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Vintage 1940s Gown

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1940s White Satin Wedding Dress with Train
1940s White Satin Wedding Dress with Train

1940s White Satin Wedding Dress with Train

Located in London, GB

This enchanting 1940s satin wedding gown was retailed by “Bourne & Hollingsworth” and refers to the

Category

1940s British Vintage Bridal Gowns

1940s Vintage Perriwinkle Colorblock Gown
1940s Vintage Perriwinkle Colorblock Gown

1940s Vintage Perriwinkle Colorblock Gown

Located in Kingston, NY

This elegant 1940s evening gown exemplifies the quiet innovation of wartime and immediate postwar

Category

1940s Maxi Dress

Vintage 1940s Lace Gown with Shoulder Draping
Vintage 1940s Lace Gown with Shoulder Draping

Vintage 1940s Lace Gown with Shoulder Draping

Located in New York, NY

This stunning vintage late 1940s/early 1950s lace gown is defined by the most romantic off-the

Category

1940s American Evening Dresses

Chanel Haute Couture Lace Gown 1940s
Chanel Haute Couture Lace Gown 1940s

Chanel Haute Couture Lace Gown 1940s

By Chanel

Located in New York, NY

This is a very rare vintage 1940s Chanel couture gown. Straight silhouette gown comprising a skirt

Category

1640s European Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1940s Haute Couture Blue Moiré Silk Halter-Neck Maxi Gown
1940s Haute Couture Blue Moiré Silk Halter-Neck Maxi Gown

1940s Haute Couture Blue Moiré Silk Halter-Neck Maxi Gown

Located in London, GB

This incredible couture made gown was designed in the 1940s but alas, the dress has lost its labels

Category

1940s French Evening Dresses

Junya Watanabe Gray Denim 1940'S Style Dress 2000
Junya Watanabe Gray Denim 1940'S Style Dress 2000

Junya Watanabe Gray Denim 1940'S Style Dress 2000

By Junya Watanabe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Resurrection is excited to offer a vintage Junya Watanabe gray denim 1940s–style dress from the

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses

Vintage 1940s Black Velvet Dress
Vintage 1940s Black Velvet Dress

Vintage 1940s Black Velvet Dress

Located in London, GB

A stunning vintage black velvet gown. The dress has a sweetheart neckline, with gathering at the

Category

1940s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage 1940s Black & White Stripe Tea Dress
Vintage 1940s Black & White Stripe Tea Dress

Vintage 1940s Black & White Stripe Tea Dress

Located in London, GB

A fun and easy to wear black and white stripe dress from the late 1940s or early 1950s. The dress

Category

1940s Tea Gowns

Dorothy O'Hara Vintage Black Lace Cocktail Dress, 1940s
Dorothy O'Hara Vintage Black Lace Cocktail Dress, 1940s

Dorothy O'Hara Vintage Black Lace Cocktail Dress, 1940s

By Dorothy O'Hara

Located in Sparks, NV

Extremely rare vintage 1940s Dorothy O'Hara cocktail dress in unworn condition with the original

Category

1940s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

A Vintage 1940s Jeanne Paquin Sequin black Cocktail Dress
A Vintage 1940s Jeanne Paquin Sequin black Cocktail Dress

A Vintage 1940s Jeanne Paquin Sequin black Cocktail Dress

By Jeanne Paquin

Located in London, GB

A chic cocktail dress by French designer Jeanne Paquin. The dress is made of a wool crepe with black sequins sewn on in a squiggle pattern . It has a v neckline with shape at the sho...

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1950s French Cocktail Dresses

1940s Haute Couture Purple Satin Chiffon Dress
1940s Haute Couture Purple Satin Chiffon Dress

1940s Haute Couture Purple Satin Chiffon Dress

Located in London, GB

Original late 1930s or early 1940s purple satin and chiffon gown with matching waist sash. This

Category

1940s French Evening Dresses

2007 Prada 1940s Style Plum Crepe Dress
2007 Prada 1940s Style Plum Crepe Dress

2007 Prada 1940s Style Plum Crepe Dress

By Prada

Located in London, GB

This elegant Prada gown displays all the elevated, feminine trademarks that have become a part of

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Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1940s Black Jersey Dress with Novelty Umbrella Appliqué Studs
1940s Black Jersey Dress with Novelty Umbrella Appliqué Studs

1940s Black Jersey Dress with Novelty Umbrella Appliqué Studs

Located in London, GB

across the USA throughout the 1930s-1940s. In overall very good vintage condition - no flaws of note for

Category

1940s American Cocktail Dresses

1980s does 1940s Joan Leslie Novelty Print Peplum dress
1980s does 1940s Joan Leslie Novelty Print Peplum dress

1980s does 1940s Joan Leslie Novelty Print Peplum dress

By Joan Leslie

Located in London, GB

offers a highly wearable take on the 1940s novelty print. Set against a cream background, the dress is

