1. A little girl’s lace party dress, circa 1885.

    A little girl’s lace party dress, circa 1885.

  2. An adorable lace party dress made for a six-year-old girl in 1879.

    An adorable lace party dress made for a six-year-old girl in 1879.

  3. An absolutely gorgeous girl’s party dress dating from between 1865 and 1870.

    An absolutely gorgeous girl’s party dress dating from between 1865 and 1870.

  4. A gorgeous girl’s silk party dress made in England circa 1855. The bold Greek key trim was likely inspired by the Archaeological Revival movement that swept Europe in the mid-19th century, incorporating Greek, Roman and Etruscan details into popular fashion, most especially jewelry.

    A gorgeous girl’s silk party dress made in England circa 1855. The bold Greek key trim was likely inspired by the Archaeological Revival movement that swept Europe in the mid-19th century, incorporating Greek, Roman and Etruscan details into popular fashion, most especially jewelry.

  5. An absolutely adorable little girl’s printed silk party dress dating to 1899.

    An absolutely adorable little girl’s printed silk party dress dating to 1899.

  6. This fancy little girl’s party dress was purchased at the prestigious Parisian department store Le Bon Marché circa 1895.

    This fancy little girl’s party dress was purchased at the prestigious Parisian department store Le Bon Marché circa 1895.

  7. A wonderful Robert Piguet party dress, circa 1950.

    A wonderful Robert Piguet party dress, circa 1950.

  8. A 1936 McCall pattern for flowing summer party dresses.

    A 1936 McCall pattern for flowing summer party dresses.

  9. A gorgeous printed chiffon party dress by Walton Pierce, 1934.

    A gorgeous printed chiffon party dress by Walton Pierce, 1934.

  10. A frilly summer party dress by Peggy Hoyt, 1929.

    A frilly summer party dress by Peggy Hoyt, 1929.