Vintage Dresses

Every vintage lover needs a perfect Little Black Dress in their arsenal, and this mid-century Ann Murray piece is a total classic. Crafted from a gorgeous, heavyweight fabric with a raw-silk-like “slub” texture, this tailored day dress features a notched lapel, a 3-button front, and an attached snap-back belt. Fully lined and impeccably made, it is the ultimate sophisticated staple for your retro wardrobe.

Measures:

• Bust: 42″

• Waist: 36″ (Measured with the back belt snapped. You might have a tiny bit of extra wiggle room, but 36″ allows for comfort and undergarments!)

• Hips: 42″

• Length: 43″

• Modern Size Estimate: Large (L)

Some dresses you find in the wild are simply too good to be true, and this R&K Originals piece is one of them. Featuring a deeply autumnal woven plaid, a tailored mid-century wiggle silhouette, and a delicate touch of black velvet trim at the neckline, this dress is the epitome of late 50s and early 60s sophistication. It is a brilliant collector’s piece in fabulous condition, ready to step right out of the Mad Men era and into your modern wardrobe.

Measurements:

• Bust: 38 inches

• Waist: 28 inches

• Hips: 38 inches

• Length: 42 inches

• Modern Size Estimate: Women’s Small/Medium (US 6/8)

Whether you are channeling a romantic 1980s prom queen, a gothic heroine, or Mrs. Claus on a highly fashionable night out, this handmade vintage dress delivers absolute drama. Crafted from a rich, ruby-red crushed velvet, this maxi dress features a stunning plunge neckline trimmed in lace and breathtaking Juliet sleeves.

With dramatic velvet puffs at the shoulders that taper down into delicate, button-cuffed lace forearms, this piece is a masterclass in texture and silhouette. It is a one-of-a-kind handmade garment just waiting for its next grand entrance.

Measurements: 

• Bust: 34″

• Waist: 30″

• Hips: Free

• Shoulder to Hem Length: 55″

• Mid-Arm (at bottom of velvet puff): 10″ circumference

• Wrist: 7″ circumference (has a little stretch)

• Modern Size Estimate: Medium / Modern US Size 8

They say things aren’t always what they seem, and this dress is the ultimate proof. From across the room, you are stepping out in a striking, rich purple sheath dress. But as you get closer, the magic is revealed: this mid-century masterpiece is actually a vivid blue crepe covered in hundreds of tiny, brilliant red polka dots!

This late 1950s to early 1960s wiggle dress is a true rarity in the vintage world, boasting incredibly hard-to-find curvy, plus-size measurements. With a classic center-back metal zipper, a modest jewel neckline, and a silhouette designed to celebrate the female form, it’s a total Joan Holloway mid-century dream that deserves to be shown off.

Measurements: 

• Bust: 40″

• Waist: 35″

• Hips: 46″

• Modern Size Estimate: XL / Modern US Size 14

Need a cure for the sartorial blues? Enter the ultimate fuchsia pick-me-up. This vibrant, unapologetic 1960s shift dress features striking architectural darts, a deeply tactile nubby woven texture, and all the mid-century charm you could ask for. It’s bright, it’s happy, and it’s ready to make a serious statement.

Measurements (Doubled where applicable):

• Bust: 36″
• Waist: 33″
• Hips: 40″
• Length: 37″
• Estimated Modern Size: Medium / 8

Some dresses belong behind museum glass, and others belong out in the world, living a beautifully messy second life. This exceptionally rare, late 1930s sheer black dress falls firmly into the latter category. Crafted from a feather-light, completely translucent black chiffon or rayon georgette, it is a masterclass in Depression-era romance.

Featuring a delicate keyhole tie-neckline, lace-trimmed flutter sleeves, and a breathtaking asymmetrical peplum waist, she is pure, unadulterated gothic elegance. Because she bears the honest, visible scars of the last ninety years—including striking purplish sun-fading at the shoulders, a few old mends, and a hole in the skirt—she is completely off the hook for formal behavior. Wear her over a vintage slip, or grunge her up with a lace bralette and combat boots for an editorial, witchy aesthetic.

