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...
1940'S Burgundy & Black Acetate Plaid Full Ballroom Skirt Gown With Victorian R
Located in New York, NY
1940'S Burgundy & Black Acetate Plaid Full Ballroom Skirt Gown With Victorian Revival Bustle
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...
1940S Purple Embroidered Antique Lace Gown
Located in New York, NY
1940S Purple Embroidered Antique Lace Gown
1940S Green & Purple Floral Plaid Rayon Taffeta Summer Gown
Located in New York, NY
1940S Green & Purple Floral Plaid Rayon Taffeta Summer Gown
1940S Nave Blue & White Cotton Voile Embroidered Gown With Sheer Jacket
Located in New York, NY
1940S Nave Blue & White Cotton Voile Embroidered Gown With Sheer Jacket
1940S Red Rayon Blend Crepe Back Satin Classic Hollywood Gown
Located in New York, NY
1940S Red Rayon Blend Crepe Back Satin Classic Hollywood 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
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
1940S Black Silk Rayon Blend Faille Asymmetrical Wrap Bodice Gown With Bows &
Located in New York, NY
1940S Black Silk Rayon Blend Faille Asymmetrical Wrap Bodice Gown With Bows & Shirring
1940S OMAR KIAM Dove Grey Cotton Elaborately Embroidered Summer Gown With Shoul
Located in New York, NY
1940S OMAR KIAM Dove Grey Cotton Elaborately Embroidered Summer Gown With Shoulder & Waist Ties
1940S NICHOLAS UNGAR Dusty Rose Rayon Blend Satin Plissé Stripe Gown With Train
By Nicholas Ungar
Located in New York, NY
1940S NICHOLAS UNGAR Dusty Rose Rayon Blend Satin Plissé Stripe Gown With Train
$8,500
H 28 in W 22 in D 1 in
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...
Canvas, Oil
$1,800
H 19.75 in W 13.75 in
"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...
Paper, Gouache
1940'S Baby Blue & Pink Rayon Jacquard Floral Negligee Slip Dress
Located in New York, NY
1940'S Baby Blue & Pink Rayon Jacquard Floral Negligee Slip Dress
Sold
Size: Equivalent french size 38/40
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...
1940'S Can-Can Dancer Novelty Print Cold Rayon Gown With Ruffles Dress
Located in New York, NY
1940's Can-Can Dancer Novelty Print Cold Rayon Gown With Ruffles
1940'S Burgundy & Black Acetate Plaid Full Ballroom Skirt Gown With Victorian R
Located in New York, NY
1940'S Burgundy & Black Acetate Plaid Full Ballroom Skirt Gown With Victorian Revival Bustle
1940S JOURDELLE OF HOLLYWOOD White & Red Cold Rayon Crepe Gown With Belt
Located in New York, NY
1940S JOURDELLE OF HOLLYWOOD White & Red Cold Rayon Crepe Gown With Belt
1940S Yellow Chiffon Gown With Tiers Of Lace Trim
Located in New York, NY
1940S Yellow Chiffon Gown With Tiers Of Lace Trim
1940S Black Rayon & Nylon Gown With Metallic Lace On Tulle
Located in New York, NY
1940S Black Rayon & Nylon Gown With Metallic Lace On Tulle
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...
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!
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
1940S Brown & Yellow Rayon Blend Jersey Butterfly Novelty Print Gown
Located in New York, NY
1940S Brown & Yellow Rayon Blend Jersey Butterfly Novelty Print Gown
1940S Burgundy Silk Velvet Bias Cut Gown
Located in New York, NY
1940S Burgundy Silk Velvet Bias Cut Gown
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
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. ...
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...
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...
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...
Betty Carol 1950s Sculptural Dress
By Mamselle, Betty Carol
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...
$1,850
Size: none; comparable to size XS
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 ...
GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE Lesage Paris Betsy Bloomingdale Beaded 1960s Gown Size 2
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Givenchy Couture ensemble is composed of a strapless nude gown with draped bow detail and a Lesage Hand beaded blouse. The blouse features hook and eye closures. The gown featu...
Alexander McQueen Hummingbird Dragonfly Floral Fitted Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Berlin, BE
Gorgeous Alexander McQueen fitted dress with beautiful kaleidoscope print featuring hummingbirds, dragonflies and flowers. Gold tones background, beautiful construction. Alexander ...
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...
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...
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...
Moschino Vintage Black Cut Out Bow Tie Mini Dress, 1990s
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Sparks, NV
Darling vintage Moschino mini dress with a cut out bow tie detail. Sleeveless sleeves and mini length. Details: Unlined Rear Zip Closure Marked Size: Unmarked Estimated Size...
Beautiful Rare Thierry Mugler Devoré Silk Velvet Dress Black
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Manfred Thierry Mugler distilled the drama of midnight velvet and the intrigue of bare skin into this impossibly rare devoré cocktail dress: a piece that feels less like clothing and...
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 ...
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
Size: M-L
Arnold Scaasi Vintage Colorful Metallic Lamé Silk Evening Gown Dress, 1980s
By Arnold Scaasi, Scaasi Boutique
Located in Sparks, NV
Incredible vintage metallic lame dress by Arnold Scaasi with a high low hemline and open back with chain detail. Petal shaped flap sleeves and tropical-inspired floral printed colorf...
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...
Issey Miyake black nylon oversized parachute coat, fw 1987
By Issey Miyake
Located in London, GB
Issey Miyake; Black nylon oversized parachute coat with batwing sleeves and two front pockets Fall-Winter 1987
$1,495
Size: Small / Small Medium
Gorgeous 1960s Demi Couture Pale Pink Silk Shantung Dress and Jacket Ensemble
Located in San Diego, CA
Channel you inner Jackie O in this wonderfully chic demi couture light candy pink raw silk shantung sleeveless dress and pillbox jacket set! Nearly completely sewn by hand, with so m...
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...
Oscar de la Renta S/S 2021 Ivory Lace Embroidered Wedding Dress Gown M
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montgomery, TX
Oscar de la Renta ivory French lace embroidered wedding dress embodies timeless elegance, exquisite craftsmanship, and romantic detail. Embroidered floral motif, fitted bodice and fl...
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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