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Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950s Red Cotton Dress with Embroidered Peplum
1950s Red Cotton Dress with Embroidered Peplum

1950s Red Cotton Dress with Embroidered Peplum

Located in London, GB

1950s or early 1960s red cotton dress with floral embroidered and pleated peplum. The dress also

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1950s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950s Grey and White Cotton Box Pleat Dress
1950s Grey and White Cotton Box Pleat Dress

1950s Grey and White Cotton Box Pleat Dress

Located in London, GB

This late 1950s dress showcases many of the era’s fashionable hallmarks. We love the faux double

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1950s British Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950s Navy and Pink Silk Rose Print Dress
1950s Navy and Pink Silk Rose Print Dress

1950s Navy and Pink Silk Rose Print Dress

Located in London, GB

background. The dress boasts the most beautiful sculptural sleeve design with folds and pleating of the silk

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1950s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950s Jacques Heim Haute Couture Yellow Chiffon Dress
1950s Jacques Heim Haute Couture Yellow Chiffon Dress

1950s Jacques Heim Haute Couture Yellow Chiffon Dress

By Jaques Heim

Located in London, GB

Outstanding haute couture chiffon column dress by Jacques Heim circa 1958 -1963. A timeless

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1950s French Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950s Susan Small Textured French Blue Cotton Shirt Dress
1950s Susan Small Textured French Blue Cotton Shirt Dress

1950s Susan Small Textured French Blue Cotton Shirt Dress

By Susan Small

Located in London, GB

Fabulous late 1950s to early 1960s blue jacquard check dress. Manufactured by well regarded

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1950s British Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950s Grey Wool Dolman Sleeve Dress with Elaborate Beadwork
1950s Grey Wool Dolman Sleeve Dress with Elaborate Beadwork

1950s Grey Wool Dolman Sleeve Dress with Elaborate Beadwork

Located in London, GB

This grey wool dress dates from the very early 1950s has a lovely structured feel to it, and

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1950s British Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950s Sambo Fashions Purple and White Silk Shirtwaister Dress
1950s Sambo Fashions Purple and White Silk Shirtwaister Dress

1950s Sambo Fashions Purple and White Silk Shirtwaister Dress

Located in London, GB

Sublime mid to late 1950s shirtwaister dress by Sambo Fashions, cut in a classic fit and flare

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1950s British Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950s Jane Derby by Oscar de la Renta Cotton Floral Dress
1950s Jane Derby by Oscar de la Renta Cotton Floral Dress

1950s Jane Derby by Oscar de la Renta Cotton Floral Dress

By Oscar De La Renta, Jane Derby

Located in London, GB

This enchanting 1950s or early 1960s floral print polished cotton dress from American label Jane

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1950s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950s Cotton Abstract Floral Print Sundress
1950s Cotton Abstract Floral Print Sundress

1950s Cotton Abstract Floral Print Sundress

Located in London, GB

This lively sundress was made in the late 1950s to early 1960s and features some unusual design

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1950s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950S  Rainbow Tropical Silk Formal Day Cocktail Dress
1950S  Rainbow Tropical Silk Formal Day Cocktail Dress

1950S Rainbow Tropical Silk Formal Day Cocktail Dress

Located in New York, NY

Fully lined in rayon and beautifully couture hand finished. 1950S Rainbow Tropical Silk Formal Day

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1950s Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

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1950s Green Cotton Summer Gown w/ Ethnic Ribbon Detail
1950s Green Cotton Summer Gown w/ Ethnic Ribbon Detail

1950s Green Cotton Summer Gown w/ Ethnic Ribbon Detail

Located in Bozeman, MT

wide ribbon. A lot of hours - and fabric - went into the construction of this dress. True surplice

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1950s Afghan Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Vintage 1950's Strapless Sweetheart Polka Dotted Party Dress
Vintage 1950's Strapless Sweetheart Polka Dotted Party Dress

Vintage 1950's Strapless Sweetheart Polka Dotted Party Dress

Located in Sparks, NV

Darling 1950's formal dress with bright red Swiss polka dotted fabric and a full skirt. Strapless

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1950s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Travilla Brocade Dress With Velvet Bow Belt, 1950’s
Travilla Brocade Dress With Velvet Bow Belt, 1950’s

Travilla Brocade Dress With Velvet Bow Belt, 1950’s

By Travilla, William Travilla

Located in Atlanta, GA

1950’s Travilla ornate brocade dress with a built-in velvet bow belt. The rolled collar dress zips

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1950s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950s Navy Silk Shawl Collar Dress
1950s Navy Silk Shawl Collar Dress

