Skip to main content Skip to main navigation
heart-solid My Visit Donate
Home Smithsonian Institution IK development site for ODI
Press Enter to activate a submenu, down arrow to access the items and Escape to close the submenu.
    • Overview
    • Museums and Zoo
    • Entry and Guidelines
    • Museum Maps
    • Dine and Shop
    • Accessibility
    • Visiting with Kids
    • Group Visits
    • Overview
    • Exhibitions
    • Online Events
    • All Events
    • IMAX & Planetarium
    • Overview
    • Topics
    • Collections
    • Research Resources
    • Stories
    • Podcasts
    • Overview
    • For Caregivers
    • For Educators
    • For Students
    • For Academics
    • For Lifelong Learners
    • Overview
    • Become a Member
    • Renew Membership
    • Make a Gift
    • Volunteer
    • Overview
    • Our Organization
    • Our Leadership
    • Reports and Plans
    • Newsdesk
heart-solid My Visit Donate

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 32 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Dresses (garments) 30 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Belts (costume accessories) 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Costume 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Ensembles (costume) 1 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
  • Uniforms 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Veils (headcloths) 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Wedding dresses 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • African Americans 32 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
  • 1930s 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1940s 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1950s 7 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1960s 9 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1980s 11 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1990s 15 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 2010s 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • North and Central America 28 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • United States 28 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • New York City 23 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • California 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Los Angeles 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • District of Columbia 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Harrison County 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Jersey City 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Liberty State Park 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Marshall 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection 32 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Black Fashion Museum Collection 24 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Clothing - Costume 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Musical Crossroads 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom 1 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 32 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Fashion 30 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Design 28 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Women 12 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Society 7 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Singers (Musicians) 5 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Actors and actresses 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Music 3 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Costume 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Jazz (Music) 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • CC0 16 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Not determined 13 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Usage conditions apply 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus

Filter Settings

Included:

  • Remove Set Name: Clothing - Fashion and Historical close

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

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

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

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

Brown and cream striped day dress from the Civil War era

Wedding dress worn by Lollaretta Pemberton with veil and headpiece

Nurse's uniform dress worn by Pauline Brown Payne

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

Rose pink shirt dress and belt designed by Arthur McGee

Grey pinstriped dress and jacket designed by Arthur McGee

Black lace and rust satin cocktail dress worn by Billie Holiday

Dress designed by Ann Lowe

Dress designed by Ann Lowe

Beaded gown designed by Zelda Wynn for Eartha Kitt

arrow-up Back to top
Home
  • Facebook facebook
  • Instagram instagram
  • LinkedIn linkedin
  • YouTube youtube
  • Contact Us
  • Get Involved
  • Shop Online
  • Job Opportunities
  • Equal Opportunity
  • Inspector General
  • Records Requests
  • Accessibility
  • Host Your Event
  • Press Room
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Use