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Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1940s Haute Couture Black Silk Dress
1940s Haute Couture Black Silk Dress

1940s Haute Couture Black Silk Dress

Located in London, GB

Superb French haute couture black silk dress and almost certainly made during or just after WWII

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1940s French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1940s Novelty Ship Print Pastel Coloured Rayon Dress
1940s Novelty Ship Print Pastel Coloured Rayon Dress

1940s Novelty Ship Print Pastel Coloured Rayon Dress

Located in London, GB

This charming 1940s pastel toned shirt dress is in beautiful vintage condition and has a feminine

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1940S Purple Embroidered Antique Lace Gown
1940S Purple Embroidered Antique Lace Gown

1940S Purple Embroidered Antique Lace Gown

Located in New York, NY

1940S Purple Embroidered Antique Lace Gown

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1940s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1940S Black & Gold Silk Satin Damask French Demi-Couture Gown
1940S Black & Gold Silk Satin Damask French Demi-Couture Gown

1940S Black & Gold Silk Satin Damask French Demi-Couture Gown

Located in New York, NY

Has no label but bought in Paris. Beautiful French construction and is entirely hand finished. 1940S Black & Gold Silk Satin Damask French Demi-Couture Gown

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1940s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1940S Black, White & Red Silk Organza Sheer Buffalo Check Gown Couture From Par
1940S Black, White & Red Silk Organza Sheer Buffalo Check Gown Couture From Par

1940S Black, White & Red Silk Organza Sheer Buffalo Check Gown Couture From Par

Located in New York, NY

Haute Couture Quality from Paris no label, many holes & tears but NOT dry rot. Sold as is 1940S Black, White & Red Silk Organza Sheer Buffalo Check Gown Couture From Paris

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1940s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

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A French Devoré Velvet fuschia evening dress in Crepe Silk Circa 1940
A French Devoré Velvet fuschia evening dress in Crepe Silk Circa 1940

A French Devoré Velvet fuschia evening dress in Crepe Silk Circa 1940

Located in Toulon, FR

Circa 1940/1950 France Beautiful evening coat dress in devoré velvet and silk crepe Fuschia

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1940s French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1940S Mustard Yellow Old Hollywood Rayon Crepe Gown With Beaded Collar Detail
1940S Mustard Yellow Old Hollywood Rayon Crepe Gown With Beaded Collar Detail

1940S Mustard Yellow Old Hollywood Rayon Crepe Gown With Beaded Collar Detail

Located in New York, NY

1940S Mustard Yellow Old Hollywood Rayon Crepe Gown With Beaded Collar Detail MORPHEW VINTAGE represents the finest pieces of fashions past. Sourced from across the globe, dating as...

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1940s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

40s Gorgeous Floral Satin Dressing Gown
40s Gorgeous Floral Satin Dressing Gown

40s Gorgeous Floral Satin Dressing Gown

Located in Gresham, OR

A beautiful rayon satin floral print dressing gown with long hidden front zipper, gathered shoulders, puff sleeve and matching sash is equally gorgeous at home or on the town!

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Vintage 1940's Metallic Hand Sequin + Beaded Formal Black Dress
Vintage 1940's Metallic Hand Sequin + Beaded Formal Black Dress

Vintage 1940's Metallic Hand Sequin + Beaded Formal Black Dress

Located in Sparks, NV

Gorgeous 1940's black crepe dress with metallic sequin and beadwork across the front which is all

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Vintage 1940's Cream Crepe Sequin + Beaded Formal Dress
Vintage 1940's Cream Crepe Sequin + Beaded Formal Dress

Vintage 1940's Cream Crepe Sequin + Beaded Formal Dress

Located in Sparks, NV

Delicate bias cut vintage dress from the 1940's. Flattering asymmetrical cut with a sequin and

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1940s Navy And White Polkadot Dress With Belt
1940s Navy And White Polkadot Dress With Belt

1940s Navy And White Polkadot Dress With Belt

Located in London, GB

This lovely 1940s navy and white polkadot dress is in superb vintage condition for something of

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1940S Ivory Rayon Jersey Gown With Fringe
1940S Ivory Rayon Jersey Gown With Fringe

1940S Ivory Rayon Jersey Gown With Fringe

Located in New York, NY

As is: small holes & knicks in the fabric, light stain on the hem 1940S Ivory Rayon Jersey Gown With Fringe

