berlin, BE

Breathtaking Alexander Mcqueen Corset Gown. Cosmic rain, comet and astral crystal embroideries are hand-sewn to this stunnig evening gown. Powder blue Paris net bustier dress featuri...

Category

2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990s Gai Mattiolo Black Bodycon Maxi Dress - Embroidered Floral Bust
1990s Gai Mattiolo Black Bodycon Maxi Dress - Embroidered Floral Bust

1990s Gai Mattiolo Black Bodycon Maxi Dress - Embroidered Floral Bust

By Gai Mattiolo

Located in Charenton-le-pont, FR

A sleek and striking archival piece by Italian designer Gai Mattiolo, dating to the late 1990s (circa 1997-1998). This floor-length bodycon dress is crafted from high-quality black v...

Category

1990s Italian Maxi Dress

Shimmering Alexander McQueen Gold Jeweled Evening Dress Gown
Shimmering Alexander McQueen Gold Jeweled Evening Dress Gown

Shimmering Alexander McQueen Gold Jeweled Evening Dress Gown

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Alexander McQueen entrance maker gold metallic gown. Fashioned of a neutral shimmering gold metallic animal print showered with sparkling crystal embellishments. Mock neck and conc...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses

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 John Galliano, Christian Dior

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

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Velvet Formal Dresses", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.

Read More

Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress

Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.

A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet

From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.

Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer

Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)

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.

How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear

The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.

A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story

Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.

You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About

This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.

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.