American Day Dresses

This is one of the most interesting and unusual antique dresses we have ever had at Circa and of extraordinary construction. It is modelled on an earlier 18th century Polynesian style dress and is made from a very fine cotton in a sweet floral design of pinks and blues representing the flowers of the French nobility. It has a high sweetheart neckline and a princess seamed bodice with an inverted waistband following the lines of what would have been a traditional corset. The sleeve is an elaborate and shortened version of a leg of mutton style whilst the skirt element is a lavish affair of folded and pinned fabric leading to an arrangement of fabric swags on the lower third of the dress. The bottom rear portion is attached to the inverted waistband. The hemline of the dress is asymmetric as a result of the swags. Unlabelled but made by a professional hand, whoever made it had a fabulous appreciation of historical costume and it's quite possible this dress was made for a Hollywood film - it was purchased in LA. The fabric may be much earlier than when the dress was made - we believe in the 1930s. The zip at the back has been added either at the point the dress was made, or a bit later. We have completely restored and cleaned this dress taking great care to address any cotton breaks and she is now in superb condition with no flaws of any note. She will fit size UK 6-8 or US 2-4 and could be worn as a statement dress for an event or displayed. Our model is a UK 6-8 and 5ft 4in. (163cm), this dress was a good fit on her. Design Notes: The robe à la...

Beautiful Spaghetti Strap Sun Dress by the important American Designer Stephen Burrows.

LOVE LALI Vintage I think this has to be the most breathtaking wedding dress I have come across so far and really I don't believe even the pictures do it justice - unfortunately my paper just wasn't large enough to shoot the full train in all its glory or how the cape flows beautifully as you walk. I have tried my best to photograph it in as many ways as I can, and to include several with movement so you can see just how wonderfully the fabric falls and moves. Follow the store on Instagram @bylovelali Pamella Roland Spring Summer 2015 bridal wedding gown...

1990s Mary McFadden Elegant Black pleated one shoulder Gown. Size 4 Measurement Bust 34”/ Waist 26”

DAVID CRYSTAL LACOSTE c.1960's Yellow White Striped Knee Length Polo Sport Dress Brand / Manufacturer: David Crystal, Lacoste Circa: 1960's Designer: Jean...

Brand / Manufacturer: Emilio Pucci Circa: 1970s Designer: Emilio Pucci Style: Babydoll dress Color(s): Shades of pink, yellow, orange, white Lined: No Unmarked Fabric Content (feel of): Silk (primary fabric), metal (hardware) Additional Details / Inclusions: Emilio Pucci circa 1970s dress. Flowy drape to fabric; little to no stretch or give to material. Semi-sheer fabric. Form-fitting bodice; banded waistband; hidden single snap closure at waistband; silver-toned hardware. Darts extend from waistband to apex. Rounded neckline. Gathering on skirt of dress. Bishop style sleeve; cuff at bottom; shank button...

Offering an Extraordinary Art Deco 1920's Couture Black Silk Crepe Beaded 'Flapper' Cocktail Dress. With extreme deco scalloped hem.

A magnificent Bonwit Teller & Co couture black lace bias-cut gown from the 1930's 'Old Hollywood' era of glamour. The fabric itself is a masterpiece; French floral motif black scalloped lace that has been draped to perfection. We added many pictures of the lace so you can see how beautiful it is. Definitely looks like a dress that inspired John Galliano while he was at Christian Dior. The bodice has the prettiest velvet floral appliqué straps and built-in sash waist. The bias-cut skirting is added in pointed inset seamed pieces typical of the time period and insanely hard to do with sheer lace. This figure flattering garment accentuates the bust, skims the hip and falls to the floor effortlessly. It is impeccably seamed and on the level of modern day couture. Here is a gown with attitude and elegance. Measurements Bust: 30-32 inches Waist: 24-26 inches Hips: up to 36 inches Total Length: 60 inches This rare 1930's Bonwit Teller Couture lace gown...

Brand / Manufacturer: Renee Helga Howie Circa: 1980s Style: Drop waist knee-length dress Color(s): Shades of black, white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink Lined: No Marked Fabric Content: "100% cotton" (primary fabric) Additional Details / Inclus...

Documented Rudi Gurniech red and purple "cross my heart" maxi dress circa 1969. The celebrated signer and actress, Barbara Streisand, owned many of Gurniech designs including this e...

Designed by Oscar De La Renta for his resort 2010 collection. Featuring a tweed knit design on the top half and a lightweight semi sheer pleated skirt with a lining underneath. Varia...

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...

New Oscar de la Renta Poppy Embroidered Stretch-Wool Crepe Dress S/S 2019 Collection US size - 10 Ivory wool, embroidered applications of poppy...