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1940s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1940S Burgundy Silk Velvet Bias Cut Gown
1940S Burgundy Silk Velvet Bias Cut Gown

1940S Burgundy Silk Velvet Bias Cut Gown

Located in New York, NY

1940S Burgundy Silk Velvet Bias Cut Gown

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1940s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1949 Christian Dior Haute-Couture Rare Molded Gown Ensemble
1949 Christian Dior Haute-Couture Rare Molded Gown Ensemble

1949 Christian Dior Haute-Couture Rare Molded Gown Ensemble

By Christian Dior

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

simplicity." This classic dress is a wonderful mix of these elements. Measurements Bustier Bust:34-35

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1940s French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Hawaiian Silk Gown 1940s
Hawaiian Silk Gown 1940s

Hawaiian Silk Gown 1940s

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Fine & rare vintage Hawaiian silk print gown. Authentic floral print on black background. Item features a boned bodice, zips up side with a full length front wrap skirt. Ruched singl...

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1951 Christain Dior Original NY Strapless Polka-Dot Silk Gown
1951 Christain Dior Original NY Strapless Polka-Dot Silk Gown

1951 Christain Dior Original NY Strapless Polka-Dot Silk Gown

By Christian Dior

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

, for the American market, before he passed away. The dress is fashioned is a stunning charcoal & white

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1950s French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1944 Irene Lentz Black Silk-Rayon Asymmetric Draped Hourglass Formal Gown
1944 Irene Lentz Black Silk-Rayon Asymmetric Draped Hourglass Formal Gown

1944 Irene Lentz Black Silk-Rayon Asymmetric Draped Hourglass Formal Gown

By Irene Lentz

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

stores. This breathtaking black silk-rayon gown, dating back to the mid 1940's, is a perfect example of

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

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Hattie Carnegie 1930s Black Velvet and White Fox Fur Vintage 30s Opera Jacket
Hattie Carnegie 1930s Black Velvet and White Fox Fur Vintage 30s Opera Jacket

Hattie Carnegie 1930s Black Velvet and White Fox Fur Vintage 30s Opera Jacket

By Hattie Carnegie

Located in San Diego, CA

Stunning and rare 1930s HATTIE CARNEGIE for I MAGNIN black silk velvet opera coat with dramatic white fox fur oversized collar! Features the softest most luxurious silk velvet and hi...

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1930s French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Stunning Vintage Bill Blass Lipstick Red Strapless Silk Mermaid Dress / Gown
Stunning Vintage Bill Blass Lipstick Red Strapless Silk Mermaid Dress / Gown

Stunning Vintage Bill Blass Lipstick Red Strapless Silk Mermaid Dress / Gown

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Stunning vintage Bill Blass red silk Mermaid dress! Vibrant liptick red color, with intriicate stitching, which produce an unbelievable sexy fit! Super flattering, and utterly jaw dr...

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1980s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Betty Carol 1950s Sculptural Dress
Betty Carol 1950s Sculptural Dress

Betty Carol 1950s Sculptural Dress

By Betty Carol, Mamselle

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous dress from Betty Carol in light weight black wool and silk taffeta. It has a V neckline front and back with fabulous princess seaming creating a fitted silhouette through...

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1950s American Vintage 1940 Formal 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 John Galliano, Christian Dior

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 ...

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1990s Italian Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1920's Sequined Flapper Capelet
1920's Sequined Flapper Capelet

1920's Sequined Flapper Capelet

Located in Geneva, CH

Rare and hard-to-find garment, this fantastic mid 20’s Art-Deco evening cape will go with just about everything ! Made of black tulle and thousands of hand-sewn sparkling silver sequ...

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1920s Unknown Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Iconic Charlestone sequins dress
2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Iconic Charlestone sequins dress

2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Iconic Charlestone sequins dress

By Gucci

Located in Capri, IT

2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Iconic Charlestone sequins black dress totally made in italy in italian size range 42

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1950s MGM Mme. Etoile by Irene Sharaff Couture Ball Gown in Deep Teal Silk
1950s MGM Mme. Etoile by Irene Sharaff Couture Ball Gown in Deep Teal Silk

1950s MGM Mme. Etoile by Irene Sharaff Couture Ball Gown in Deep Teal Silk

By Irene Scharaff

Located in Gresham, OR

1950s MGM Mme. Etoile by Irene Sharaff couture ball gown in deep mauve and teal silk tulle and horsehair : Irene Sharaff, 5-time Academy Award Winner for costume design, made this go...

