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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 Pink Rayon Crepe Gown With Fantastic Silver Beadwork Waist Details
1940s Pink Rayon Crepe Gown With Fantastic Silver Beadwork Waist Details

1940s Pink Rayon Crepe Gown With Fantastic Silver Beadwork Waist Details

Located in Gresham, OR

1940s Pink Rayon Crepe Gown With Fantastic Silver Beadwork Waist Details: Full length, classic vintage dusty rose color mid-weight rayon crepe gown with a strong structured shoulders...

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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 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

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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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

Vintage 1940s Linen Print Day Dress
Vintage 1940s Linen Print Day Dress

Vintage 1940s Linen Print Day Dress

Located in London, GB

A pretty vintage day dress from the 1940s. The dress has a white background, with crimson, blue , brown and yellow flowers. It has a decorative bow on either sleave and a self fabric...

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1940s Unknown 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

Vintage 1930s Blush Pink Crepe Silk Bia Cut Gown US 4 UK 8
Vintage 1930s Blush Pink Crepe Silk Bia Cut Gown US 4 UK 8

Vintage 1930s Blush Pink Crepe Silk Bia Cut Gown US 4 UK 8

Located in Nashville, TN

This breathtaking 1930's crepe silk gown rendered in the warmest shade of blush pink, accented by draped waterfall pleats and the most figure flattering bias cut, is a rare piece to ...

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1930s 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

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

MAXWELL SHIEFF 1950's Pink Heavily Embellished Drape Gown Size 2 4
MAXWELL SHIEFF 1950's Pink Heavily Embellished Drape Gown Size 2 4

MAXWELL SHIEFF 1950's Pink Heavily Embellished Drape Gown Size 2 4

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Maxwell Shieff gown is composed of a pink embellished silk, with rhinestone and bead applique. There is a center back zipper and drape. In excellent vintage condition. **P...

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1950s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1940s Peach Ruffle Necked Slip Style Evening Gown
1940s Peach Ruffle Necked Slip Style Evening Gown

1940s Peach Ruffle Necked Slip Style Evening Gown

Located in London, GB

A stunning soft peach silk gown in exceptional condition from the 1940s. The dress has thin straps, with two layers of frills on the front and back of the neck. It opens with poppers...

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1940s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1990s Bespoke Pink Silk Maxi Dress with Rhinestones and Silver Lace
1990s Bespoke Pink Silk Maxi Dress with Rhinestones and Silver Lace

1990s Bespoke Pink Silk Maxi Dress with Rhinestones and Silver Lace

Located in London, GB

This fairy-tale 1990s bespoke gown is crafted from frothy, textured baby pink silk chiffon. Embellished halterneck straps meet at the front of the bust where it is finished with a si...

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1990s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Pale pink silk night gown with thread embroideries Circa 1930's
Pale pink silk night gown with thread embroideries Circa 1930's

Pale pink silk night gown with thread embroideries Circa 1930's

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Pale pink silk night gown with thread embroideries. Tiny pleats on the bust. SIZE 40/42 /L

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1930s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Vintage 1950's pink silk taupe lace night gown slip dress XS-S
Vintage 1950's pink silk taupe lace night gown slip dress XS-S

Vintage 1950's pink silk taupe lace night gown slip dress XS-S

Located in Milano, Lombardia

LOVE LALI VINTAGE The most beautiful vintage night gown from the 1950's - this could most definitely be worn today as an evening dress or even dressed down in the daytime. The dress...

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1950s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Gorgeous 1950s 50s Couture Pink Vintage Mermaid Dress w/ Chantilly Lace + Sequin
Gorgeous 1950s 50s Couture Pink Vintage Mermaid Dress w/ Chantilly Lace + Sequin

Gorgeous 1950s 50s Couture Pink Vintage Mermaid Dress w/ Chantilly Lace + Sequin

Located in San Diego, CA

What a dress!!! This gorgeous 1950s mermaid dress could have easily been on any of the 50s starlets! Pink Chantilly lace, intermixed with sequins throughout. Fitted throughout the bo...

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1950s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

2000’s Vintage Blush Pink Silk Hand Beaded Ethereal Draped Dress with Shawl
2000’s Vintage Blush Pink Silk Hand Beaded Ethereal Draped Dress with Shawl

2000’s Vintage Blush Pink Silk Hand Beaded Ethereal Draped Dress with Shawl

Located in Sheffield, GB

A beautiful early 2000’s, 100% Pure Silk halter-back dress. Featuring intricate hand beaded detailing, finely pleated upper body technique and flapper textured fringed bottom. The dr...

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Early 2000s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1960s Bubblegum Pink Silk Chiffon High Neck Demi Couture Vintage 60s Gown Dress
1960s Bubblegum Pink Silk Chiffon High Neck Demi Couture Vintage 60s Gown Dress

1960s Bubblegum Pink Silk Chiffon High Neck Demi Couture Vintage 60s Gown Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1960s demi couture bubblegum pink silk chiffon high neck gown! Features hand embroidery up the center front, collar, and back neck. Low cut back features a bow with full metal z...

