Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s American Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s Unknown Vintage Cocktail Dress
1950s British Vintage Cocktail Dress
1960s Unknown Vintage Cocktail Dress
1960s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1950s Unknown Vintage Cocktail Dress
1960s Unknown Vintage Cocktail Dress
1950s American Vintage Cocktail Dress
1950s Unknown Vintage Cocktail Dress
1960s French Vintage Cocktail Dress
1990s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1990s Italian Vintage Cocktail Dress
1970s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1990s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1950s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1990s French Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s French Vintage Cocktail Dress
1960s Unknown Vintage Cocktail Dress
Late 20th Century American Vintage Cocktail Dress
1960s British Vintage Cocktail Dress
1950s Unknown Vintage Cocktail Dress
1990s Chinese Vintage Cocktail Dress
1990s Chinese Vintage Cocktail Dress
1950s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s American Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s Irish Vintage Cocktail Dress
1990s Italian Vintage Cocktail Dress
1960s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1950s Unknown Vintage Cocktail Dress
1950s British Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1950s Unknown Vintage Cocktail Dress
1960s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1950s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1990s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1950s Unknown Vintage Cocktail Dress
1960s Unknown Vintage Cocktail Dress
1950s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1960s British Vintage Cocktail Dress
1960s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1990s French Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s British Vintage Cocktail Dress
1990s French Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s British Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s American Vintage Cocktail Dress
1960s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s French Vintage Cocktail Dress
20th Century Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s Italian Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s American Vintage Cocktail Dress
1950s British Vintage Cocktail Dress
1960s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1990s Hong Kong Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1980s Italian Vintage Cocktail Dress
1960s Unknown Vintage Cocktail Dress
1990s Vintage Cocktail Dress
1970s British Vintage Cocktail Dress
1970s Italian Vintage Cocktail Dress
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Vintage Cocktail Dress For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Vintage Cocktail Dress?
Finding the Right clothing for You
Start building your collection of covetable and iconic vintage clothing today — no matter where you roam, there is a curated selection of designer dresses and gowns, sweaters, shirts, dazzling shoes and more on 1stDibs that will keep you covered in the hottest styles from head to toe.
From elegant museum-worthy vintage Chanel dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing for sale on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement.
For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think John Galliano and Roberto Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures.
Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino, Ralph Lauren and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Balmain endure for haute couture advocates and beyond.
And vintage is the name of the game on today’s red carpets, too. Celebrity stylists are turning to archival pieces created by the likes of Bob Mackie, Thierry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier as alternatives to new gowns plucked straight off the runway. Wearing such sought-after items gives celebrities instant allure and suggests a personal style that’s not only achingly glamorous but intellectually informed and influenced by a love of craftsmanship.
Those seeking contemporary luxury looks and in-demand street-style fits can indulge in designs by Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Loro Piana, while pieces from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace endure as examples of fashion’s most covetable goods.
The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. Find vintage clothing and accessories for sale on 1stDibs, including designs by Balenciaga, Valentino, Celine, Loewe and more.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The difference between a dress and a cocktail dress is mainly the specificity of the term. A dress is any garment that has a bodice attached to a skirt. The term cocktail dress refers to a dress designed for events in the late afternoon and early evening. Many feature hemlines that fall between the knee and calf. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of cocktail dresses from some of the world's top boutiques.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Cocktail dresses usually finish above or at the knees and are paired with high heels. This dress should be party-ready such as dressy separates or a little black dress.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A classic cocktail dress is a garment worn for special occasions that usually take place in the evening. Although its name comes from "cocktail party," the dresses are suitable for other types of gatherings. Designs vary greatly, but most cocktail dresses feature a hemline that falls close to the knee. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of vintage cocktail dresses.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To identify a cocktail dress, first look at the hemline. Typically, hemlines for cocktail dresses fall to the mid-thigh or above. Materials and embellishments can also indicate a cocktail dress. For example, fine fibers like silk, chiffon and velvet are commonly used for cocktail dresses, and many pieces feature decorative accents, such as sequins and rhinestones. Keep in mind that there are no real hard and fast rules for what classifies as a cocktail dress. The term generally refers to any dress slightly more casual than a formal full-length gown but still suitable for nighttime wear. Explore a large selection of cocktail dresses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Cocktail dresses first rose to prominence in the 1920s and onward, with each era making its own mark on the practical and fashionable garment. You’ll find a collection of vintage and contemporary cocktail dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024To tell if a dress is vintage, look at the labels inside. By researching the maker and looking at images of the brand's other designs, you may be able to estimate the age of your dress. The label may even have a date printed on it. Generally, clothing must be at least 20 years old to qualify as vintage. If you need assistance dating your clothing, a knowledgeable expert, such as an appraiser or vintage clothing reseller, can help. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of vintage dresses.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024To tell how old a vintage dress is, use trusted online resources to conduct research. Start by searching for labels that identify the maker. Then, consult online information and images to determine when the brand produced pieces similar to yours. If you run into any problems or would like assistance, consult a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of vintage dresses.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To be considered vintage, a wedding dress has to be at least 20 years old. Many brides opt for vintage wedding dresses due to their timeless style and unique details. Shop a range of vintage and designer wedding dresses from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.
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