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1950s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Chanel 1994 Iconic Spring Runway Vintage Pearl Round Sunglasses Rare
Chanel 1994 Iconic Spring Runway Vintage Pearl Round Sunglasses Rare

Chanel 1994 Iconic Spring Runway Vintage Pearl Round Sunglasses Rare

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel 1994 Spring Runway Vintage Pearl Round Sunglasses Rare Silver-tone metal Chanel vintage round sunglasses with faux pearl trim at frames and arms, adjustable nose pads and tin...

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1990s Italian Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

The NWT Alexander McQueen 2007 Velvet Beaded Flame Gown  Entrance Maker!
The NWT Alexander McQueen 2007 Velvet Beaded Flame Gown  Entrance Maker!

The NWT Alexander McQueen 2007 Velvet Beaded Flame Gown Entrance Maker!

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Highly coveted and now part of permanent museum collections is Alexander McQueen's 2007 sumptuous velvet flame gown. This is the final one in my inventory offered brand new and unwo...

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Early 2000s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1960s Jean Patou Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble with Faux Fur Trim
1960s Jean Patou Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble with Faux Fur Trim

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...

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1960s French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Vivienne Westwood Couture navy striped silk corset and skirt set, ss 1998
Vivienne Westwood Couture navy striped silk corset and skirt set, ss 1998

Vivienne Westwood Couture navy striped silk corset and skirt set, ss 1998

By Vivienne Westwood

Located in London, GB

▪ Vivienne Westwood Couture navy striped chiffon evening two piece ▪ 100% Silk ▪ Off-shoulder corset with draped neckline ▪ Internal boning designed to cinch the waist and push brea...

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1990s British Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Giorgio Armani Vintage Dress Hand Beaded Fleurette on Tulle Formal Gown 40
Giorgio Armani Vintage Dress Hand Beaded Fleurette on Tulle Formal Gown 40

Giorgio Armani Vintage Dress Hand Beaded Fleurette on Tulle Formal Gown 40

By Giorgio Armani

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers a rare and vintage Giorgio Armani gown so divinely exquisite that it can take you from the Red Carpet to the White House. Breathtaking and the epitome of the Giorgi...

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1990s Italian Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

2011 Vivienne Westwood blue taffeta off shoulder gown
2011 Vivienne Westwood blue taffeta off shoulder gown

2011 Vivienne Westwood blue taffeta off shoulder gown

By Vivienne Westwood

Located in Austin, TX

Vivienne Westwood blue taffeta gown gold label off the shoulder, fishtail train fitted waist Condition: fair, water damage at hem, see video. Bust 34" , Waist 25" , Hips 39", Lengt...

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2010s European Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1950s Creme And Black Silk Lace cocktail Dress
1950s Creme And Black Silk Lace cocktail Dress

1950s Creme And Black Silk Lace cocktail Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1950s Creme Silk Dress with black lace cocktail dress with fitted waist and large lapel. Bust: 36” / Waist: 26” / Length: 43 inches

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1950s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1960's Jean Patou Bordeau Suede Coat Full Mink Lining
1960's Jean Patou Bordeau Suede Coat Full Mink Lining

1960's Jean Patou Bordeau Suede Coat Full Mink Lining

By Jean Patou

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Unusual Jean Patou bordeau suede whip stitched swing coat lined in honey colored mink from the 1960s. So cozy and stylish, this swing coat is perfect over anything to keep you warm i...

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1960s French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

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Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of vintage 1940 formal dresses for sale on 1stDibs. These items have been made for many years, with versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Adding a colorful piece of art to a room that is mostly decorated in warm neutral tones can yield a welcome change — see the vintage 1940 formal dresses on 1stDibs that include elements of gray and more. These artworks have been a part of the life’s work for many artists, but the versions made by Christian Dior, Emma Domb, Gilbert Adrian and Irene Lentz are consistently popular. The range of these distinct pieces — often created in gouache, paint and paper — can elevate any room of your home.

How Much are Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses?

The average selling price for vintage 1940 formal dresses we offer is $1,300, while they’re typically $288 on the low end and $4,800 for the highest priced.

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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