Elegant Dress Designs from the 1930s

Detailed watercolor sketches of vintage dresses, highlighting floral patterns, luxurious fabrics, and intricate designs from the early 20th century.

Francis Law Durand, Dress, c 1939 Dress

Dress. Dated: c. 1936. Dimensions: overall: 28.9 x 23.1 cm (11 3/8 x 9 1/8 in.). Medium: watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Nancy Crimi.

Nancy Crimi, Dress, c 1936 Dress

Hedwig Emanuel, Dinner Dress, 1935 1942 Dinner Dress

Jean Peszel, Dress with Quilted Petticoat, 1935 1942 Dress with Quilted Petticoat

Margaret Concha, Wedding Dress, 1935 1942 Wedding Dress

Gertrude Lemberg, Wedding Dress, 1935 1942 Wedding Dress

Dress. Dated: c. 1936. Medium: watercolor, graphite, and heightening on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Dorothy Gernon.

Francis Law Durand, Dress, c 1939 Dress

Dress. Dated: c. 1936. Dimensions: overall: 30.5 x 22.5 cm (12 x 8 7/8 in.). Medium: graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Rosalia Lane.

Mary E Humes, Wedding Dress, c 1937 Wedding Dress

Mary E Humes, Doll Dress, c 1936 Doll Dress

Silk Gown. Dated: 1936. Dimensions: overall: 30.3 x 22.7 cm (11 15/16 x 8 15/16 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Maude Schell.

Dress. Dated: c. 1938. Dimensions: overall: 29.9 x 23.1 cm (11 3/4 x 9 1/8 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Jean Peszel.

Melita Hofmann, Dress, c 1936 Dress

Dress. Dated: c. 1936. Dimensions: overall: 30.1 x 23.2 cm (11 7/8 x 9 1/8 in.). Medium: watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Margaret Concha.

Child's Dress. Dated: 1935/1942. Dimensions: overall: 30.6 x 22.7 cm (12 1/16 x 8 15/16 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Jean Peszel.

Melita Hofmann, Dress, 1935 1942 Dress

American 20th Century, Dress, 1935 1942 Dress

Dress. Dated: 1935/1942. Dimensions: overall: 43.3 x 30.6 cm (17 1/16 x 12 1/16 in.). Medium: graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Mary E. Humes.

Wedding Dress. Dated: c. 1936. Dimensions: overall: 30.5 x 23 cm (12 x 9 1/16 in.). Medium: graphite and watercolor on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Nancy Crimi.

Dress. Dated: 1935/1942. Dimensions: overall: 46 x 38.2 cm (18 1/8 x 15 1/16 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Virginia Berge.

Wedding Dress. Dated: c. 1936. Dimensions: overall: 30.2 x 22.8 cm (11 7/8 x 9 in.). Medium: watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Marie Mitchell.

Paris, Mésangère, Pierre de la, Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, 1823, (2147): Chapeau de tissu de coton, bottom centre in the margin - engraved, Standing woman dressed in a dress of 'étoffe de Lyon' trimmed with a satin rouleaux and foliage. On her head a hat of a cotton fabric, imitation of straw. The print is part of the fashion magazine Journal des Dames et des Modes, published by Pierre de la Mésangère, 1797-1839., fashion print, prints, costume and fashion prints, Costume Parisien., top center in the margin - engraved, Chapeau de tissu de coton, imitant la paille. Robe d'étoffe de Lyon, gauze garnie de rouleaux et de feuilles de satin., height 176 mm, width 109 mm, print maker, printmaker, 1823 - 1823, first quarter 19th century, paper, engraving, engraving (printing process), hand colouring, Publication (Event), Publication, French, 1761 - 1831, publisher

Nancy Crimi, Dress with Cape Collar, 1935 1942 Dress with Cape Collar

Rosalia Lane, Dress, c 1936 Dress

Baby Dress. Dated: c. 1938. Dimensions: overall: 41.5 x 31.7 cm (16 5/16 x 12 1/2 in.). Medium: watercolor, graphite, and heightening on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Cecil Smith.

Dress. Dated: c. 1937. Dimensions: overall: 30.7 x 23.2 cm (12 1/16 x 9 1/8 in.). Medium: watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Julie C. Brush.

Wedding Dress. Dated: c. 1936. Dimensions: overall: 29 x 22.7 cm (11 7/16 x 8 15/16 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Jean Peszel.

