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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 - 1939-1947. It has a V-neck collar, with subtle notching, and fastens at the left h...

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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, contemporary aesthetic. The light rayon fabric has an impressionist style novelty p...

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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

Formal Portrait of a Chinese Man in Traditional Dress
Formal Portrait of a Chinese Man in Traditional Dress

Formal Portrait of a Chinese Man in Traditional Dress

Located in Miami, FL

Dressed in traditional clothing, a handsome Chinese man is depicted as he sits resolutely with one hand on his leg and the other holding a baton. Female Artist Joyce Ballantyne, pai...

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1940s Academic Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Formal Dress Called <Of The Maghzen>", from "Costumes of Morocco"
"Formal Dress Called <Of The Maghzen>", from "Costumes of Morocco"

"Formal Dress Called <Of The Maghzen>", from "Costumes of Morocco"

By Jean Besancenot

Located in Detroit, MI

"Costume du D'Apparat dit du Maghzen" translated to "Formal Dress Called " is plate number 14 in Jean Besancenot's stunning portraits and depictions of the people of Morocco from his...

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1940s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Materials

Paper, Gouache

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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 dating from the Second World War. No labelled. Strips of devoré silk velvet with Art Dec...

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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 done by hand. Front slit and open cut out back. Built in 1940's shoulder pads for an...

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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 beaded bodice. Waistband snaps and hooks in the back. Side zip closure. Unlined. Bus...

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Vintage 1940s 40s Brown Taffeta Formal Dress with Bakelite Buttons + Belt
Vintage 1940s 40s Brown Taffeta Formal Dress with Bakelite Buttons + Belt

Vintage 1940s 40s Brown Taffeta Formal Dress with Bakelite Buttons + Belt

Located in Sparks, NV

Stunning textured metallic 1940's cocktail dress with portrait collar, nipped, belted waist and a row of oversize Bakelite buttons. DETAILS: Partially lined Front button closu...

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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 this age and is the perfect choice for an informal daytime event, easily accessorised ...

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1940s American 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

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

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

The House of Dior has been an enduring icon of haute couture. While the House of Dior is still a thriving business today, Dior's untimely death in 1957 left the fashion world without...

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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

The House of Dior has been an enduring icon of haute couture. While the House of Dior is still a thriving business today, Dior's untimely death in 1957 left the fashion world without...

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1950s French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Vintage 1940's Silver Silk Satin Shawl-Collar Low Backside Sculpted Formal Gown
Vintage 1940's Silver Silk Satin Shawl-Collar Low Backside Sculpted Formal Gown

Vintage 1940's Silver Silk Satin Shawl-Collar Low Backside Sculpted Formal Gown

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Enchanting ballgowns from the late 1940's era are perennial favorites and this silver showstopper is breathtaking. The garment's silver silk satin reads so modern yet the detailed st...

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1940s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Rare Custom Gilbert Adrian Vintage Dress 1940s Black Fringe Formal Evening Gown
Rare Custom Gilbert Adrian Vintage Dress 1940s Black Fringe Formal Evening Gown

Rare Custom Gilbert Adrian Vintage Dress 1940s Black Fringe Formal Evening Gown

By Gilbert Adrian

Located in Portland, OR

A very rare custom evening gown from designer Gilbert Adrian. Gilbert Adrian was the costume designer for MGM before starting his own fashion house after he left the studio in 1941. ...

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1940s American 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

Irene Lentz stunned the world in the 1930's, 40's and 50's with her ingeniously constructed, sophisticated, couture-standard garments. After charming Los Angeles society and celestia...

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1940's Ceil Chapman Floral Garden Silk-Chiffon Hourglass Bias-Cut Gown & Bolero
1940's Ceil Chapman Floral Garden Silk-Chiffon Hourglass Bias-Cut Gown & Bolero

1940's Ceil Chapman Floral Garden Silk-Chiffon Hourglass Bias-Cut Gown & Bolero

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Alluring early labeled 1940's Ceil Chapman silk-chiffon gown in the most stunning colorful floral-garden print! I adore the low-cut plunge, sleeveless bias-cut bodice and it is incre...

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Emma Domb Formal Vintage Dress 1940s Slipper Satin Pink Evening Gown Bridal
Emma Domb Formal Vintage Dress 1940s Slipper Satin Pink Evening Gown Bridal

Emma Domb Formal Vintage Dress 1940s Slipper Satin Pink Evening Gown Bridal

By Emma Domb

Located in Portland, OR

Luxe vintage evening gown from Emma Domb from the late 1940s in a beautiful shade of pink. This dress is in excellent condition and has pretty net trim on the semi off-shoulder pleat...

