40s Dress
1940s American Dress and Coat Ensembles
1940s Maxi Dresses
1940s Evening Dresses
2010s Italian Day Dresses
1930s Evening Dresses and Gowns
20th Century Unknown Casual Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Shift Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Casual Dresses
2010s Casual Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Casual Dresses
1940s Cocktail Dresses
2010s Casual Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses
2010s Casual Dresses
2010s Casual Dresses
2010s Casual Dresses
1990s Casual Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Casual Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Casual Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Casual Dresses
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
2010s Casual Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Casual Dresses
2010s Casual Dresses
2010s Casual Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Shift Dresses
2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
2010s Casual Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Casual Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Casual Dresses
2010s Casual Dresses
2010s Casual Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Casual Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Casual Dresses
2010s Shift Dresses
2010s Casual Dresses
2010s Casual Dresses
2010s Italian Evening Gowns
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Gowns
2010s Casual Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses
2010s Casual Dresses
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses
Early 2000s Day Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cocktail Dresses
2010s Evening Gowns
1940s American Evening Gowns
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses
1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1940s Cocktail Dresses
1940s Evening Gowns
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
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40s Dress For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 40s Dress?
Finding the Right Clothing for You
Start building your collection of covetable and iconic vintage clothing today — no matter where you roam, there is a curated selection of designer dresses and gowns, sweaters, shirts, dazzling shoes and more on 1stDibs that will keep you covered in the hottest styles from head to toe.
From elegant museum-worthy vintage Chanel dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing for sale on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement.
For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think John Galliano and Roberto Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures.
Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino, Ralph Lauren and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Balmain endure for haute couture advocates and beyond.
And vintage is the name of the game on today’s red carpets, too. Celebrity stylists are turning to archival pieces created by the likes of Bob Mackie, Thierry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier as alternatives to new gowns plucked straight off the runway. Wearing such sought-after items gives celebrities instant allure and suggests a personal style that’s not only achingly glamorous but intellectually informed and influenced by a love of craftsmanship.
Those seeking contemporary luxury looks and in-demand street-style fits can indulge in designs by Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Loro Piana, while pieces from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace endure as examples of fashion’s most covetable goods.
The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. Find vintage clothing and accessories for sale on 1stDibs, including designs by Balenciaga, Valentino, Celine, Loewe and more.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024The difference between a bodycon dress and a bandage dress is construction. A bodycon dress is any stretchy dress cut to hug the curves of the wearer. Bandage dresses are bodycon dresses that look as if they consist of strips of fabric sewn together. Find a range of bodycon dresses on 1stDibs.
- What is a wiggle dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A wiggle dress is a dress that falls just below the knee and has a hemline that is narrower than your waist. It is a figure-hugging dress that might add some pep to your walk, resulting in a “wiggle” in your hip. Wiggle dresses came about in the 1950s. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns from top fashion boutiques around the world.
- What is a mod dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A mod dress is a style of dress that originated along with the mod subculture in London — a culture with roots in 1950s' bohemian-style coffee bars where jazz and blues were played on jukeboxes. Later, during the 1960s, mods were generally fashion-conscious teenagers living in London and south England who listened to these types of music as well as R&B. Mod dresses were among the garments worn by mods, and they were colorful and were embellished by interesting patterns and designs. Mod dresses were made with a short hem. A range of mod dresses by Mary Quant, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent and others can be found on 1stDibs.
- What is a couture dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A couture dress is hand-sewn using the best materials and designed specifically for the wearer so that the piece is one-of-a-kind. Because these dresses use such high quality materials and take hundreds of hours to complete, they can be expensive. Find a variety of couture dresses on 1stDibs.
- What is a rayon dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021Rayon is a fabric produced from regenerated cellulose fiber and is used to make dresses. It's made from cellulose, which is a semi-synthetic material. It has a comparable drape and softness like silk. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns from top fashion designers.
- What is an A-line dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024An A-line dress is a dress with a certain shape or cut. Specifically, dresses considered to be A-line styles fit closely along the bust and then gently flare outward for a flowier fit through the waist and hips all the way to the hem. The name of the style comes from the fact that A-line dresses show off a triangular shape similar to the letter A when hung on a hanger. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of dresses from some of the world's top boutiques.
- What is a dressing chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A dressing chair may refer to the stool or short seat that is intended to accompany a vanity table. Vanities been variously known as dressing tables or makeup tables over the years, but no matter what we call them — and whether it's a sophisticated contemporary piece or an iconic vintage Luigi Massoni vanity — vanities have offered a special place for us to get ready for work, an early-morning appointment or lunch date or whatever lies ahead. Find your vintage dressing chair or vanity table on 1stDibs.
- What are swing dresses?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A swing dress is a dress with an a-line shape that tends to flow as one moves. Swing dresses hit peak popularity in the 1950s.
- What is a chiffon dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Chiffon is a light and sheer material that's typically made of silk, nylon or rayon. It's often used for lingerie and formalwear.
- What is a dress ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A dress ring is any ring that is not a wedding or an engagement ring. They can add charm to any formal or semi-formal outfit. Dress rings can be made of gold, silver, and more and can be studded with precious or semi-precious stones for added visual flair. Shop a collection of vintage and modern dress rings from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
- What is a dupioni dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A dupioni dress is a dress made of a type of silk fabric called dupioni. It is very popular in bridal wear and in other formal wear. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer dupioni dresses and home décor from top designers.
- What is a dress clip?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021A dress clip is a type of pin that typically accents a piece of clothing and can be styled on either the shirt collar of a jacket or the straps of a dress. Dress clips were originally worn in pairs, but today, a dress clip can also be worn as a brooch. Shop a range of vintage dress clips from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is a column dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A column dress is a slim-fit dress — this garment will feature a straight cut and will fit your body very closely. Column dresses are a timeless, classic style and are ideal for formal evening engagements or just a night out on the town. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer column dresses from top fashion boutiques around the world.
- What is a peplum on a dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A peplum on a dress is a pleated, short and gathered fabric strip or frill of cloth, which is attached at the waist of the dress. Peplum dresses are considered very trendy and fashionable. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer peplum dresses from top fashion boutiques around the world.
- What is a ruched dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A ruched dress uses a specific pleating or gathering of the dress material which results in a slimming effect. The ruched style is also used as a means of decoration.
- What is a bodycon dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024A bodycon dress is a dress designed to accentuate the curves of the body. Most bodycon dresses feature stretchy material that allows for a form-fitting effect. The name “bodycon” comes from the term "body conscious," referring to the fact that the cut of the dress makes you conscious of the wearer's curves. Shop a collection of bodycon dresses on 1stDibs.
- What is a Balmain dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A dress designed by Balmain promises exceptional quality in materials and design. The designs are inspired by power and confidence, and are well known for flattering structured silhouettes. Stud detailing is commonly featured on Balmain dresses. Shop a variety of Balmain dresses on 1stDibs.
- What is a tiki dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A tiki dress is a flowy, Hawaiian style, ultra-comfortable dress. It looks elegant on all body types from tiny mini to plus-sizes. On 1stDibs, find a variety of tiki dresses from the world's most prestigious fashion designers.
- What is a Grecian dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A Grecian dress is distinguished by draped or pleated fabric, ruching, and toga-like shoulders. During New York Fashion Week in 2021, Grecian gowns were seen on the runways and in presentations by designers such as Donna Karan and Monique Lhuillier. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage Grecian dresses.
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.