Lee Hager, Wedding Dress, 1935 1942 Wedding Dress

Jean Peszel, Dress, c 1938 Dress

Wedding Dress. Dated: c. 1936. Dimensions: overall: 29 x 23.3 cm (11 7/16 x 9 3/16 in.) Original IAD Object: skirt: 39" long, 170" circumfrence; waist: shoulder to waist: 18", back: 14"; sleeves: 12 1/2" inseam. Medium: watercolor and graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Bessie Forman.

Dress with Quilted Petticoat. Dated: 1935/1942. Dimensions: overall: 45.6 x 36.4 cm (17 15/16 x 14 5/16 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Jean Peszel.

Charles Pilatte for the Ghys house. Model-figure for seamstress. Mauve city dress, buttoned bodice in front, Berthe and black knot with neck, sleeves with pleated ruffles and swollen cuffs on the wrist, golden loop belt, cut sides bordered with pleated flywheels, Madame Ghys model. Watercolor on cardboard. 1860-1870. Galliera, fashion museum of the city of Paris. 37832-5 Watercolor on Carton, Berthe, Borde, Doree loop belt, Boutonne, female, young woman, Pan Decoupe, Ghys house, Row handle, Inflagrated cuff with wrist, Figure Moquette, Mauve, Feminin Model, Black knot Neck, for couturiere, town dress, second empire, fluffy fluffy

Gertrude Lemberg, Wedding Dress, 1935 1942 Wedding Dress

Dress. Dated: c. 1936. Dimensions: overall: 30.6 x 23.2 cm (12 1/16 x 9 1/8 in.). Medium: watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Jessie M. Benge.

Child's Dress. Dated: c. 1939. Dimensions: overall: 35.4 x 24.2 cm (13 15/16 x 9 1/2 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Florence Grant Brown.

Virginia Berge, Dress, c 1940 Dress

Gertrude Lemberg, Dress, c 1937 Dress

Dress. Dated: c. 1938. Dimensions: overall: 40.8 x 31 cm (16 1/16 x 12 3/16 in.) Original IAD Object: bust: 36"; waist: 21 1/2"; sleeve: 2 1/2" inseam; skirt: 149" wide. Medium: watercolor and graphite on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Nancy Crimi.

Gwyneth King, Doll in Costume, c 1937 Doll in Costume

Virginia Berge, Christening Dress, c 1939 Christening Dress

Dress. Dated: c. 1938. Dimensions: overall: 45.6 x 37 cm (17 15/16 x 14 9/16 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Bessie Forman.

Dress. Dated: 1935/1942. Dimensions: overall: 44.8 x 37.4 cm (17 5/8 x 14 3/4 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Bessie Forman.

Melita Hofmann, Dress, 1935 1942 Dress

Charles Pilatte for the Ghys house. Model-figure for seamstress. Green town dress, decorated with dark green cross-borders bordered with black lace, buttoned from top to bottom, belt, Madame Ghys model, commentary on engraving: Mme Alexandre Ghys dresses- hairstyles of Mrs. Plé-Hora City of Lyon - Corsets of Mrs. Vigouroux - Purses of Mr Flument - Gloves and scents of Faguer -Laboullée -Barter de la Mon Lassalle et Cie / Lingeries of the Royal Crown, the dress of the engraving is gray with brown ornament. Watercolor on cardboard. 1860-1870. Galliera, fashion museum of the city of Paris. 37831-3 Watercolor on Carton, Borde Black lace, Boutonnee Top down, Belt, Dark Green Croach, Feminine, Young Woman, Ghys house, Figure model, female model, Ornee, For Couturiere, City Dress, Second Empire, Green

Hans Mangelsdorf, Child's Dress, c 1937 Child's Dress

Jessie M Benge, Dress, c 1936 Dress

Dress. Dated: c. 1936. Dimensions: overall: 29.8 x 22.6 cm (11 3/4 x 8 7/8 in.). Medium: watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Melita Hofmann.

Dress. Dated: c. 1940. Dimensions: overall: 45.4 x 36.8 cm (17 7/8 x 14 1/2 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Roberta Spicer.

Marjorie McIntyre, Child's Dress, 1935 1942 Child's Dress

Isabelle De Strange, Dress, 1935 1942 Dress

Dress. Dated: c. 1940. Dimensions: overall: 43.6 x 32 cm (17 3/16 x 12 5/8 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Frank M Keane.

Edna C Rex, Dress, 1935 1942 Dress

Dress. Dated: 1935/1942. Dimensions: overall: 58.2 x 36 cm (22 15/16 x 14 3/16 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Mary E. Humes.