A breathtaking Nolan Miller Couture unworn with tags embroidered silk organza sculpted bridal gown dating back to the early 1990's. Nolan Miller was an acclaimed costume designer best known for his work on the long-running series Dynasty. Miller was nominated six times for an Emmy Award, winning 'Outstanding Costumes' in 1984 for the Dynasty series, which also set a fashion trend for glamorous high society gowns. This stunning Nolan Miller creation from his exclusive couture line is the perfect solo in the spotlight 'Barbie Doll' bridal look. This showstopper has serious allure with that hourglass mermaid silhouette. The fabric itself is a masterpiece; the highest quality large-scale ivory floral cutwork embroidered silk organza with a matching ivory silk underlay. I adore the fully corset boned satin trimmed sweetheart plunge strapless with adorable back-bow. A curved nipped waist with fitted mermaid slightly trained skirting creates the perfect amount of drama to this timeless garment. It is impeccably seamed and on the level of modern day haute couture. This would make an epic red carpet or wedding moment. Measurements Bust: 32-33 inches Waist: 25-26 inches Hips: 35 inches Length top to waist: 11 inches Length waist to hem: 41 inches This 1990's Nolan Miller Couture designer gown...

Follow us on Insta @runwaycatalog Versace leather cut out floral details embellished with Swarovski crystal and sequins over tulle sky-blue gown. Tulle, crepe. Tonal bead and cryst...

Absolutely gorgeous Harvey Berin designer cocktail dress dating back to the late 1950's. I'm so in love with that pale blush-pink color! Harvey...

Breathtaking and incredibly rare Helen Rose designer couture blush-pink beaded cocktail dress dating back to the early 1960's Old Hollywood era. Helen Rose won two Academy Awards for Best Costume Design: for "The Bad and the Beautiful" in 1952 and for "I'll Cry Tomorrow" in 1955. She was nominated a further eight times and was well-known for designing famous iconic looks of the stars of this era. She designed the wedding dress of Grace Kelly when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956. She also designed clothing for Elizabeth Taylor in the movies Father of the Bride and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof as well as Elizabeth Taylor's bridal gown when she married Conrad Nicky Hilton. Helen Rose, like Edith Head and Irene Lentz, was one of the rare women who became chief costume designer for a major film studio. Her style was elegant and understated but still extremely innovative. This sparkling museum quality dress is a perfect example of her pure genius. The fabric itself is a masterpiece; triple layered blush pink silk chiffon that has been embellished by hand with elegant glass-beads, large crystals, faux pink pearls in the most gorgeous floral motif. Such dazzling 3-dimensional texture! The sculpted low v-neck front and back bodice really compliment the elaborate fabrication. I adore the hourglass nipped waist cocktail silhouette which Helen Rose did so well. Helen's couture line existed from 1957-1971. In 1957, the price for her retail version of the Liz Taylor "Cat" short chiffon dress...

A gorgeous black linen shift dress by the great American designer Donald Brooks. It is sleeveless with a crew neckline, 5 gold metal buttons and bound buttonholes at the front chest...

Channel your innner Studio 54 in this black fully fringed flapper style disco dress ! Features allover fringe that looks fantastic with movement-- would look phenomenal on the dance ...

Chic 1970s FREDERICK’S OF HOLLYWOOD kelly green jersey maxi dress ! Features the perfect green color that can be worn all year. Knotted applique at center chest...

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...

An exquisite 1950s James Galanos olive green and mustard plaid fine wool boucle woven dress and cape ensemble: Dress is long-sleeved and cut on the bias with a gathered boatneck nec...

A late 1960s Geoffrey Beene red jersey shift dress. It has an absolutely timeless quality about it - so much so that we are struggling to date it. We are leaning more towards 1960s ...

Chic early 60s kelly green silk damask A-Line dress ! Features the perfect rich hue of green. Tailored bodice with a forgiving A-Line skirt. Full metal zipper up the back with hook-a...

Product details: The dress is made out of 100% silk, it features geometric and abstract print pattern, v- neck line, long sleeves, mini length.

LESLIE FAY Original c.1960’s Gray Silver Mock Neck Sleeveless Mod A-line Dress Circa: 1960’s Label(s): Leslie Fay Original; ILGWU tag Style: A-Line dress C...

NICOLE MILLER c.1980’s Limited Edition Black White Hand Print Button Up Dress Circa: 1980’s Label(s): Nicole Miller; ILGWU; Limited Quantities tag Designer: Nicole Miller Style: Butt...

This is a really beautiful and original late 1950s or early 1960s organza floral print shirtwaister dress. The floral print, which we identify as tulips but could also be rose, is in...

Stylish vintage 1970s paisley halter maxi dress ! Features a paisley print with voibrant colors of purple, green, blue, pink and teal throughout. Soft co...

A great vintage summer party dress by Betsey Johnson. In red cotton with black dots, the dress has a halter neck with an elastic back , and gathering at the bust.

This iconic Norman Norell couture gown exemplifies his signature blend of couture level quality with quintessentially American style; elegant in its simplicity. Dating back to his 19...

