Question 1

What year were cocktail dresses popular?

Accepted Answer

Cocktail 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.

Question 2

What is a classic cocktail dress?

Accepted Answer

A 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.

Question 3

What dresses did they wear in the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

The dresses they wore in the 1960s varied depending on the time of day and the occasion. For everyday wear, many women opted for simply tailored frocks called shift dresses. They often featured bold geometric prints in eye-catching colors. In the evening, women tended to opt for gowns with plunging necklines, fitted waists and flowing full skirts. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage dresses from the 1960s.

Question 4

How can I tell if a dress is from the 1960s or 1970s?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a dress is from the 1960s or 1970s, first look for a label. You may be able to determine the approximate date of the dress simply by researching the designer using reputable online sources. Also, check the zippers. Dresses from the 1960s will usually have metal or nylon zippers. Ones from the 1970s are more likely to be plastic. You'll find a large selection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What was the dress style in the 1960s called?

Accepted Answer

What the dress style was called in the 1960s varied, as there were several types of dresses that were fashionable during the decade. At the start of the 1960s, many women wore swing dresses featuring fitted bodices and full skirts. Collared, button-up belted dresses called shirtwaist dresses were also popular, as were loose-fitting, flowy shift dresses. By the late 1960s, new styles emerged, such as flared, flowing tent dresses, sleeveless jumpers usually styled over sweaters and blouses and drop-waist dresses, which had their waist seams at the hips rather than the natural waist. Find a variety of 1960s dresses and other vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is the difference between a dress and a cocktail dress?

Accepted Answer

The 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.

Question 7

What is considered a cocktail dress?

Accepted Answer

Cocktail 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.

Question 8

How do you identify a cocktail dress?

Accepted Answer

To 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.

Question 9

What was worn in the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

Fashion in the 1960s progressed toward a more casual look for men and for women during the decade. For women, the skirt suits of the 1950s prevailed during the early ‘60s and eventually miniskirts came along. Late-1960s fashion included ponchos, peace signs, chain belts, puffed “bubble” sleeves, frayed bell-bottom jeans for men and women, tie-dyed shirts, work shirts, sandals, headbands and moccasins.

Question 10

Were there watches in the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there were watches in the 1960s. The first recorded wristwatch dates back to 1868, when Patek Philippe, a watchmaker founded in Geneva in 1839 by Polish expats Antoni Patek and Franciszek Czapek, designed a timepiece for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary. Shop a collection of vintage watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What is a caftan from the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

A caftan from the 1960s or any other era refers to a long ankle-length variation on a robe or a tunic. Caftans, which are sometimes referred to as kaftans, feature full sleeves and usually have a deep, open neck. While these garments can be made from any fabric, most caftans are made of wool, silk or cotton. Find a selection of caftans from top fashion boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What did men wear in the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

What men wore in the 1960s varied over the course of the decade. At the start of the ’60s, when the Mod style was all the rage, men often sported boxy Italian-style suits with tight-fitting trousers for work and dressier occasions and polo shirts and turtlenecks paired with fitted trousers for casual dress. As the decade progressed, the Peacock Revolution occurred, with menswear becoming flashier with bright colors and bold prints. Fedoras and trilby hats were common in the early ’60s, but by the start of the 1970s, hats for men were much less common, marking a major departure from the style conventions of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s. Explore an assortment of 1960s men's apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What do you call furniture from the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

Furniture from the 1960s is often called mid-century modern. This style emphasizes the importance of good design that looks attractive and performs its function well. Notable mid-century modern designers include Eero Saarinen, George Nelson, Florence Knoll and Charles and Ray Eames. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 14

Are go-go boots from the 1960s or 1970s?

Accepted Answer

Go-go boots were fashionable in the late 1960s through the 1970s. A calf-length to knee-length boot became synonymous with 1960s and 1970s fashion and is still highly coveted today by fashion enthusiasts. Shop a wide range of vintage go-go boots on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What were the dresses in the 20s called?

Accepted Answer

In the 1920s, the flapper dress became a fresh new look for both day and evening wear. This shift dress hung from shoulder to just below the knee with a significant drop waistline. The evening versions of these dresses often featured lace, fringe, beadwork and luxe fabrics like chiffon, velvet and taffeta. Shop a collection of expertly vetted vintage flapper dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 16

What dresses were popular in the 90s?

Accepted Answer

Many different styles of dress were popular in the 1990s, including the slip dress which became very common by the middle of the decade. Tastes and styles varied between regions and among people. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage 1990s dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques.

Question 17

What dresses were popular in the 1940s?

Accepted Answer

A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How did people dress in the 1990s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1990s, people dressed in different ways. Styles included grunge, modern preppy, hip-hop and goth. Some trends of the decade were slip dresses, plaid flannel shirts, long plaid skirts, overalls, combat boots and loose-fitting rolled jeans. Neon colors were popular for a time, as were fabric headbands and fabric-covered ponytail holders. Shop a selection of 90s vintage apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

Question 19

How should I dress for a ’70s party?

Accepted Answer

There are a few options for how you should dress for a ’70s party. You can go for the hippie look with dramatic bell-bottoms, fringed jackets and vests and embroidered blouses, or try a sporty look by pairing a vintage tee with high-waisted, button-fly flared jeans and clogs or platform shoes. For a straight-from-the-disco aesthetic, look for surplice and halter dresses decked out in sequins. Men can make a 1970s-inspired statement with a leisure suit or bell-bottoms matched with a turtleneck. Aviator sunglasses are great accessories for both men and women. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of 1970s apparel and accessories.

Question 20

What are 1920s dresses called?

Accepted Answer

The iconic dresses from the 1920s are called flapper dresses. This name comes from the term flapper, which was used to describe young women during the period who enjoyed personal fulfillment and independence in American cities, particularly as they gained the right to vote and enjoy other freedoms previously reserved for men. Flappers danced at jazz clubs and upended most societal restrictions placed on women at the time, and fashion statements typically attributed to flappers included short “bob” haircuts, higher hemlines and other then-audacious style choices. Find a selection of flapper dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 21

What is a 1940s style dress?

Accepted Answer

The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.

Question 22

What dress was popular in the 1980s?

Accepted Answer

One of the most popular types of dresses during the 1980s was a tight-fitting sheath with oversized shoulder pads. Peplum accents were also common as were large puffy sleeves. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 1980s vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

1960s Cocktail Dresses