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Day Dresses

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Day Dresses For Sale
Period: 1940s
Period: 1910s
Beige dress knitted with ribbons LANA Circa 1940/50
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Beige dress knitted with ribbons and belt. SIZE 38/M
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1940s Unknown Day Dresses

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 luxury department store that used to sit on Oxford Street in central London. The o...
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1940s British Day Dresses

1940S Red & White Floral Cotton Short Sleeve Dress
Located in New York, NY
1940S Red & White Floral Cotton Short Sleeve Dress
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1940s Day Dresses

1940S Blue & White Cold Rayon Novelty Bunny Print Wrap Dress
Located in New York, NY
In overall fantastic condition, just has some slight fading in areas. 1940S Blue & White Cold Rayon Novelty Bunny Print Wrap Dress
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1940s Day Dresses

1940S Blue & White Cold Rayon Floral Print Zip-Front Dress
Located in New York, NY
1940S Blue & White Cold Rayon Floral Print Zip-Front Dress
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1940s Day Dresses

1940S Light Blue & Black Cold Rayon Geometric Print Wrap Dress
Located in New York, NY
1940S Light Blue & Black Cold Rayon Geometric Print Wrap Dress
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1940s Day Dresses

1940S Blue & Pink Floral Cold Rayon Zipper Front Dress
Located in New York, NY
1940S Blue & Pink Floral Cold Rayon Zipper Front Dress
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1940s Day Dresses

1940S Aqua Blue & Pink Cold Rayon Floral Zip-Front Dress
Located in New York, NY
1940S Aqua Blue & Pink Cold Rayon Floral Zip-Front Dress
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1940s Day Dresses

A French Evening Dress in Fibranne Early 1940
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1935/1940 France Astonishing indoor or evening coat dress in pink purple and yellow gold synthetic fibranne from the 1940s. Heavy and very fine fabric with an excellent "drop"...
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1940s French Day Dresses

Hungarian traditional Apron, embroiderd by hand in the 1950s, Hungary
Located in Stuttgart, DE
JO NAPOT KIVANOK! Here I am offering a beautiful hungarian hand-embroidered wedding apron with differnt flowers and fruits from the early 1950s. The joung Hungarian girls embroidere...
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1940s Hungarian Day Dresses

Vintage 1940's Saks Fifth Avenue Creme Beaded Chiffon One-Shoulder Bridal Gown
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ethereal late 1940's Saks Fifth Avenue creme goddess gown from the Old Hollywood era of glamour. This stunning silk-chiffon garment has so much couture detail, you can tell it was made with expert devotion. The boned sweetheart plunge bodice is hand-pleated and hand-stitched into place with a unique asymmetric one-shoulder draped train. As pictured, there are a few different ways you can style the sash. Sparkling white glass-beads and sequins, in a gorgeous vine motif, cascade down the front. I love the hourglass nipped-waist which flows into a beautiful full sweep. Truly, this gown would have taken days to finish. A pure work of art and a study in dressmaking technique which reminds me of the famous Jean Desses. Breathtaking and timeless; I totally imagine this gliding down the red carpet! Measurements Bust: 35-36 inches Waist: 27 inches Hips: Swing Sweep Total Length: 57 inches This vintage Saks Fifth Avenue designer gown...
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1940s American Day Dresses

VINTAGE 1940s BIAS-CUT VELVET FUR-TRIMMED DRESS
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 1940s bias-cut velvet dress is the black velvet dress your wardrobe is missing— it is just SO good. It was made in the 1940s of black velvet wi...
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1940s Day Dresses

1940s White Smocked Sheer Maxi Dress
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into Timeless Elegance with the 1940s White Smocked Sheer Maxi Dress! Introducing a truly exceptional piece from the 1940s, the White Smocked She...
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1940s Day Dresses

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 ...
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1940s American Day Dresses

Vintage 1910s Ivory Crème Embroidered Net-Lace & Silk Satin Trained Bridal Gown
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ethereal bridal gowns from the early 20th century are perennial favorites and this one is a wedding show-stopper. The garment's effortless style is so modern; the intricate hand embroidery and fine fabrics are a treasure trove of couture needle art...
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1910s Day Dresses