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

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1930s Pastel Floral Print Day Dress
1930s Pastel Floral Print Day Dress

1930s Pastel Floral Print Day Dress

$275

Size: approximate 6-8

1930s Pastel Floral Print Day Dress

Located in Alford, MA

Floral voile 1930s day dress in pastel colors. Sleeveless bodice has capelet effect with ruffle border and ties that fit through tab. Paneled skirt flares at sides. Slips over the he...

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1930s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1940s Couture Old Hollywood Silky Black Jersey Shoulder drape Evening Gown
1940s Couture Old Hollywood Silky Black Jersey Shoulder drape Evening Gown

1940s Couture Old Hollywood Silky Black Jersey Shoulder drape Evening Gown

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Early 1940s Custom made, old Hollywood silky black Jersey gown with shoulder drape. Couture quality, this gown is sleek & modern the fabric is a weighty matte jersey that drapes bea...

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Monique Lhuillier Purple Lace Long Sleeve Gown - 10
Monique Lhuillier Purple Lace Long Sleeve Gown - 10

Monique Lhuillier Purple Lace Long Sleeve Gown - 10

By Monique Lhuillier

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Monique Lhuillier Purple Lace Long Sleeve Gown - 10. This Monique Lhuillier gown is long sleeved and covered in lace. It is various shades of purple and is fitted through the bodice ...

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21st Century and Contemporary French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Vintage Yohji Yamamoto Red Plaid Jumper Dress 2003
Vintage Yohji Yamamoto Red Plaid Jumper Dress 2003

Vintage Yohji Yamamoto Red Plaid Jumper Dress 2003

By Yohji Yamamoto

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Yohji Yamamoto red and black wool plaid knee-length jumper dress with adjustable straps. Collection 2003. Excellent Vintage Condition. Size Small

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Early 2000s Japanese Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1940s Vintage Flora Originals Women's Black Crepe Dress with Accents
1940s Vintage Flora Originals Women's Black Crepe Dress with Accents

1940s Vintage Flora Originals Women's Black Crepe Dress with Accents

Located in Port Hope, ON

Black crepe top and bronze and gold metallic rayon or acetate make up this lovely dress. The metallic pattern is also replicated on the short sleeve cuffs with bows and the two butto...

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Kiviette 1940s Black Dress with Elaborate Skirt, Silk Inlay Collar, Frog Closure
Kiviette 1940s Black Dress with Elaborate Skirt, Silk Inlay Collar, Frog Closure

Kiviette 1940s Black Dress with Elaborate Skirt, Silk Inlay Collar, Frog Closure

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful 1940s little black dress from famed Broadway designer Kiviette. It has long sleeves with zippers at the wrists, a fitted waist and a small silk inlaid collar with an ela...

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1950s Vintage Black Silk Cocktail Dress
1950s Vintage Black Silk Cocktail Dress

1950s Vintage Black Silk Cocktail Dress

Located in Sparks, NV

Vintage 1950s black raw silk cocktail dress with origami flower detail at the waist. Classic 1950s hourglass silhouette! Details: Partially Lined Metal Back Zip with Hook Estimate...

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1950s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Vintage 1950's 50s Black Ruched Jersey Bodice Party Dress with a Drop Waist
Vintage 1950's 50s Black Ruched Jersey Bodice Party Dress with a Drop Waist

Vintage 1950's 50s Black Ruched Jersey Bodice Party Dress with a Drop Waist

Located in Sparks, NV

Simple but chic little black party dress from the 1950's. This dress features a jersey knit ruched bodice, drop waist, sweetheart bustline, 3/4 length sleeves and full flared skirt. ...

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1950s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Vintage 1980s Victor Costa Women's Christmas Maxi Dress Velvet Plaid
Vintage 1980s Victor Costa Women's Christmas Maxi Dress Velvet Plaid

Vintage 1980s Victor Costa Women's Christmas Maxi Dress Velvet Plaid

By Victor Costa

Located in Miami, FL

This dress is a holiday dream. Like you stepped off the set of White Christmas. A 1980s Victor Costa in red and green plaid taffeta with a full skirt and plisse ruffle hem at the b...

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1980s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Vintage Mary McFadden Couture  Burgundy Long Sleeve Gown
Vintage Mary McFadden Couture  Burgundy Long Sleeve Gown

Vintage Mary McFadden Couture Burgundy Long Sleeve Gown

By Mary McFadden

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Beautiful 90s Marcy Mcfadden Couture Burgundy Long Sleeve V neck gown with gold frog closures and embellished waist. LARGE size Measurement : Bust: 42” / Waist: 33’ Hip: 48” / Dress ...

