1800s Vintage Clothing
1970s 1800s Vintage Clothing
People Also Browsed
1980s French 1800s Vintage Clothing
1990s American 1800s Vintage Clothing
1990s Japanese 1800s Vintage Clothing
1940s 1800s Vintage Clothing
1990s French 1800s Vintage Clothing
Early 2000s Italian 1800s Vintage Clothing
1990s 1800s Vintage Clothing
1990s Italian 1800s Vintage Clothing
Early 2000s 1800s Vintage Clothing
1990s Italian 1800s Vintage Clothing
Early 2000s Italian 1800s Vintage Clothing
1980s French 1800s Vintage Clothing
1990s French 1800s Vintage Clothing
21st Century and Contemporary French 1800s Vintage Clothing
1980s Italian 1800s Vintage Clothing
1980s American 1800s Vintage Clothing
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Clothes that are considered vintage are those that are at least 20 years old. Shoes, accessories and bags produced prior to 20 years ago may also be called vintage. You may sometimes see apparel that is over 100 years old referred to as historic or period clothing. Find a large selection of vintage apparel on 1stDibs.
- Is vintage clothing secondhand?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024Whether vintage clothing is secondhand varies. Vintage clothing is the term for apparel produced more than 20 years ago. Due to its age, vintage clothing was often preloved and worn by someone else. However, it is possible to find a small number of vintage items that are brand new with tags, indicating that no one has worn them previously. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of vintage apparel.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024Vintage clothing is so expensive due to supply and demand. Many people love vintage apparel because it is unique, visually appealing and often features exceptional tailoring and materials. At the same time, only a limited number of pieces survive from previous eras, and those that do aren't always in good condition. As a result, the high demand and limited supply drive up prices. Shop a diverse assortment of vintage apparel on 1stDibs.
- How old are vintage clothes?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024Vintage clothes are usually 20 years old or older. Unlike jewelry, clothing is usually not referred to as antique. As a result, people usually use the term vintage to describe all garments produced at least two decades ago. In some cases, you may see clothing that is 100 years old or more referred to as historical or period clothes. Find a wide range of vintage apparel on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024What vintage-style clothing is called varies. Vintage-style clothing is the term for apparel that draws inspiration from pieces produced 20 years ago or more. Some people refer to it as retro or retro-influenced clothing. Because it was manufactured more recently than authentic vintage clothing, clothing that is vintage style is classified as contemporary. Shop a wide range of vintage apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024You can tell if vintage clothes are real in a few ways. First, look inside pieces for labels. Union tags are usually a sign that a piece is vintage, and by researching the maker of your apparel and the evolution of their brand labeling, you can often estimate how old a particular garment is. Check the fasteners and fabrics for pieces you believe were produced in the early 20th century or before. Generally, older vintage clothing will have metal zippers and shell or metal buttons rather than plastic. However, keep in mind that any apparel that is more than 20 years old can be considered vintage. Since plastic became a commonly used material by the 1950s and ’60s, plastic buttons and other more modern features may not necessarily mean a piece isn't vintage. Because it can be difficult to date clothing on your own, consider having a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert assist you. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of vintage apparel.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To find the value of a pair of vintage Versace clothing, experts suggest that you work with a certified appraiser. While some online resources are helpful when you’re looking for information about the value of an item, the suggested value you find may not reflect the actual value of your item. The actual value depend on a number of factors, including the shape your garments are in. You’ll find expertly-vetted vintage Versace clothing on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell if clothes are actually vintage, examine their details closely. Any article of clothing that is at least 20 years old is vintage, and fabrics, construction methods and styles have changed many times over the history of fashion. As a result, apparel from different decades and periods will have its own characteristics, and you may find it helpful to research what features to expect when dating apparel that you believe was made during a specific time, such as the 1960s and 1970s. However, there are a few signs that typically indicate that clothing is vintage. The first is the brand logo on the neck or waist tag. Many brands update their logos on a regular basis, so looking at images of a company's historic labels can often help you determine roughly when it made a particular piece. Other tags and markings can also be useful for spotting authentic vintage clothing. For example, since the Woolmark labeling system ended in 1999, finding a Woolmark logo inside a piece usually means it's vintage, as does the presence of Union tags. Checking the location of manufacturing can be helpful, too. If a garment was made in a country that no longer exists, such as Yugoslavia or West Germany, it would typically be vintage. A certified appraiser or experienced authenticator can be of assistance when trying to determine the date of a particular item. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of vintage apparel.
Read More
Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress
Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.
A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet
From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.
Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer
Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)
A Short History of Capri Pants, on the 100th Birthday of Their Inventor
Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.
How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear
The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.
A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story
Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.
You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About
This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.
The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior
Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.