ROBBIE BEE c.1940's Vtg Brown Copper Hand Beaded Accent Trompe-L'oeil Day Dress
Located in Thiensville, WI
ROBBIE BEE c.1940's Vtg Brown Copper Hand Beaded Accent Trompe-L'oeil Day Dress Brand / Manufacturer: Robbie Bee Circa: 1940s Designer: Robbie Bee Style: Cocktail Day Dress Color(s): Brown (fabric), Copper (beads) Lined: Yes Unmarked Fabric (feel of): Cotton (exterior), Twill (lining) Additional Details / Inclusions: Vintage Robbie Bee c. 1940's brown day dress...
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1940s Day Dresses

Little black dress with embroidered ears of wheat - France Circa 1945
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1943- 1945 France Interesting little black dress with embroidered white ears of wheat, unmarked and dating from the end of the Second World War. Strapless dress in black crep...
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1940s French Day Dresses

Vintage 1910's Edwardian White Embroidered Cotton Cut-Out Bridal Boudior Dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Romantic boudior dresses from the early 20th century are perennial favorites and this one is a show-stopper. The garment's effortless style is so modern; the fine embroidery and mixed-laces are a treasure trove of needle art...
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1910s French Day Dresses

Vintage 1940's Burgundy Corduroy Dress UK 8 US 4
Located in Cheltenham, GB
This wonderful 1940's dress rendered in a deep shade of Bordeaux corduroy, is just the piece to welcome to your seasonal wardrobe. The slim V shaped neckline is framed by a simple ...
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1940s Day Dresses

Vintage 1940's Magenta Knitted Dress UK 10-12 US 6-8
Located in Cheltenham, GB
This incredible 1940's magenta knitted dress, rendered in a multitude of different knitted stitches, is just the piece for your transitional wardrobe. The deep V shaped neckline is...
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1940s Day Dresses

A Champagne Embroidered Satin Wedding Dress with train - France Circa 1940
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1938-1942 France Wedding dress with long train in champagne-coloured Duchesse satin. Fluid cut with a strapless blouse with a folded collar, ...
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1940s French Day Dresses

Vintage 1940's Ceil Chapman Windowpane Print White Cotton Peplum Full-Skirt Gown
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This is such a stunning and ethereal Ceil Chapman full-length garden gown dating back to the mid 1940's. Perfect for any upcoming wedding or daytime party; you can't help but feel fe...
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1940s American Day Dresses

Late 1940s Nat Tuman Cobalt Blue Rayon "Gondola" Print Day Dress w Full Hemline
Located in Gresham, OR
Late 1940s Nat Tuman Cobalt Blue Rayon "Gondola" Print Day Dress w Full Hemline: Ruched form-fitting bodice with covered buttons down center front. Side zipper. Tie gathered shoulder...
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1940s American Day Dresses

1910s White Cotton Muslin Tea Dress
Located in London, GB
This is a very fine handmade Edwardian to early 1910s cotton white cotton mousseline tea dress. It has wonderful design details; the bodice has a series of horizontal pin tuck pleats...
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1910s British Day Dresses

1940s Feather Print Rayon Wrap Dress
Located in London, GB
Original cold rayon novelty feather print wrap dress dating to the 1940s. It is in really vibrant colours of orange, yellow and blue against a black background and is a combination o...
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1940s American Day Dresses

1940s Romantic Gothic Black Maxi Dress
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk 1940's maxi dress with an interesting interplay of demure and sexy. It has a small peter pan collar and puff short sleeves. The bodice is semi fitted- plain in...
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1940s Unknown Day Dresses

Vintage 1940's Harry Cooper of Hollywood Ivory Sequin Chiffon Halter Bridal Gown
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ethereal Harry Cooper designer ivory-crème gown dating back to the 1940's Old Hollywood era of glamour. Definitely something Lana Turner or Veronica Lake ...
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1940s American Day Dresses

CC embroidered jersey knit silk Dress in the style of Coco Chanel France C. 1920
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1918-1922 France Amazing Marinière dress in two-coloured silk jersey knit with CC embroidery in the style of Coco Chanel who invented in 1917 this type of seaside dress with ...
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1910s French Day Dresses