1950s Navy Silk Shawl Collar Dress

By UNIONMADE

Located in London, GB

Original 1950s navy blue silk dress with a fabulously detailed shawl collar neckline that is

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1950s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Frank Usher 1950s Printed Abstract Blue Silk Dress
Frank Usher 1950s Printed Abstract Blue Silk Dress

Frank Usher 1950s Printed Abstract Blue Silk Dress

By Frank Usher, Frank Usher London

Located in London, GB

Classic late 1950s silk wiggle dress from British designer Frank Usher with an abstract blue print

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1950s British Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950s BATEAU-NECKLINE CREAM LACE FIT AND FLARE DRESS
1950s BATEAU-NECKLINE CREAM LACE FIT AND FLARE DRESS

1950s BATEAU-NECKLINE CREAM LACE FIT AND FLARE DRESS

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Size: see description for measurements

1950s BATEAU-NECKLINE CREAM LACE FIT AND FLARE DRESS

Located in New York, NY

This vintage 1950s cream lace dress is so wonderfully feminine— it reminds me of something Brigitte

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1950s Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950S Mint Blue Beaded Silk Satin "Mermaid" Gown
1950S Mint Blue Beaded Silk Satin "Mermaid" Gown

1950S Mint Blue Beaded Silk Satin "Mermaid" Gown

Located in New York, NY

Dating to the late 1960s or very early 1960s this sea foam colored dress with its sea shell shaped

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1950s Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Vintage 1950's Pink Tiered Tulle Formal Dress with Flowers
Vintage 1950's Pink Tiered Tulle Formal Dress with Flowers

Vintage 1950's Pink Tiered Tulle Formal Dress with Flowers

Located in Sparks, NV

The 1950's at their finest! Light pink tulle formal dress with a tiered sweetheart bust and back

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1950s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Early Oleg Cassini Couture Vintage 1950's 50s Black Formal Dress
Early Oleg Cassini Couture Vintage 1950's 50s Black Formal Dress

Early Oleg Cassini Couture Vintage 1950's 50s Black Formal Dress

By Saks Fifth Avenue, Oleg Cassini

Located in Sparks, NV

Extremely rare early Oleg Cassini vintage couture cocktail dress in burnout silk velvet. Hand

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1950s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950s Susan Small Silk Brocade Midnight Blue and French Blue Dress
1950s Susan Small Silk Brocade Midnight Blue and French Blue Dress

1950s Susan Small Silk Brocade Midnight Blue and French Blue Dress

By Susan Small

Located in London, GB

1950s Susan Small silk formal dress in a beautiful midnight blue and french blue floral print

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1950s British Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950’s Green Floral Print Silk Dress
1950’s Green Floral Print Silk Dress

1950’s Green Floral Print Silk Dress

Located in London, GB

A beautiful 50’s dress typical of the era, this piece comes in forest green silk with a pretty rose

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1950s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Minx Modes 1950s Peach Silk Crepe Dress
Minx Modes 1950s Peach Silk Crepe Dress

Minx Modes 1950s Peach Silk Crepe Dress

Located in London, GB

This gorgeous peach 1950's silk crepe dress by Minx Modes is taffeta lined with a deep 'v

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1950s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Vintage 1950s  Dusty Pink Prom Style  Dress
Vintage 1950s  Dusty Pink Prom Style  Dress

Vintage 1950s Dusty Pink Prom Style Dress

Located in London, GB

This is a stunning 1950s in a soft dusty pink. The fabric is a ribbed, structured silk that helps

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1950s Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950s Victor Josselyn Silk Floral Rose Spray Print Dress
1950s Victor Josselyn Silk Floral Rose Spray Print Dress

1950s Victor Josselyn Silk Floral Rose Spray Print Dress

Located in London, GB

Late 1950s to early 1960s piece by designer Victor Josselyn who used premium fabrics and production

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1950s British Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Leslie Fay 1950s Silk Navy and Cream Circle Print Dress With Belt
Leslie Fay 1950s Silk Navy and Cream Circle Print Dress With Belt

Leslie Fay 1950s Silk Navy and Cream Circle Print Dress With Belt

Located in London, GB

This superb Leslie Fay 1950s silk circle print dress is in pristine condition and would make an

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1950s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950s Vintage Tiered Tulle Formal Barbie Pink Cupcake Prom Dress
1950s Vintage Tiered Tulle Formal Barbie Pink Cupcake Prom Dress

1950s Vintage Tiered Tulle Formal Barbie Pink Cupcake Prom Dress

Located in Sparks, NV

Very 1950s tulle formal dress with a poofy tiered skirt and halter neckline. Details: Fully

