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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 44 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Dresses (garments) 38 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Costume 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Ensembles (costume) 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Belts (costume accessories) 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Skirts (garments) 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Headbands (headgear) 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Headdresses 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Shorts (garments) 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Uniforms 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Veils (headcloths) 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • African Americans 44 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1930s 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1950s 6 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1960s 10 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1970s 11 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1980s 13 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1990s 16 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 2000s 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 2010s 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • United States 44 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • New York City 29 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • California 6 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Los Angeles 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • District of Columbia 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Manhattan 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Washington 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Burbank 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Chicago 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection 44 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Black Fashion Museum Collection 30 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Clothing - Fashion and Historical 28 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Clothing - Costume 19 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
  • March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Musical Crossroads 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Clothing and dress 44 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Design 38 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Fashion 29 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Costume 17 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Actors and actresses 15 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Women 12 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Society 6 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Musical Theatre 5 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Singers (Musicians) 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Sitcoms 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • CC0 24 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Not determined 13 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Usage conditions apply 9 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus

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Red dress designed by Diane von Furstenberg and worn by Whitney Houston

Ensemble associated with Marian Anderson's 1939 Lincoln Memorial concert

Dress worn by Viola Davis to the 2015 Emmy Awards ceremony

Dress designed by Tracy Reese and worn by the First Lady in connection with the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington

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 Isabel Sanford as Louise Jefferson on The Jeffersons

Gold lamé strapless dress designed by Peter Davy

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

Dark iridescent green and rainbow sequin dress designed by Peter Davy

Light grey wool dress designed by Arthur McGee

Grey balloon sleeve dress designed by Arthur McGee

Red dress with ruffled collar designed by Peter Davy

Black and silver drop waist dress with ruffle details designed by Peter Davy

Brown crepe dress with metallic embellishments designed by Peter Davy.

Black satin dress with hand-shaped decoration designed by Peter Davy

Brown halter dress with gold music-themed embellishments designed by Peter Davy

Green dress with silver details and attached necklace designed by Peter Davy

Turquoise blue dress with nude bodice and blue details designed by Peter Davy

Fitted dress with rainbow sequins and beading designed by Peter Davy

Purple dress designed by Oscar de la Renta and worn by Whitney Houston

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

Costume gown and petticoat for Evillene in The Wiz on Broadway

Costume dress and belt for Dorothy in The Wiz on Broadway

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

Wedding dress worn by Lollaretta Pemberton with veil and headpiece

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

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

Rose pink shirt dress and belt designed by Arthur McGee


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