Black Cat Vintage Day Dresses

New, unworn and right off Bottega Veneta’s 2012 runway comes this incomparable illusion dress whose nude shoulders make the dress appear to float unattached on the body. Painstakingly crafted, each piece of the laser-cut silk velvet pattern is sewn individually and perfectly matched to create perfect vertical symmetry on the left and right sides of the dress. Halfway between a Rorschach pattern and branch coral, the dress is a marvel and a walking piece of art. Sleeveless illusion dress with nude net...

A dress that gives Alaïa a run for his money, this Akris model features the same famous fit and flare silhouette while hitting the knee instead of above it. Short sleeves and a mock ...

Singular and stunning, this unforgettable 2-piece ensemble is the embodiment of the jet set zeitgeist prevalent in the 1960s and early 70s. Consisting of a split-back maxi dress and ...

Fully restored, this breathtaking dress recalls the ethereal evening gowns designed by Jeanne Lanvin and Coco Chanel in the late 1920s. Using a skin-tight nude net...

A gown that would be right at home sledding through the steppes or attending the Mariinsky Theater, this regal dress literally drips with understated glamo...

A museum-quality piece of extreme rarity, this turn-of-the-century walking suit is exceptional for its extraordinary workmanship, condition, atypical silhouette and unheard-of large size. Whereas most suits of this era featured long jackets with nipped waists, this one incorporates a swing silhouette amplified by crochet gores and echoed in its modified lantern sleeves...

Ten years in restoration, this ensemble is a living snapshot of fashion’s transition from one decade to another. Its floral print offers a peek into the ultra-feminine decade to come...

With snug bodices and wired hip panniers, Robes de Style struck a happy medium between the highly-ornamented gowns of the Victorian era and the slinkier ...

Ideally suited for a gal with a long waist, this zinger of a party dress “poufs” abruptly where the skirt meets the bodice for a dramatic tabletop skirt effect. Endless yards of tulle make the dress look like lime cotton candy. Strapless prom dress with straight cut bodice and slightly curved dropped waist. Lace princess bodice features flexible boning around full circumference and fixed self rose at left front hip; full circle skirt with two taffeta underslips (one trimmed in crinoline) and double tulle outer skirt. Center back zipper closure with top hook and eye; hanging loops. Fully lined in lime taffeta. fabric: lace, taffeta, tulle noteworthy: dry clean only alterations: invisibly repaired one 1 ¾” loss in outer tulle skirt layer condition: very good with above repair measurements: bust: 31” underbust / rib cage: 28” waist: 26” bodice length: 11” – 13 ½” hips: free skirt length: 31” total length: 42” from underarm sweep: 180” (outer tulle layers), 140” (middle taffeta layer), 88” (taffeta lining) label: Jessica McClintock...

Reminiscent of the architectural designs popularized by Balenciaga, this unique party dress features a stand-away silhouette that appears to float independently from the body that we...

Wearable with a halter or strapless neckline, this romantic sundress would be the perfect ensemble for a breezy garden party or summer wedding. Ideal for larger busts, the ample shel...

A Rockabilly gem with all the polish of a full-skirted party dress AND a playful oversized gingham and floral print. Two dresses in one, the cap sleeves are fully detachable and conv...

A modern vintage masterpiece, this ladylike frock is loaded with charming extras (our favorite is the pocket detail: decorative AND practical) that keep its timeless silhouette from ...

With a silhouette sweet enough for a music-box ballerina and a loose, Matisse-like butterfly sketch print, this singular party dress will be the center of attention at any gathering....

When wartime rationing abbreviated garment lengths, brides used intricate seams and sharp tailoring to create interest in favor of volume. This shimmering example incorporates a scalloped waist seam and military shoulders to create a simple but striking gown emblematic of its time. Ivory wedding...

Too beautiful to be kept in the bedroom, this negligée is lovely enough to wear in public. The 2 ½ foot marabou feather cords may be tied in front or back for two completely different looks. Vintage sleeveless blush pink nightgown...