Vintage 1940s Linen Print Day Dress
Located in London, GB
A pretty vintage day dress from the 1940s. The dress has a white background, with crimson, blue , brown and yellow flowers. It has a decorative bow...
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1940s Unknown Day Dresses

1940S Red Cotton Yellow Dot Print Wrap House Dress
Located in New York, NY
1940S Red Cotton Yellow Dot Print Wrap House Dress
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1940s Day Dresses

Minimalist Ivory Lacquered Satin Ankle Length Sweetheart Wedding Gown – M, 1940s
Located in Tucson, AZ
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...
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1940s American Day Dresses

Vintage 1940s Velvet Two-Piece Dress with Rose Appliqué
Located in New York, NY
A nod to the silhouette of Christian Dior's New Look, this incredible velvet skirt set was made in 1947. It was made by designer Lorraine Budny for the brand Sportwhirl, which was founded in 1945 as a "separates house," specializing in pieces a woman could wear both separately and as a set— quite a novelty at the time, as store-bought dresses at all were not all that readily available. It's made of black velvet with felt rose appliqué and beaded embroidery— it actually presents like a dress, but is really two pieces, and each could absolutely be mixed and worn separately (as was the original design concept). The look is so romantic and reminds me of Old Hollywood film stars (with a dash of Snow White). The Vintage 14k Gold Spinel Heart...
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1940s Day Dresses

1940s Marge Riley Hand Embroidered Western Suit
Located in New York, NY
1940s Marge Riley Hand Embroidered Western Suit
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1940s American Day Dresses

1940S HOWARD GREER Black Silk Crepe Cocktail Dress With Beaded Shoulder Detail
Located in New York, NY
1940S HOWARD GREER Black Silk Crepe Cocktail Dress With Beaded Shoulder Detail
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1940s Day Dresses

1940S Yellow Chiffon Gown With Tiers Of Lace Trim
Located in New York, NY
1940S Yellow Chiffon Gown With Tiers Of Lace Trim
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1940s Day Dresses

A Navy French Day Dress with white piping appliqué Circa 1945-1950
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1945-1950 France Marinière day dress in navy blue polyamide fabric inspired by the work of the Maison Henri à la Pensée and dating from the late 1940s. Bustier with asymmetrica...
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1940s French Day Dresses

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 print depicting riverside scenes with sailing boats and pasture land in soft grey, pale lilac, jade and turquoise. The calf-length dress is long sleeved with a low plunging wrap over bodice, a wide set lapel collar and forwards facing yolk on the shoulders under which the fabric is gently gathered. It is a loose fitting shift cut with a seam to mark the waistband, and could be worn loose or drawn in with a belt if desired. There is no lining and a zip fastening at the centre reverse. This lovely dress is superbly adaptable and could transform as evening wear with the correct accessories. Would fit up to a US size 8, UK size 12...
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1940s American Day Dresses

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...
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1940s French Day Dresses

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
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1940s Day Dresses

1920's Filet Lace and Chiffon Dress
Located in New York, NY
Charming Cotton Filet Lace and Chiffon Dress from the 1920's. Pin tucked silk chiffon is inserted with cotton filet lace panels and attached to a lace skirt...
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1910s American Day Dresses

Vintage 1910's Edwardian Couture Ivory Mixed-Lace Draped Layered Bridal Dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Romantic tea gowns from the early 20th century are perennial favorites and this one is a show-stopper. The garment's effortless style is so modern; the fine embroidery and mixed-laces are a treasure trove of needle art. This beauty, made up of four different couture fabric, is also lavishly draped with silk satin and antique appliques. The exacting perfection of the layered skirting is beyond compare, while the sheer long sleeves has a magical allure. We needed to add many detail pictures so one can appreciate the masterful achievement. This ethereal dress...
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1910s American Day Dresses

1940s Anonymous Black Crepe Dress with Sequin and Chiffon Neckline
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful 1940s black crepe dress with gold sequin applique. Shoulder pads help hold the shape of the top gathered sleeve and a hip drape deta...
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1940s Day Dresses

