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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 31 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Dresses (garments) 28 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Costume 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Ensembles (costume) 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Belts (costume accessories) 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • petticoats 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • African Americans 31 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1860s 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1870s 1 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 7 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1980s 10 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1990s 14 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • North and Central America 30 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • United States 30 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • New York City 29 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Manhattan 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Manhattan County 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • New York County 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection 31 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Clothing - Fashion and Historical 24 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Clothing - Costume 8 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Taking the Stage 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Slavery and Freedom 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Slavery and Freedom Objects 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Clothing and dress 31 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Design 28 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Fashion 24 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Women 9 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Costume 7 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Society 7 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Actors and actresses 6 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Musical Theatre 5 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Broadway Theatre 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Craftsmanship 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • CC0 15 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Not determined 10 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Usage conditions apply 6 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus

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Included:

  • Remove Set Name: Black Fashion Museum Collection close

Dress designed by Ann Lowe

Dress designed by Ann Lowe

Dress designed by Ann Lowe

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

Costume gown and petticoat for Evillene in The Wiz on Broadway

Costume dress and belt for Dorothy in The Wiz on Broadway

Brown and cream striped day dress from the Civil War era

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

Rose pink shirt dress and belt designed by Arthur McGee

Grey pinstriped dress and jacket designed by Arthur McGee

Costume for Glinda the Good Witch in The Wiz on Broadway

Costume gown, petticoat, and jacket for Addaperle in The Wiz on Broadway

Dress designed by Ann Lowe

Dress designed by Ann Lowe

Costume gown for Glinda the Good Witch in The Wiz on Broadway

Beaded gown designed by Zelda Wynn for Eartha Kitt

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