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?īecause 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. Today, a closet full of casual vintage day dresses is a must-have. 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. 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.ĭuring 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. 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.

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.

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. 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.

Vintage red button up dress