1940S Black Rayon Crepe Long Sleeve Dress With Lace Insertion & Pin Tucked Bodi
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully hand finished and detailed inside and out. 1940S Black Rayon Crepe Long Sleeve Dress With Lace Insertion & Pin Tucked Bodice
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1940s Day Dresses

1910s Antique Ivory Tulle Wedding Dress with Knotted Tunic
Located in London, GB
This enchanting Edwardian/Belle Epoque era antique bridal dress and matching tunic are in remarkable antique vintage condition and have been lovingly hand embroidered and knotted in extraordinary detail. The style reminds me of a Ballet Russe costume...
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1910s French Day Dresses

1940S Black Rayon Crepe Stripe Applique Dress With All Over Rope Embroidery
Located in New York, NY
1940S Black Rayon Crepe Stripe Applique Dress With All Over Rope Embroidery
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1940s Day Dresses

1940S Printed Rayon Crepe Dress With Bows & Pockets
Located in New York, NY
1940S Printed Rayon Crepe Dress With Bows & Pockets
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1940s Day Dresses

1940S Black Rayon Belted Dress With Deco Beaded Shoulders
Located in New York, NY
As is 1940S Black Rayon Belted Dress With Deco Beaded Shoulders
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1940s Day Dresses

1940'S Purple & Blue Rayon Floral Printed Shirt Dress With Bias Cut Skirt
Located in New York, NY
1940'S Purple & Blue Rayon Floral Printed Shirt Dress With Bias Cut Skirt
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1940s Day Dresses

Charming Ivory Slip Dress, 18th Century Courtesan Embroideries
Located in New York, NY
Charming and unusual Ivory Slip Dress with Courtesan Embroideries from the 1940's. Elaborate 18th Century dancing courtesans in satin are hand embroid...
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1940s Day Dresses

1940s Black Crepe Dress with Multi Color Sequin Dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1940s Black Crepe Dress with Green and Yellow Paisley beaded sequins. Dress comes with sash/belt. Size M
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1940s American Day Dresses

Grey and yellow striped wool day dress - France Circa 1945
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1945-1950 France Beautiful day dress in grey and yellow striped woven woolen cloth dating from the end of the Second World War.  Tight-fitting dress with darts and slits at t...
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1940s French Day Dresses

Original Paramount Junior Chicago 1940s Chartreuse & Black Crepe Dress
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Original Paramount Junior Chicago 1940s chartreuse & black crepe dress with rhinestone bodice. The bodice of this amazing dress is sprinkled with small prong set rhinestones, it has ...
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1940s American Day Dresses

Lilli Ann New 1940s Asymmetric Neckline Silk Dress
Located in Water Mill, NY
A rare unworn 1940s dress in purple silk from Lilli Ann. It has an asymmetrical front neckline with a V in back, short sleeves and a straight skirt with a back kick pleat. The dres...
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1940s American Day Dresses

1940S Silk Chiffon & Fine Chantilly Lace Sleeved Cocktail Dress With Very Full
Located in New York, NY
1940S Silk Chiffon & Fine Chantilly Lace Sleeved Cocktail Dress With Very Full Skirt
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1940s Day Dresses

Adele Simpson 1940s Wrap Top and Skirt
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous 2 piece skirt and top set in a tan cotton linen blend. The top has a crew neck, cap sleeves, shoulder pads and wraps closing at one s...
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1940s American Day Dresses

Circa 1940's flower print cotton organdy long cocktail dress
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Circa 1940's flower print cotton organdy long cocktail dress with belt in the same fabric. Pink rayon lining and zip on the left side. Small bow in the same fabric on the bust. SIZE XS
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1940s European Day Dresses

1910s Fine Knit Wool Walking Suit With Tiger's Eye Buttons
Located in London, GB
This magnificent circa 1915 antique fine knit walking suit in pale fawn is in incredible vintage condition with some extraordinary construction and design...
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1910s British Day Dresses

1940S Blush Pink Rayon Satin Lace Trimmed Robe
Located in New York, NY
1940S Blush Pink Rayon Satin Lace Trimmed Robe
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1940s Day Dresses

Vintage and Designer Day Dresses

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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