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1950s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1950's Malcolm Starr Pink Button-Up Collared Dress with Rhinestone Buttons
1950's Malcolm Starr Pink Button-Up Collared Dress with Rhinestone Buttons

1950's Malcolm Starr Pink Button-Up Collared Dress with Rhinestone Buttons

By Malcolm Starr

Located in North Hollywood, CA

1950’s Malcolm Starr pink full length button-up collared dress with oversized silver rhinestone

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1950s Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Sequin Knit Gown 1950s
Sequin Knit Gown 1950s

Sequin Knit Gown 1950s

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Size: S/M/L

Sequin Knit Gown 1950s

Located in Phoenix, AZ

An vintage classic of the now infamous 1950s knit gowns made famous by such icons as Marilyn Monroe

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1950s Hong Kong Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Beaded Sequin Knit Gown 1950s
Beaded Sequin Knit Gown 1950s

Beaded Sequin Knit Gown 1950s

Located in Phoenix, AZ

An vintage classic of the now infamous 1950s knit gowns made famous by such icons as Marilyn Monroe

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1950s Hong Kong Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Rosalie MaCrini 1950's red satin formal vintage dress
Rosalie MaCrini 1950's red satin formal vintage dress

Rosalie MaCrini 1950's red satin formal vintage dress

Located in Portland, OR

. Rosalie MaCrini was a designer of formal and cocktail dresses who designed for many celebrities and

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1950s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

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Victor Costa Strapless Dress
Victor Costa Strapless Dress

Victor Costa Strapless Dress

By Victor Costa

Located in Alford, MA

One of Victor Costa's best designs, this strapless cocktail/evening dress is fashioned of white satin and black velvet alternating horizontal stripes with fitted bodice leading to an...

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Late 20th Century American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Loris Azzaro 1970s Silk Jersey Vintage Pink Empire Dress Gown
Loris Azzaro 1970s Silk Jersey Vintage Pink Empire Dress Gown

Loris Azzaro 1970s Silk Jersey Vintage Pink Empire Dress Gown

By Loris Azzaro

Located in San Diego, CA

Stunning vintage 1970s Loris Azzaro pink silk jersey gown! Beautiful bodice, with a draped, Grecian/Empire feel to the body. Zipper works great, just could not fit the dress form. In...

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1970s French Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress
John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress

John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress

By John Galliano, Christian Dior

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful blush pink silk dress with green and bright pink flowers by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It has ruched straps forming a front V, the skirt falls in gentle folds to ...

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Early 2000s French Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Valentino Shoe D'Orsay Satin Pumps Bold Bow 39 / 9 w/Box
Valentino Shoe D'Orsay Satin Pumps Bold Bow 39 / 9 w/Box

Valentino Shoe D'Orsay Satin Pumps Bold Bow 39 / 9 w/Box

By Valentino

Located in Miami, FL

Guaranteed authentic Valentino black satin D'Orsay pump. Peeptoe with signature bold bow. Hidden .25" platform. High stiletto heel. Comes with box. final sale Mightychic offers ...

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2010s Italian Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Issey Miyake Open Sleeve Draped Top
Issey Miyake Open Sleeve Draped Top

Issey Miyake Open Sleeve Draped Top

By Issey Miyake

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous blue top, shirt from Issey Miyake. It overlapping at the front exposing the waist and buttons at the shoulder. The back is fuller and longer and the sleeves are open fro...

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1990s Japanese Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress
1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress

1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress

By Escada Margaretha Ley, Amen Wardy

Located in Sparks, NV

Vintage 1980s black and white strapless tube dress by Margaretha Ley for Escada with a polka dot and stripe print. Fully lined with rear zip closure. The marked size is 34, and the d...

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1980s German Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1970s Bill Blass Brown White One Shoulder Vintage One Piece Swimsuit Bodysuit
1970s Bill Blass Brown White One Shoulder Vintage One Piece Swimsuit Bodysuit

1970s Bill Blass Brown White One Shoulder Vintage One Piece Swimsuit Bodysuit

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy 70s BILL BLASS chocolate brown and white one shoulder swimsuit or bodysuit! Features a sloped with stripe at waistband, and above the bust. Built in interior support at bust. Gr...

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1970s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress

GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress

By Givenchy, Alexander McQueen

Located in Thiensville, WI

GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Knit Fitted Button Front Dress Circa: 1998 Label(s): Givenchy / Couture / Made In France / Paris / 8HG 8520152830 Desig...