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

Superb, 1940's Vintage, Pink and Black Flocked Ball Gown
Superb, 1940's Vintage, Pink and Black Flocked Ball Gown

Superb, 1940's Vintage, Pink and Black Flocked Ball Gown

Located in Oradell, NJ

Offered for sale is this superb, 1940's vintage, pink and black flocked ball gown with black silk

Category

1940s Unknown Evening Gowns

1940's Cerise Red Sleeveless Gown with Bolero Jacket
1940's Cerise Red Sleeveless Gown with Bolero Jacket

1940's Cerise Red Sleeveless Gown with Bolero Jacket

Located in Oradell, NJ

This is an early 1940's vintage, cerise red sleeveless gown with a matching bolero jacket which has

Category

1940s American Evening Gowns

1940's Exquisitely Designed White Charmeuse Wedding Gown
1940's Exquisitely Designed White Charmeuse Wedding Gown

1940's Exquisitely Designed White Charmeuse Wedding Gown

Located in Oradell, NJ

Offered for sale is this exquisitely designed, 1940's vintage, white charmeuse wedding gown with

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1940s Unknown Wedding Dresses

VINTAGE 1940s IVORY TAFFETA GOWN w PETAL PEPLUM
VINTAGE 1940s IVORY TAFFETA GOWN w PETAL PEPLUM

VINTAGE 1940s IVORY TAFFETA GOWN w PETAL PEPLUM

By Emma Domb

Located in San Francisco, CA

Featured is an elegant vintage gown by Emma Domb from the late 1940s. Crisp ivory taffeta with

Category

1940s American Evening Gowns

Vintage 1940s Black Velvet Evening Dress or Hostess Gown
Vintage 1940s Black Velvet Evening Dress or Hostess Gown

Vintage 1940s Black Velvet Evening Dress or Hostess Gown

Located in Portland, OR

This vintage early 1940s black velvet gown by Kamore was originally designed to be a hostess gown

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Mid-20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns

1940s 50's FULL LENGTH BLACK JET  HEAVILY BEADED GOWN W/SASH
1940s 50's FULL LENGTH BLACK JET  HEAVILY BEADED GOWN W/SASH

1940s 50's FULL LENGTH BLACK JET HEAVILY BEADED GOWN W/SASH

Located in San Francisco, CA

Featured is a magnificent black evening gown, entirely covered in black bead work. The elegant

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1940s Evening Gowns

Vintage 1940s Fred Perlberg Dress
Vintage 1940s Fred Perlberg Dress

Vintage 1940s Fred Perlberg Dress

By Fred Perlberg

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1940s dress * black, red, pink taffeta * acetate lining * layered bodice * bodice

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1940s Cocktail Dresses

SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRICE: 1940s Vintage evening black dress
SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRICE: 1940s Vintage evening black dress

SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRICE: 1940s Vintage evening black dress

Located in Milano, IT

SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRICE: Vintage matelasse silk dress, with straps, draped on the back skirt. Size

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1940s Evening Dresses

Vintage 1940s Dorothy O'Hara Dress
Vintage 1940s Dorothy O'Hara Dress

Vintage 1940s Dorothy O'Hara Dress

By Dorothy O'Hara

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1940s dress * black & gold striped taffeta * bodice stays * back tails * metal back

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1940s Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1940s Peggy Hunt Illusion Cocktail Dress
Vintage 1940s Peggy Hunt Illusion Cocktail Dress

Vintage 1940s Peggy Hunt Illusion Cocktail Dress

By Peggy Hunt

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1940s dress * black rayon crepe * nude acetate lining * black floral lace bodice

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1940s Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1940s Peggy Hunt Black Illusion Dress
Vintage 1940s Peggy Hunt Black Illusion Dress

Vintage 1940s Peggy Hunt Black Illusion Dress

By Peggy Hunt

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950s dress * black rayon crepe * nude nylon lining * black floral lace accents

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1940s Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1940s Emma Domb Red Chiffon Party Dress
Vintage 1940s Emma Domb Red Chiffon Party Dress

Vintage 1940s Emma Domb Red Chiffon Party Dress

By Emma Domb

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950s dress * red chiffon * acetate lining * gathered bodice * side zipper * by

Category

1940s Cocktail Dresses

VINTAGE  1940s Style BLACK RUCHED COCKTAIL DRESS w SEQUINS
VINTAGE  1940s Style BLACK RUCHED COCKTAIL DRESS w SEQUINS

VINTAGE 1940s Style BLACK RUCHED COCKTAIL DRESS w SEQUINS

Located in San Francisco, CA

Featured is a slinky black vintage party dress from the 1980s. The front bodice is lace and

Category

1980s Cocktail Dresses

Exceptionally Gorgeous Gold Satin Evening Gown with Wrap
Exceptionally Gorgeous Gold Satin Evening Gown with Wrap

Exceptionally Gorgeous Gold Satin Evening Gown with Wrap

Located in Oradell, NJ

wrap, of the late 1930's-early 1940's vintage. The gown may be worn with or without the wrap and looks