Though this robe’s delicate pastel hue and exquisite softness make it an ideal dressing gown, it would be such a shame to hide it behind closed doors. Cut much like a 1950s swing coat, it could easily double for lightweight outerwear or a chic tunic worn over leggings. Collarless drop shoulder robe embroidered with tonal chrysanthemums; wide bracelet length sleeves and hip-high slits both sides. 5 frog closures with brass buttons from throat to waist; fully lined in matching whisper weight crêpe de Chine. fabric: padded Canton silk...

Hand-made in Tunisia from an Indian silk sari, this kaftan was originally owned by the wife of a State Department ensign in the Nixon administration. Still not impressed? She wore it to tea with Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. That should do it. Tunisian-made hooded kaftan...

In astounding condition, this shirtwaist dress is a perfect example of what a pioneer woman might have worn on her journey to the American West during the mid-19th century. Its Weste...

It’s easy to see why tea dresses such as this were sometimes called “pneumonia dresses”: their weightlessness provided little coverage and even less warmth (though the pounds of unde...

Identical to a contemporary button-front night shirt except this one is over 100 years old and conjures images of a Charles Dickens novel. As bright, white and crisp as it was when i...

An ingenious design made to accommodate both nursing mothers and independent women without ladies’ maids to dress them, this gossamer tea dress features a semi-detachable bodice that...

The dress that started it all, this Scott Paper Company shift was an advertising gimmick used to promote the company’s disposable tableware collection in 1966. A perfect vehicle for the youthful prints and informal styles that accompanied the cultural revolution, the dress became an immediate success, with over a half million orders for the piece in its first year and countless copycat designs in the years that followed. It now hangs in every major fashion museum in the world. Sleeveless knee length shift dress with wide scoop neckline; trapeze silhouette with graduated hemline slightly longer in back than front. Single right side patch pocket. Pullover styling with no closures of any kind; unlined. fabric: “Dura Weave” wood...

Signed six times, this halter dress is the creation of London designer Colin Glascoe, whose psychedelic prints held their own with Pucci, Liberty of London and Bessi. Unlike his con...

Despite its whisper weight chiffon, this eye-catching shift packs a wallop thanks to a shower of green gemstones and a modern green watercolor print. Perfect for warm spring and summ...

An impeccably-made dress that straddles the 1960s generation gap. On one hand, the contrast piping, attention to detail and matching scarf recall Jackie Kennedy’s immaculate early 60...

From its vibrant Shambala-motif print to its unique honeycomb texture, this cheerful dress is like a B-12 shot for your wardrobe. A clever mid-back cross-strap conceals the wearer's ...

An ensemble so well-bred it practically demands lunch at the Plaza. Pair with a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and a Yorkshire terrier (or Dalmatian puppy!) and prepare to stop traffic...

From Youthquake pioneer to pattern designer to punk icon, Betsey Johnson has worn as many hats as she has had labels. Despite their name, Johnson’s “punk label” dresses were as femin...

Whether you find yourself at a Tiki-themed backyard party, longing for the beaches of Hawaii, or vacationing in Tahiti, this easy, packable and colorful throwback to the 1960s takes ...

The perfect blend of bohemian and traditional, this liquid shirt dress combines a bright hand-crocheted placket, cuffs and collar with a modest silhouette, somber color and upright E...

Known for her easy, swirling and practical dresses, Edith Flagg was famous for her use of polyester jersey for good reason: she was the first designer to i...

In light-as-air floral silk, this ladylike dress begs to be worn to a shoreline lunch or to the Derby with a perky hat. A charming mix of modesty and femininity, it glides over the body from shoulders to hips, where a zig zag seam unfurls deep pleats that fall from hips to hem. The swoon-worthy skirt swirls alluringly around the legs, while the sailor collar conveys childlike chastity despite its comely plunge. Sleeveless cream and navy trumpet dress...

Though the print would be enough, what really makes this Lanvin dress special is its wrinkle-free, lightweight and machine-washable fabric. Oh, and it has pockets too. Quite possibly...

What at first glance seems like a monastic service uniform is actually so much more, thanks to diamond shape waist insets that create Art Deco angles on close inspection. The flared ...