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1980s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Carolyne Roehm Strapless Burgundy Organza Gown
Carolyne Roehm Strapless Burgundy Organza Gown

Carolyne Roehm Strapless Burgundy Organza Gown

By Carolyne Roehm

Located in New York, NY

Elegant Carolyne Roehm Strapless Burgundy Organza Gown with gathered bodice line which drapes into a pegged shape at hem. Patterned washed silk organza is used for this deceptively ...

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1990s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Vintage 1970s Victoria Royal Purple Sequin 70s Silk Chiffon Maxi Dress Gown
Vintage 1970s Victoria Royal Purple Sequin 70s Silk Chiffon Maxi Dress Gown

Vintage 1970s Victoria Royal Purple Sequin 70s Silk Chiffon Maxi Dress Gown

By Victoria Royal, Lillie Rubin

Located in San Diego, CA

Approximately Size Medium Model in video is US Size 6 and 5’8 feet tall Measurements Bust: 36 to 38 inches Waist: 28 to 30 inches Hips: up to 42 inches Length (top back shoulder se...

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1970s Hong Kong Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1930s Creme and Green Floral Print Silk Chiffon Day Dress
1930s Creme and Green Floral Print Silk Chiffon Day Dress

1930s Creme and Green Floral Print Silk Chiffon Day Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage 30s creme, green, orange floral print silk day dress. Fit size 2/4

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1930s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Late 1930's Mauve Pink and Black Metallic Lace Half Sleeved Gown with Satin Slip
Late 1930's Mauve Pink and Black Metallic Lace Half Sleeved Gown with Satin Slip

Late 1930's Mauve Pink and Black Metallic Lace Half Sleeved Gown with Satin Slip

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Romantic and moody late 1930's lace evening gown. This wonderful gown is composed of intricate mauve pink filigree floral lace appliqué on black net lace. Threads of lamé woven into ...

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1930s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Burgundy silk chiffon draped evening dress Circa 1930
Burgundy silk chiffon draped evening dress Circa 1930

Burgundy silk chiffon draped evening dress Circa 1930

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Burgundy silk chiffon draped evening dress. Zip closure on the middle back. Silk satin slip dress lining. SIZE: XXS

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1940s Unknown Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Party Lines by Domb 1940s Brown Plaid Taffeta Drop-Waist Party Gown
Party Lines by Domb 1940s Brown Plaid Taffeta Drop-Waist Party Gown

Party Lines by Domb 1940s Brown Plaid Taffeta Drop-Waist Party Gown

By Emma Domb

Located in Morongo Valley, CA

Party gown in brown plaid taffeta, c. 1940s, by Party Lines by Domb — the early California label of Emma Domb. - Brown taffeta with plaid windowpane pattern; warm brown base with cr...

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1940s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

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Will Steinman New Look Pink Blue Strapless Back Bow Ballerina Dress - XS, 1950s
Will Steinman New Look Pink Blue Strapless Back Bow Ballerina Dress - XS, 1950s

Will Steinman New Look Pink Blue Strapless Back Bow Ballerina Dress - XS, 1950s

By Will Steinman

Located in Tucson, AZ

Pure spun-sugar perfection, right down to the cotton candy colors. Visible beneath the silver lattice-embroidered top skirt, the ruffled attached petticoat provides volume enough to ...

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1950s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Vintage Geoffrey Beene Size 12 Navy Blue White Silk 80s Jumpsuit 1980s Nautical
Vintage Geoffrey Beene Size 12 Navy Blue White Silk 80s Jumpsuit 1980s Nautical

Vintage Geoffrey Beene Size 12 Navy Blue White Silk 80s Jumpsuit 1980s Nautical

By Geoffrey Beene

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic vintage 80s GEOFFREY BEENE navy blue and white long sleeve silk jumpsuit ! Features a luxurious double sided silk. Buttons up the front with hidden hook-and-eye closure at top b...

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1980s 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

1950s Turquoise Layered Tulle Net Halterneck Dress
1950s Turquoise Layered Tulle Net Halterneck Dress

1950s Turquoise Layered Tulle Net Halterneck Dress

Located in London, GB

This original 1950s turquoise and net prom dress is a real show-stopping, fairy tale piece. It reminds us of the Disney Princess dress worn by Cinderella at the ball. There are thr...

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1950s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent New Suede Gauntlet Gloves
Yves Saint Laurent New Suede Gauntlet Gloves

Yves Saint Laurent New Suede Gauntlet Gloves

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Geneva, CH

Beautiful never worn 80’s YSL fuchsia gloves trimmed in matching leather diagonal stitching. Both gloves was linked by the original sealing thread. "Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche" g...

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1980s French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Art Deco Faux Pearl Tiara
Art Deco Faux Pearl Tiara

Art Deco Faux Pearl Tiara

$1,295

W 5 in D 0.5 in L 5 in

Art Deco Faux Pearl Tiara

Located in New York, NY

Unusual Art Deco Faux Pearl and paste tiara from the 1920's. Paste elements with pearls are attached to a rhodium band and is hinged so that it can expand with wearer. Interior band ...

