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Best Dressed: Fashion Trends and Famous Wearers

While the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is home to the renowned First Ladies' gown collection, dresses can be found throughout the Smithsonian's museums. These dresses reflect fashion trends, pop culture history, and their wearers. 

  • National Museum of African American History and Culture 34 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum 8 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • National Museum of American History 8 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Dresses (garments) 39 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Costume 8 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Costume accessories 6 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Belts (costume accessories) 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Child's dress 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Dress, 1-Piece 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Dress, 1-Piece; Entire Body; Main Dress; Female 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Ensembles (costume) 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Skirts (garments) 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Textiles 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • African Americans 34 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1700s 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1800s 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1860s 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1870s 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1930s 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1940s 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1950s 7 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1960s 11 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1970s 8 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1990s 8 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • United States 25 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • North and Central America 24 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • New York City 13 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • California 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • District of Columbia 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • England 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Los Angeles 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • USA 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Washington 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Burbank 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection 34 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Clothing - Costume 18 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Clothing - Fashion and Historical 16 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Black Fashion Museum Collection 15 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum Collection 8 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Textiles Department 8 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Taking the Stage 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Clothing & Accessories 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Government, Politics, and Reform 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Clothing and dress 37 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Design 27 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Fashion 18 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Costume 16 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Women 15 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Actors and actresses 9 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Singers (Musicians) 7 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Society 7 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • First ladies 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Presidents' spouses 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Not determined 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Usage conditions apply 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus

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Ensemble associated with Marian Anderson's 1939 Lincoln Memorial concert

Red Starfleet uniform worn by Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura on Star Trek

Yellow cocktail dress designed by Don Loper and worn by Ella Fitzgerald

Child's dress

Green velvet dress worn by Lena Horne in the film Stormy Weather

Costume worn by Flip Wilson as Geraldine

Peach dress and belt worn by Oprah Winfrey on The Oprah Winfrey Show

Dress designed by Ann Lowe

Dress designed by Ann Lowe

Dress designed by Ann Lowe

Dress worn by Celia Cruz

Dress worn by Isabel Sanford as Louise Jefferson on The Jeffersons

Dress designed by Ann Lowe

Dark grey velvet dress designed by Arthur McGee

Dress designed by Ann Lowe

Dress worn by Diahann Carroll on the television show Julia

Light grey wool dress designed by Arthur McGee

Grey balloon sleeve dress designed by Arthur McGee

Dress

Dress

Dress and belt worn by Marla Gibbs as Florence Johnston on The Jeffersons

Satin gown worn by Marian Anderson and Denyce Graves

Brown and cream striped day dress from the Civil War era

Dress worn by Denyce Graves in Washington National Opera's production of Carmen

Wedding dress worn by Lollaretta Pemberton with veil and headpiece

Child's dress

Costume dress for Lady in Orange from for colored girls... on Broadway

Nurse's uniform dress worn by Pauline Brown Payne

Black beaded dress designed by Zelda Wynn and worn by Ella Fitzgerald

Black dress worn by Oprah Winfrey as Sofia in The Color Purple

Purple dress and white belt worn by Dionne Warwick

Rose pink shirt dress and belt designed by Arthur McGee

Grey pinstriped dress and jacket designed by Arthur McGee

Teal waitress uniform worn by Halle Berry in the film Monster's Ball

Feedsack Dress

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