Ella Josephine Sterling, Silk Dress, c 1936 Silk Dress

Charles Pilatte for the Ghys house. Model-figure for seamstress. White town dress, with green facings, four flywheels bounded with green such as the sleeves, Brandenbourgs Green in front on the bodice and until halfway up the skirt. Watercolor on cardboard. 1860. Galliera, fashion museum of the city of Paris. 37794-10 Watercolor on Carton, album, Brandenburg, Couturiere, young woman, Ghys house, model-figors, green facing, white city dress, Second Empire, Galonne steering wheel

Jenny Lind Paper Doll Costume, Agathe from the opera 'Der Freischutze' (The Freischutz), Lthograph on white wove paper, Paper doll costume for the figure of Jenny Lind representing the character Agathe from the opera Der Freischutze (The Freischutz)., Designed to be placed over the doll., Europe, ca. 1850, toys & games, Print, Print

Ball Dress. Dated: c. 1938. Dimensions: overall: 45.9 x 38 cm (18 1/16 x 14 15/16 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Nancy Crimi.

Nancy Crimi, Dress, c 1936 Dress

Dress. Dated: c. 1938. Dimensions: overall: 35.8 x 29 cm (14 1/8 x 11 7/16 in.). Medium: watercolor on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Edith Magnette.

Stanley Mazur and Max Unger, Doll, 1935 1942 Doll

Arelia Arbo, Dress, c 1937 Dress

Child's Dress. Dated: c. 1938. Dimensions: overall: 37 x 29.6 cm (14 9/16 x 11 5/8 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Nancy Crimi.

Fashion Plate, Evening Dress’ for The Repository of Arts’. Rudolph Ackermann (England, London, 1764-1834). England, London, March 1, 1827. Prints; engravings. Hand-colored engraving on paper

Court Dress. Dated: c. 1936. Dimensions: overall: 30.3 x 22.9 cm (11 15/16 x 9 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Melita Hofmann.

Jessie M Benge, Dress, 1935 1942 Dress

Doll Dress. Dated: c. 1936. Dimensions: overall: 48.8 x 38.1 cm (19 3/16 x 15 in.) Original IAD Object: 16" long. Medium: watercolor, gouache, and graphite on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: James McLellan.

Girl's Dress. Dated: c. 1937. Dimensions: overall: 36 x 28.2 cm (14 3/16 x 11 1/8 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Verna Tallman.

Charles Pilatte. "Model-foot for seamstress. Ghys house". Town dress with blue jacket with golden facing and acorns, bodice and white skirt, stored ruffle skirt underlined by a blue braid, model of Madame Ghys. Watercolor on cardboard. 1860. Galliera, fashion museum of the city of Paris. 37795-14 Watercolor Cardboard, White, Corsage, Couturiere, Gland, White skirt, Ghys house, Figure model, female mode, Dore facing, Town dress, blue jacket, Floor steering wheel

Charles Pilatte for the Ghys house. Model-figure for seamstress. Evening dress in white taffeta decorated with two rows of flywheels and pink ribbon, model of Madame Ghys. Watercolor on cardboard. 1860-1870. Galliera, fashion museum of the city of Paris. 37830-11 Watercolor on cardboard, two, feminine, young woman, house ghys, female model, female model, ornae, for seamstress, flying row, evening dress, pink ribbon, second empire, white taffeta

Douglas Campbell, Gown, c 1940 Gown

Reception Gown. Dated: c. 1940. Dimensions: overall: 30.7 x 22.8 cm (12 1/16 x 9 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Jean Peszel.

Dress. Dated: c. 1936. Dimensions: overall: 30.7 x 22.8 cm (12 1/16 x 9 in.) Original IAD Object: shoulder to waist: 10 3/4", waist: 22 1/2"; sleeves: inseam: 19 1/4" long; bust: 28 3/4"; cape: 53" in circumfrence. Medium: watercolor and graphite on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Mae Szilvasy.