If you had to choose ONE dress to wear for the rest of your life, choose this one. Its universally flattering cut accentuates even the smallest bustline while the swirling skirt (over ten feet!) skims over the hips and falls gracefully to the knee for dramatic movement. And though it is as light, wrinkle-free and sensuous as silk jersey, its easy care fabric means it is machine washable and supremely packable. A wardrobe workhorse, this dress can take you from day to night, Studio 54 to the Ritz Paris, and brunch to boardroom. Long sleeve swing dress with plunging neckline and front and rear princess seams from underarm to hem. Gently gathered inverted “V” seam at bust. Rear nylon zipper closure with top hook and eye. Unlined. fabric: stretch polyester jersey noteworthy: may be gently hand washed in cool water, drip dry alterations: none condition: excellent measurements: neckline opening: 7 ½” across neckline drop: 6” shoulders: 16 ¼” sleeve: 22 ½” from shoulder, 16 ½” from underarm sleeve circumference: 12” at upper arm, 8” at wrist bust: 38” waist: 29” hips: free length: 40 ½” from shoulder, 33 ½” from underarm sweep: 129” label: Edith Flagg...

Painfully good, from its rich color to its quilted skirt to its crisp A-line silhouette. The alluring keyhole neckline can be worn closed during the day and open at night for two dif...

Searching for a failsafe day dress that can take you from conference to cocktails? Look no further: with just enough feminine details (like back buttons and a half peplum) to make yo...

From the personal estate of department store heiress Estela Jàcome, this dress came from her own department store and was purpose-built for the holidays. Printed in a green and turqu...

Though Courrèges owned the vinyl-trimmed sportswear rage of the early 60s, other designers such as this one executed it with similar aplomb. With its A-line cut, vinyl-covered button...

A gorgeous example of the kind of playful prints Marni was famous for when Consuelo Castiglioni was still at the helm, this sundress combines the innocence of a pinafore with the sop...

Perfect for brunch, weddings and cocktail parties, this heavyweight linen dress combines crisp geometry with masterful but discrete beading. Its Mod fingertip pockets and gentle A-line silhouette evoke Jackie Kennedy, while its otherworldly color—a combination of silver, dove gray and seagrass—begs for attention with merely a whisper. Sleeveless A-line dress with high round neckline and full princess seams front and back; on-seam front pockets. Neck and pockets heavily crusted with pearls, flower beads and rhinestones. Rear metal zipper closure with top hook and eye; fully lined in gray silk georgette. Matching self covered rope tie with dangling beads at each end. fabric: heavyweight linen, silk georgette, beads noteworthy: dry clean only alterations: none condition: very good with one missing rhinestone at center of flower at neckline and two missing beads on one end of rope belt measurements: neckline circumference: 15” shoulders: 15” from shoulder edge to edge bust: 39” waist: 34” hips: 41” length: 38” from shoulder; 31” from underarm sweep: 49” rope belt: 76” long (plus 2 ¼” dangling beads each end) x 3/8” wide label: Seaton Enterprises Ltd...

A genius example of designer Luis Estévez’s penchant for the feminine form, this dress celebrates hourglass curves with a layered peplum and minimizes figure flaws with clever color blocking. Its hard-to-find larger size makes it more relevant (and collectible!) than ever. Sleeveless day dress with white bodice, black skirt and red bib...

Thanks to its exaggerated cowl neck, floral matelassé fabric and feminine double-layer skirt, this easy day dress slips seamlessly into cocktail hour with a simple change of accessor...

So lightweight it feels like wearing nothing, this billowing day dress is an ideal transitional piece thanks to its long sleeves and ethnic print. A healthy dose of Bohemia with tidy neck ties and sash belt for polish. Long sleeve ethnic print dress...

Halfway between a kaftan and a maxi coat, this sheer topper makes up in glamour what it lacks in warmth. The repeating floral pattern consists of clear bugle beads that catch and reflect light, while the hollow gold balls at each flower's center create evening-worthy shimmer. This single garment has the power to elevate the humblest outfit and would be a perfect travel or resort piece; it could even be worn as a bathing suit cover up! Collarless sheer beaded kaftan...