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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 46 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Dresses (garments) 43 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Belts (costume accessories) 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Skirts (garments) 2 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
  • Gloves 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Scarves (costume accessories) 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • brassieres 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • cardigans 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • corsets 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • African Americans 46 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 12 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1970s 9 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1980s 13 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • 1990s 18 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
  • North and Central America 38 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • United States 38 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • New York City 27 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • California 5 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Los Angeles 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • District of Columbia 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Manhattan 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Washington 2 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Chicago 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Cook County 1 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection 46 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Black Fashion Museum Collection 28 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Clothing - Fashion and Historical 28 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Clothing - Costume 21 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
  • 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
  • Clothing and dress 46 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Fashion 30 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Costume 19 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Actors and actresses 16 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Women 15 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Singers (Musicians) 9 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Society 6 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Music 5 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Sitcoms 4 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • CC0 27 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Not determined 14 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus
  • Usage conditions apply 7 Filter by term plus Exclude term minus

Filter Settings

Included:

  • Remove Topic: Design close

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

Costume worn by Beyoncé as Deena Jones in the film Dreamgirls

Dress designed by Ann Lowe

Dress designed by Ann Lowe

Red and yellow dress worn by Janet Jackson as Penny Woods on Good Times

Costume worn by Terry Ellis in "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" video

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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