Lucien Verbeke, Promenade Dress, c 1937 Promenade Dress

Roberta Spicer, Dress, c 1937 Dress

Charles Pilatte for the Ghys house. Model-figure for seamstress. Pink evening dress decorated with rows of ruffles alternating pink and white, double skirt with white ruffle cuttings, Madame Ghys model. Watercolor on cardboard. 1860-1870. Galliera, fashion museum of the city of Paris. 37830-13 Watercolor on Carton, Decree Rank Flying, White Flying Flying, Double Skirt, Female, Young Woman, Ghys house, Figure model, female model, for couturiere, evening dress, pink and white, pink, second empire

fashion 19th century ladies fashion Austria lithograph Vienna November 1835,

Hans Mangelsdorf, Dress, c 1938 Dress

Harry Grossen, Doll, c 1938 Doll

Biedermeier Fashion. Artist: Urban Janke (Austrian, Blottendorf/Vienna, 1887-1914). Dimensions: Sheet: 5 1/2 × 3 9/16 in. (14 × 9 cm). Publisher: Wiener Werkstätte. Date: 1908. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Charles Pilatte for the Ghys house. Model-figure for seamstress. Green town dress with black lace ruffles garnished with knots, model of Madame Ghys. Watercolor on cardboard. 1860. Galliera, fashion museum of the city of Paris. 37797-4 Watercolor on cardboard, album, seamstress, decor, black lace, garni, young woman, house ghys, model-figure, knot, city dress, second empire, green, steering wheel

Joseph L Boyd, Evening Dress, c 1938 Evening Dress

Jean Peszel, Dress, c 1936 Dress

Marie Famularo, Infant's Dress, c 1938 Infant's Dress

Charles Pilatte for the Ghys house. Model-figure for seamstress. Pink city dress, pleated and festons, model of Madame Ghys. Watercolor on cardboard. 1860. Galliera, fashion museum of the city of Paris. 37794-19 Watercolor on Carton, album, Couturiere, Feston, young woman, Ghys house, model-figure, fold, pink city dress, Second Empire

Baby Dress. Dated: c. 1940. Dimensions: overall: 42.1 x 29.3 cm (16 9/16 x 11 9/16 in.). Medium: watercolor and graphite on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Cora Parker.

Charles Pilatte for the Ghys house. Model-figure for seamstress. White evening dress with blue and black decoration, blue knots, belt falling in two sides at the front, model of Madame Ghys. Watercolor on cardboard. 1860. Galliera, fashion museum of the city of Paris. 37796-14 Watercolor on cardboard, album, white, seamstress, black black decor, young woman, house ghys, model-figure, knot, evening dress, second empire, evening

Mina Lowry, Dress with Cape Collar, 1935 1942 Dress with Cape Collar

Dress. Dated: 1935/1942. Dimensions: overall: 28.8 x 22.4 cm (11 5/16 x 8 13/16 in.). Medium: graphite and watercolor on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: American 20th Century.

Fashion Doll. Dated: c. 1937. Dimensions: overall: 39.7 x 26.8 cm (15 5/8 x 10 9/16 in.) Original IAD Object: 8" high. Medium: watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Gwyneth King.

Dress. Dated: c. 1940. Dimensions: overall: 45.9 x 36.9 cm (18 1/16 x 14 1/2 in.). Medium: watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Virginia Berge.

Marie Luise, Archmanzogin of Austria.

Paul Gavarni, Journal des Gens du Monde. Fantaisies No. 1: Travestissemens Originaux pour les Bals de 1834, 1834, hand-colored lithograph on paper.

Mary E Humes, Dress, c 1937 Dress

Charles Pilatte for the Ghys house. Model-figure for seamstress. Lilac city dress, decorated with darker geometric patterns and bordered with black lace, the front button is underlined by this same pattern, Mrs. Ghys model. Watercolor on cardboard. 1860-1870. Galliera, fashion museum of the city of Paris. 37831-5 Watercolor on Carton, Borde Black lace, in front of Boutonne, female, young woman, lilac, house ghys, female model, female model, geometric pattern, ornae, darker, for couturiere, city dress, second empire

Doll - "Antoinette". Dated: c. 1938. Dimensions: overall: 48.3 x 35.9 cm (19 x 14 1/8 in.) Original IAD Object: 23" high. Medium: watercolor, gouache, and graphite on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Eugene Croe.

Dutch Dress. Dated: 1935/1942. Dimensions: overall: 30 x 23 cm (11 13/16 x 9 1/16 in.). Medium: watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paper. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Fanchon Larzelere.

Wax Face Cotton Doll. Dated: 1935/1942. Dimensions: overall: 35.6 x 19.9 cm (14 x 7 13/16 in.). Medium: watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paperboard. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Charles Goodwin.

Bessie Forman, Dress, 1935 1942 Dress

Ray Price, Dress, c 1937 Dress

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