Measurements (Zero Stretch!):
Bust: 38″
Waist: 29″
Hips: 38″ (Leave wiggle room to sit!)
Length: 45″
Fits a modern Medium (US 6/8).

Step back into the elegance of the 1960s with this cream shift dress by Mr. Jack Dallas, a timeless piece showcasing the simplicity and charm of mid-century design. Made from a breathable linen-cotton blend, it features delicate chevron crochet lace on the yoke and sleeves, hidden side pockets, and a sturdy rear metal zipper. In excellent vintage condition with minor imperfections, this dress is a beautiful choice for collectors and vintage enthusiasts alike.

Measurements:

• Length: 41″
• Bust: 40″ (20″ flat)
• Waist: 38″ (19″ flat)
• Hips: 40″ (20″ flat)
• Estimated Modern Size: 16

Step back into the refined elegance of the 1950s with this Ruth Roaman Gowns sheath dress from Madison Avenue. Crafted from a luxurious double layer of black crepe over satin, it features a square neckline, curve-flattering silhouette, and original metal back zipper. While small flaws at the hem and slight pulling on a bust seam speak to its vintage charm, this piece remains a stunning example of midcentury sophistication.

• Measurements (Flat, doubled where appropriate):
  • Bust: 32″
  • Waist: 24″
  • Hips: 32″
  • Length: 42″
  • Estimated Modern Size: XXS/XS (approx. US 0-2)

This vibrant neon green mini dress from the 1960s is a striking example of mod-era fashion, featuring a playful ruffled collar, dramatic sleeve flounces, and securely sewn white sequin accents at the neckline and cuffs. Made from 100% acetate (Tricel label, size 40), it’s fully lined with a metal back zipper for structure and ease. In very good vintage condition, it showcases the bold spirit of the decade with a slight sheen and a flirty silhouette.

Measurements:

• Bust: 17” (34” around)
• Waist: 14” (28” around)
• Length: 30”
• Sleeve Length: 21”

Channel the elegance of the late 1950s–early 1960s with this timeless lavender-purple wiggle dress, featuring long sleeves, a flattering V-neckline, and a faux belt with an ornate silver-tone buckle. Handmade with a matte, textured crepe-like fabric and lined with lilac mesh from the waist down, this dress offers a chic, tailored silhouette perfect for any vintage enthusiast. In excellent condition with minor wear on the buckle, it’s a ready-to-wear piece of mid-century charm.

Flat Measurements (approx.):

• Bust: 18” flat (36” around)
• Waist: 16” flat (32” around)
• Length: 41”
• Sleeves: 22”

Step back into the vibrant 1960s with this Betty Barclay mod mini dress, featuring a striking green and yellow paisley floral print accented with charming yellow ribbon details. Fully lined with puff sleeves and a durable metal zipper, this impeccably crafted piece is in excellent vintage condition, with minor pulls at the waist and faint spots on the collar that add to its character. Perfect for collectors, costume enthusiasts, or lovers of retro fashion.

Measurements (Approx. modern size 6):

• Length: 32″
• Bust: 34″ (flexible up to 36″)
• Waist: 28″
• Hips: 34″

It’s giving strawberry ice cream on a hot July day—without the ironing! This authentic late-1950s garden party dress is made from sheer, “miracle fabric” Dacron in white with large, painterly polka dots in a soft marshmallow pink. Complete with its rare original matching sash belt.

Measurements:

• Vintage Tag Size: 13/14 (Junior sizing)

• Bust: 39 inches (Allows room for a slip)

• Waist: 28 inches (Max – measure your waist carefully!)

• Hips: Free / Open (50+ inches)

• Length: 40.5 inches

• Modern Size Estimate: Modern US 6/8 (Small to Medium). The waist is the limiting factor here.