RUDI GERNREICH c.1970 Pink Yellow Triangle Knit Choker Necklace Halter Top Dress - New Old Stock Circa: 1970 Label(s): Rudi Gernreich Design for Harmon Knitwear Designer: Rudi Cern...

Chic 1950s SUZY PERETTE Palm Royale yellow, orange, pink and green daisy flower print cotton fit n’ flare dress ! Features an elegant high neck with a tail...

Amazing 1970s psychedelic paisley print colorful velour wrap dress ! Features vibrant colors of pink, blue, green, turquoise, chartreuse green and pu...

Oscar de la Renta multicolor stripe cotton sundress from the Spring 2020 collection. Wide stripes of pink, blue, white, yellow, brown, ochre and orange create a fun summery look. Hidden side pockets. Back zip. 97% cotton, 3% spandex. Unlined. Made in Italy. Size 2. See measurements. Bust (underarm to underarm) 32". Waist 27". Hip open. Length (shoulder to hem) 44.5". Very good condition, gentle wear with no notable flaws. We re-tacked the garment label on one side. Dress was originally sold with a skinny yellow belt...

Jackie Rogers classic silky black satin bias cut dress from the 1990s. The perfect black dress to dress up with jewelry and or a belt. The dress slips o...

Channel your inner Joe Exotic or Carol Baskin in this amazing vintage animal print kaftan maxi dress ! Sequins and beads sewn around the collar. Features leopards, giraffes, etc prin...

Vintage Sarmi 1960's sweet short dress in a retro floral and stripe print. Slightly puffed sleeves with three coordinated cloth covered buttons at each cuff. Orange belt...

Beautiful late 1970s CLARALUNA ORGINIAL lipstick red rhinestone encrusted long sleeve vintage jersey dress ! Features a tailored flattering ruch...

Ultra gorgeous and highly coveted Halston couture metallic lurex knit dress ensemble dating back to the mid 1970's. Throughout most of the seventies he epitomized the glamour, as wel...

Minimalist chic at its best in this 1990s MORGAN LE FAY by LILIANA CASBAL black wool sleeveless dress ! This dress is a prime example of the 90s Minimalist...

Beautiful 1970s Victorian inspired Autumnal lightweight wool challis long sleeve maxi dress ! Features warm tone of khaki, brown, red, burgundy, green and orange. Printed flowers and...

The vibrant rainbow-stripe used on this ivory silk rayon 1930's "Cartwright" designer dress ensemble has a whimsical allure that I find irresistible. The sleeveless bodice has a flir...

This charming original 1920s silk chiffon floral print dress is delicate, feminine and in excellent antique condition. The pale yellow chiffon hosts a s...

Beautiful 1950s BETTINA OF MIAMI lightweight cotton and lace fit n' flare belted dress ! Features a pale yellow cotton and black lace. Fitted tailored bodice with a forgiving full sk...

Perfect for Valentines Day! Chic 1960s OSCAR DE LA RENTA museum held pink flower and heart print long sleeve silk dress ! Features vibrant col...

A pretty vintage cotton smock dress , in a lilac and green print. The dress has a shawl collar, cap sleeves and a side zip. It is fully lined.

Chic mid 60s black and silver metallic knit shift dress ! Features flattering slimming black and metallic silver diagonal stripes. Silver neck and sleeve cuffs. Hidden metal zipper u...

A chic day dress by Nancy Green in brown and white houndstooth. The dress has a central back zip opening and six decorative buttons on the front.

Avant Garde 1980s PAULINE TRIGERE black wool and silk taffeta dress ! Features a tailored wool bodice with taffeta panel down the center. Full taffeta puff sleeves add just the right...

Fashioned from rich olive-green light weight silk-organza, this 1950's creation has everything a woman wants. The boned bodice has a gorgeous pleated texture shelf-bust design. I ado...

Vintage 1960s James Galanos for Amelia grey wool shirt dress in a navy blue mid-to-heavy weight wool with white speckles throughout. Button front at bodice with collar and patch pock...

Chic MAMSELLE by BETTY CAROL black and white wool mini houndstooth print A-Line wool dress ! Features a pretty scooped v-neck with black embroidery. Empire style waist with embroider...

Victor Costa strapless black and white stripe floral fit and flare dress from the 1990s. This beautiufl dress is so bright and cheerful, the com...

1950s Fred Perlberg Indian-Inspired dancing dress in crimson nylon organza and gold metallic paisley stamped pattern with 2 layers of lining. Fitted bodice...

Sexy 1990s LINDA SEGAL black and white cotton picque one shoulder vintage mini dress ! Features a flattering zig zag print on the front with a solid black ...

Product details: Featuring black cotton, open crew neck line, short sleeves (11.25"), mini length with rear concealed zip closure. Formal and classic style. Must have in every woma...

A fabulous lightweight cotton 1960s dress by Jean Lang. The Jean Lang Dress Company was an American fashion house founded by the designer John Lang in 1916 i...