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Black Formal Dress For Sale on 1stDibs
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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.
- What is black tie dress code?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Black tie dress code is a formal dress code typically reserved for special events that take place in the evening. For men, black tie usually requires a tuxedo and a black tie, though in some cases, a black suit may suffice. Women typically wear floor-length gowns, high heels and jewelry and carry clutch handbags. Find a selection of men's and women's formal apparel on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024The dress code for a black tie event is formal. For women, this typically means full-length gowns, clutch handbags and statement jewelry. Men's black tie attire is usually a tuxedo. As the name suggests, a black bow tie or necktie is the traditional accessory, but today, some men choose to wear ties in other solid colors or even prints. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of men's and women's formal apparel.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel made the little black dress famous. In 1926, Chanel introduced it, reclaiming a color that had once been largely reserved for mourning. When it debuted, Vogue magazine called the dress Chanel's Ford, considering that just as the Model T made automobile ownership attainable for the middle class, the little black dress made high fashion accessible for everyday women. Find a variety of Chanel dresses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024For ladies, black tie dress code means that there is an expectation to dress formally. This typically involves wearing a full-length gown. Bold statement jewelry and pumps are also commonly worn to black-tie events. For handbags, women usually opt to carry small clutches with black tie attire. Explore a wide variety of gowns, shoes, bags and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023What makes the Chanel little black dress so special has everything to do with what the garment symbolized and the era in which it materialized. Legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel revolutionized women’s wear, introducing a more casual, less constricting look for the early 20th century, and debuting uncomplicated skirts and jackets made of a cloth-like fabric called jersey that was considerably unconventional in the world of couture fashion. She set the fashion world alight in 1926 with an elegant but versatile black dress, which was simple and spare compared to other Jazz Age garments (and quite bold, as black was reserved for mourning). Importantly, the dress was affordable during a time of great financial difficulty and aimed at the broadest possible market. Find vintage Chanel dresses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Coco Chanel first made the little black dress popular in 1926. That year, Vogue magazine referred to the dress as Chanel’s Model T as a way to describe how the approachable design was something the average woman could wear, just as Ford’s Model T automobile made it possible for more everyday people to own a car. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Chanel dresses.
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