Category

1940s Unknown Evening Gowns

1940s black Chantilly lace evening dress
1940s black Chantilly lace evening dress

1940s black Chantilly lace evening dress

Located in San Francisco, CA

Vintage 1940s black Chantilly lace long evening gown. Petticoat is not included. Black silk taffeta

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1940s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage 1940's Metallic Purple Silk Taffeta Gown
Vintage 1940's Metallic Purple Silk Taffeta Gown

Vintage 1940's Metallic Purple Silk Taffeta Gown

Located in Sparks, NV

Early 1940's long formal maxi gown in metallic accented silk taffeta. Oversized back bow detail

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20th Century American Evening Gowns

Emma Domb Vintage Black & White Sequin Gown / 1940's Dress
Emma Domb Vintage Black & White Sequin Gown / 1940's Dress

Emma Domb Vintage Black & White Sequin Gown / 1940's Dress

By Emma Domb

Located in Sparks, NV

Elegant late 1940's vintage Emma Domb evening gown in two-toned black and white. Silk satin with

Category

1940s American Ball Gowns

Vintage 1940's Kelly Green Silk Chiffon Full Sweep Gown Dress
Vintage 1940's Kelly Green Silk Chiffon Full Sweep Gown Dress

Vintage 1940's Kelly Green Silk Chiffon Full Sweep Gown Dress

Located in Sparks, NV

The perfect synthesis of delicate and bold! Delicate light-as-a-feather silk chiffon in a bold and bright kelly green color. Full sweep skirt that swings when you walk. Triangle shap...

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1940s American Evening Gowns

1940s Floral Motif Beaded Sheer Gown
1940s Floral Motif Beaded Sheer Gown

1940s Floral Motif Beaded Sheer Gown

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

see your appreciation for vintage glamour and artistry. The 1940s Floral Motif Beaded Sheer Gown is

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1940s Evening Dresses and Gowns

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

Category

1940s American Evening Dresses

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Vintage 1940s Gown For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary vintage 1940s gown you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning Black, Gray, Brown and more. Making an accessory such as this has likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Jeanne Paquin, Dorothy O'Hara and Emma Domb are consistently popular. Finding a vintage 1940s gown for sale for women should be easy, but there are 2 pieces available to browse for men as well.

How Much is a Vintage 1940s Gown?

The price for a vintage 1940s gown starts at $230 and tops out at $4,800, and on average, selling for $697.

Finding the Right Evening-dresses for You

With entire museum exhibitions dedicated to examining fashion designers and their creations, we’re finally recognizing that costuming is art. Evening dresses over time have conveyed specific statements about social class, position and beliefs. Fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, and sophisticated vintage evening dresses and gowns by our favorite couturier play no small role in making us feel wonderful but, perhaps more importantly, making us feel like ourselves.

In the 16th century, dresses and gowns were so important that England's Queen Elizabeth I defined rules about what dresses women could wear — guidance included long skirts and fitted bodices. Forward-thinking designers have responded to this history.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel reimagined traditionally masculine garments for feminine shapes, and her elegant evening dresses and gowns promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by layers of fabric. Christian Dior's gowns celebrated luxury and femininity in the late 1940s — and gave to women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of the war. French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced innovative and highly coveted dress designs in the 1960s while at the same time challenging sexist stereotypes about which members of society could wear tuxedos.

Works by unconventional British designer John Galliano — featured in houses like Givenchy and Dior — redefined limits that dressmakers faced in terms of material, construction and vision during the late 20th century. From his embroidered absinthe-green Oscars gown for actress Nicole Kidman to the iconic sleeveless Dior newspaper dress that Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made famous, Galliano’s intricate and multifaceted work is reliably collectible and newsworthy

Today’s designers target an increasingly broad audience with their boundary-crossing work, and their tendency to play off of each other’s ideas means that every walk down the runway is also a walk through an entire history of fashion design and dress craftsmanship.

Whether you gravitate toward backless maxi dresses or silk charmeuse gowns by Alexander McQueen or embellished, ruffled floral-print designs by Chloe or Versace, there is an extraordinary collection of vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns waiting for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Vintage 1940s Gown
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    In the 1940s, ladies wore clothes defined by clean and slim silhouettes. The jackets, blouses and sweaters often featured shoulderpads and had somewhat of a military feel. Most dresses were quite casual and pants and playsuits became part of a woman's everyday style.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    Claire McCardell was the designer often called the Mother of American Fashion in the 1940s. An American designer, she helped introduce women's sportswear to the United States and was particularly well-known for her bias-cut, loose-fitting Monastic dress. When World War II broke out in the 1940s, she designed pieces out of readily available materials like denim, calico and wool jersey, introducing new fabrics for women's clothing that would remain popular well after the close of the war. Many people point to McCardell as one of the first successful American fashion designers. Shop a collection of Claire McCardell apparel on 1stDibs.

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