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1990s French Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Giorgio Armani 1990s 90s Vintage Khaki / Light Green Herringbone Blazer Jacket
Giorgio Armani 1990s 90s Vintage Khaki / Light Green Herringbone Blazer Jacket

Giorgio Armani 1990s 90s Vintage Khaki / Light Green Herringbone Blazer Jacket

By Giorgio Armani

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautifully tailored vintage Giorgio Armani blazer! This fitted blazer is a khaki/ on the verge of light green, with herringbone print throughout. Two pockets at each side of the wai...

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1990s Italian Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Bill Blass Pink White Polka Dot Hand Painted Fit and Flare Vintage Dress, 1990
Bill Blass Pink White Polka Dot Hand Painted Fit and Flare Vintage Dress, 1990

Bill Blass Pink White Polka Dot Hand Painted Fit and Flare Vintage Dress, 1990

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 90s BILL BLASS pale pink and white hand painted polka dot fit n' flare cocktail silk taffeta dress! Features large handpainted polka dots throughout. Attached white lace underla...

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1990s American Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Moschino Vintage 1990s 90s Minimalist Olive Green Maxi Dress
Moschino Vintage 1990s 90s Minimalist Olive Green Maxi Dress

Moschino Vintage 1990s 90s Minimalist Olive Green Maxi Dress

By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino

Located in Sparks, NV

Olive green maxi dress with a high waist and sleeveless sleeves by Moschino. Details: Fully Lined Side Pockets Back Zip Closure Estimated Size: M-L Color: Olive Green Fabr...

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1990s Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Alberta Ferretti Intricately Seamed Sexy High Waisted Purple Silk Skirt
Alberta Ferretti Intricately Seamed Sexy High Waisted Purple Silk Skirt

Alberta Ferretti Intricately Seamed Sexy High Waisted Purple Silk Skirt

By Alberta Ferretti

Located in New Hope, PA

Lustrous royal purple silk is used for this high waisted skirt. It is seamed for the most figure flattering fit and the seams have a hand stitched detail for an extra touch of elegan...

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress
1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress

1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress

By Guy Laroche

Located in San Diego, CA

1960s GUY LAROCHE Couture lipstick red virgin wool A-Line mini dress! The perfect alternative to a little black dress, this red gem is sure to stand out! Hand made, with the utmost a...

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1960s French Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

1990s Moschino Cheap & Chic Animal Print Vintage 90s Silk Short Sleeve Top
1990s Moschino Cheap & Chic Animal Print Vintage 90s Silk Short Sleeve Top

1990s Moschino Cheap & Chic Animal Print Vintage 90s Silk Short Sleeve Top

By Moschino

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful vintage MOSCHINO Cheap & Chic silk animal print blouse! Features leopard, zebra, cheetah, and tiger prints throughout. Warm colors of brown, ivory, trimmed with black lace....

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1990s Italian Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Stunning Early 1990s Custom All Over Sequin + Crystals Pink Vintage Mermaid Gown
Stunning Early 1990s Custom All Over Sequin + Crystals Pink Vintage Mermaid Gown

Stunning Early 1990s Custom All Over Sequin + Crystals Pink Vintage Mermaid Gown

Located in San Diego, CA

Exquisite early 90s sequin gown! Features thousands of pale pink micro sequins throughout the dress, with crystal embellishments at sleeves, bust, and back. Beautiful mermaid silhoue...

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1990s Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

Chanel Black Vanity Case Limited Edition Rare Home Decor Cosmetic Jewelry Box
Chanel Black Vanity Case Limited Edition Rare Home Decor Cosmetic Jewelry Box

Chanel Black Vanity Case Limited Edition Rare Home Decor Cosmetic Jewelry Box

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel Limited Edition Pearl Lambskin Quilted Leather Rare Jewelry Box Vanity Case Home Decor Gold hardware Quilted Lambskin leather CC studded pearl drawer knob Features removable ...

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2010s Italian Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses

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Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an extraordinary variety of vintage 1950s formal dresses available on 1stDibs. Our collection of vintage 1950s formal dresses includes a variety of colors, spanning Black, Gray, Orange and more. Finding the perfect accessories for you may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions of these were made as early as the 20th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 20th Century, can also be found on the site. There have been many classic iterations of vintage 1950s formal dresses over the years, but those made by Ceil Chapman, Christian Dior and Tina Leser are often thought to be among the most stylish.

How Much are Vintage 1950s Formal Dresses?

On average, vintage 1950s formal dresses on 1stDibs sell for $673, while they’re typically $185 on the low end and $4,200 for the highest priced versions of these items.

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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