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1920s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1970s Moroccan Black + Gold Metal Embroidered Vintage 70s Caftan Maxi Dress
1970s Moroccan Black + Gold Metal Embroidered Vintage 70s Caftan Maxi Dress

1970s Moroccan Black + Gold Metal Embroidered Vintage 70s Caftan Maxi Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing 1970s black crepe Moroccan long sleeve kaftan maxi dress! Features meticulously embrodiered gold metal throughout. Chic bell /angel sleeved have just the right amount of flar...

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1970s Moroccan Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2007 "Witches" Black Red Silk Taffeta Bubble Evening Gown
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2007 "Witches" Black Red Silk Taffeta Bubble Evening Gown

ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2007 "Witches" Black Red Silk Taffeta Bubble Evening Gown

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Thiensville, WI

Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: A/W 2007 "Witches" Designer: Alexander McQueen Style: Evening Gown Color(s): Shades of black, red Lined: Yes Marked Fabric Cont...

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Early 2000s Italian Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

UNWORN Rare Gucci by Tom Ford SS 1996 Black Lace Mini Dress Gown 38
UNWORN Rare Gucci by Tom Ford SS 1996 Black Lace Mini Dress Gown 38

UNWORN Rare Gucci by Tom Ford SS 1996 Black Lace Mini Dress Gown 38

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Switzerland, CH

Stunning Gucci by Tom Ford lace dress From his SS 1996 collection for Gucci Finest black lace Fully lined with nude silk Made in Italy Dry Clean Only Size 38 Seen in the AD campaig...

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1990s Italian Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Vera Wang Nude/Champagne Tulle Strapless Pleated Torso Gown with Train 10
Vera Wang Nude/Champagne Tulle Strapless Pleated Torso Gown with Train 10

Vera Wang Nude/Champagne Tulle Strapless Pleated Torso Gown with Train 10

By Vera Wang

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Vera Wang nude/champagne tulle, strapless, pleated torso, evening gown with train. Marked size 10. This beautiful gown would make a lovely wedding gown. Boned bodice with built in c...

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21st Century and Contemporary American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Stunning Bob Mackie Gold & Black Deco Inspired Beaded Dress with Exposed Back
Stunning Bob Mackie Gold & Black Deco Inspired Beaded Dress with Exposed Back

Stunning Bob Mackie Gold & Black Deco Inspired Beaded Dress with Exposed Back

By Bob Mackie

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Resurrection Vintage is excited to present a stunning vintage Bob Mackie gold and black beaded dress with a high neck, open exposed back, a center back zipper, and mini length. The d...

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1980s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

John Galliano Rare Dolores Intarsia Carnation Bias Evening Dress
John Galliano Rare Dolores Intarsia Carnation Bias Evening Dress

John Galliano Rare Dolores Intarsia Carnation Bias Evening Dress

By John Galliano

Located in New York, NY

A rare John Galliano bias cut Carnation dress from the Dolores collection, Autumn-Winter 1995-96. Of Bianchini Férier ivory and black satin backed rayon acetate crêpe inset with int...

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1990s French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Late 1960s Ferdinando Sarmi Burgundy Velvet Gown with Flared Cuffs and Hem
Late 1960s Ferdinando Sarmi Burgundy Velvet Gown with Flared Cuffs and Hem

Late 1960s Ferdinando Sarmi Burgundy Velvet Gown with Flared Cuffs and Hem

By Ferdinando Sarmi

Located in Gresham, OR

An exquisite late 1960s Ferdinando Sarmi Renaissance-Revival, burgundy velvet gown with flared cuffs and hem. Satin trim at cuffs and a thin satin tie waistband. zippered back. Wond...

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1960s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Dolce & Gabbana Silk Flower Print Skirt Suit
Dolce & Gabbana Silk Flower Print Skirt Suit

Dolce & Gabbana Silk Flower Print Skirt Suit

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful silk 2 piece skirt and jacket suit from Dolce & Gabbana in a red and white lily pattern on a grey background. The jacket is single breasted with a lapel collar, lightly p...

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Early 2000s Italian Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 1997 Black Silk Viscose Column Slip Gown — IT 40
Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 1997 Black Silk Viscose Column Slip Gown — IT 40

Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 1997 Black Silk Viscose Column Slip Gown — IT 40

By Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in London, GB

A defining archive piece from Tom Ford’s Spring Summer 1997 collection for Gucci — one of the most celebrated seasons of his tenure and a landmark moment in 1990s fashion. This floor...

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1990s Italian 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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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.