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1960s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

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Christian Dior by John Galliano F/W 2007 Gray Embellished Draped Evening Gown
Christian Dior by John Galliano F/W 2007 Gray Embellished Draped Evening Gown

Christian Dior by John Galliano F/W 2007 Gray Embellished Draped Evening Gown

By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior

Located in Jersey City, NJ

Stunning Dior evening gown from the F/W 2007 collection, designed by John Galliano. Crafted in soft gray silk with intricate draping, sculptural pleating, and hand-applied beading th...

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Early 2000s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" F/W 1975 Runway Silk Majorelle Blue Long Dress
Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" F/W 1975 Runway Silk Majorelle Blue Long Dress

Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" F/W 1975 Runway Silk Majorelle Blue Long Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest

Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" Fall Winter 1975 Long dress in a stunning Majorelle cobalt blue, crafted from a luxurious viscose & silk blend jersey. Key features include a fla...

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1970s French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

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

Vivienne Westwood Velvet Blouson Jacket
Vivienne Westwood Velvet Blouson Jacket

Vivienne Westwood Velvet Blouson Jacket

By Vivienne Westwood

Located in Berlin, BE

Beautiful velvet Vivienne Westwood Jacket. Cut in a stunning velvet that seems to absorb and refract light like oil on water, the piece balances romance and rebellion with signature ...

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2010s Italian Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

LES HABITUDES 90's Couture Vintage Grey/Blue Beaded Bridal Wedding Dress Shawl
LES HABITUDES 90's Couture Vintage Grey/Blue Beaded Bridal Wedding Dress Shawl

LES HABITUDES 90's Couture Vintage Grey/Blue Beaded Bridal Wedding Dress Shawl

By Eavis & Brown

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Les Habitudes / Eavis & Brown Couture created in an England atelier entirely by hand Vintage 1990's This ensemble is ELITE Grey/blue color, very very light toned, just a hint of ...

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1990s Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

1930's Old Hollywood Rhinestoned Black Rayon Sweetheart Evening Gown
1930's Old Hollywood Rhinestoned Black Rayon Sweetheart Evening Gown

1930's Old Hollywood Rhinestoned Black Rayon Sweetheart Evening Gown

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Sweet and sophisticated evening gown from the glamorous 1930’s. The gown is composed of a black rayon crepe that drapes elegantly from the rhinestoned bodice. The bodice and shoulder...

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1930s American Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Fur Trim Crop Jacket 1990s
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Fur Trim Crop Jacket 1990s

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Fur Trim Crop Jacket 1990s

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. ...

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1990s French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Blush Peach Beaded Floral Antique Look Slip Gown Dres
LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Blush Peach Beaded Floral Antique Look Slip Gown Dres

LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Blush Peach Beaded Floral Antique Look Slip Gown Dres

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Les Habitudes 1990's Vintage Meant to look antique-y Not sure of the material, maybe a silk blend. Definitely satin type Hand embroidery and beading on the flowers on both the bust ...

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1990s 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

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

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

Silk Ivory backless nightgown with lace inset Circa 1930's
Silk Ivory backless nightgown with lace inset Circa 1930's

Silk Ivory backless nightgown with lace inset Circa 1930's

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Silk Ivory backless nightgown with lace inset and belt wrapped around the waist. SIZE 44/L

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1930s 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

Azzedine Alaia Gold Lamé Couture Gown with Sequin Mosaic Detail, FW 1990
Azzedine Alaia Gold Lamé Couture Gown with Sequin Mosaic Detail, FW 1990

Azzedine Alaia Gold Lamé Couture Gown with Sequin Mosaic Detail, FW 1990

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in London, GB

This rare, likely one-of-a-kind Azzedine Alaïa couture dress from the Fall-Winter 1990 collection is crafted from metallic gold lamé with a mosaic-like sequin overlay, creating a str...

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1990s French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Loris Azzaro Paris Couture Circa 1973 Vintage Draped Bodice Red Chiffon Dress
Loris Azzaro Paris Couture Circa 1973 Vintage Draped Bodice Red Chiffon Dress

Loris Azzaro Paris Couture Circa 1973 Vintage Draped Bodice Red Chiffon Dress

By Loris Azzaro

Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest

Spectacular Vintage 1973 Loris Azzaro Paris Couture Documented Evening Dress An exquisite piece of fashion history, this 1973 Loris Azzaro Couture or Runway sample evening dress is ...

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1970s French Vintage 1940 Formal Dresses

Rare Chanel Vintage S/S 1989 Grecian Goddess Ivory Gold Pleated Gown
Rare Chanel Vintage S/S 1989 Grecian Goddess Ivory Gold Pleated Gown

Rare Chanel Vintage S/S 1989 Grecian Goddess Ivory Gold Pleated Gown

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in Jersey City, NJ

An ethereal and rare Chanel creation from the Spring/Summer 1989 collection, designed under Karl Lagerfeld’s direction. This gown embodies timeless elegance, drawing inspiration from...

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1980s 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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