These classic dresses remind us just how fancy holiday attire was such an important part of the season’s excitement. For a look back, we’ve collected vintage ads and photos that showcase the charm of these sweet Christmas dresses for little girls — but forget the fashion trends those decades were known for. These holiday frocks were all about tradition, and many recalled the Victorian era.
Sweet sugarplums: Every little girl wants a dress for Christmas (1962)
Sweet as a sugarplum: A tucked shirtwaist top, a wide, gathered velveteen skirt and a bias-striped sash that ties in a big bow make this dress a very special one for celebrating Christmas Day. $7.98.
Gay as a candy cane: A cutaway velveteen pinafore buttons down the back over a crisp, candy-cane printed dress. The dress, with lace edgings, can also be worn alone. $8.98.
Demure as an angel: For the very feminine little girl who loves ruffles, pick this pretty white dress, with ruffle on ruffle and a wide, crushed-velveteen cummerbund. $5.98.
Crisp as a snowflake: All white, except for the bow, the sleeveless dress has a basque bodice and full, full skirt. The proud small owner can wear the separate bolero over other dresses. $7.98.
Bright as a holly berry: This holly-red velveteen dress has puffed white sleeves and a gilet with a Peter Pan collar to give it the young look of a jumper. It buttons down the back. $7.98.
Merry as a sleigh bell: Remove the vestee and you have a complete, striped dress. Reverse it and you have a striped vestee, perhaps to wear over a red or white dress. $6.98.
Vintage 1960s Christmas dresses for kids (1964)
1960s girl in red velvet dress for Christmas (1967)
New star in a magic car (1968)
Do look now. That’s Heather Ripley pulling up in a most amazing car. No, it’s not an old Rolls or a Stanley Steamer. It’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Ian Fleming’s imaginary flying car, that gets into even more adventures than his superspy James Bond.
In the new film named after it (starring Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Heather make their movie debuts together.
Heather, who’s nine and comes from Dundee, Scotland, took to modeling for the Journal with the same ease and naturalness she brought to her first acting assignment. On these pages, she wears our clothes for your own Christmas princess. All are Butterick Patterns. By Nora O’Leary, Patterns Editor.
Coat for a snow princess, left, of Anglo’s warm-as-toast wool melton cloth, trimmed with snuggly fake chinchilla, by Lawrence & Klauber. Butterick 5158.
Dress fit for a queen, below — it’s what Heather plans to wear when she meets the Queen at the movie premiere in London on December 16. Of imported Christmas-red cotton velvet, by Amity. Ruffled lace trim by Lowenthal. Butterick pattern 5042.
Retro Christmas outfits for kids (1969)
A red-on-white tiny polka dot patterned dress with red trim for her, and a red jacket and plaid flares for the boy
5 cute little girls in retro Christmas dresses (1971)
A covey of cousins in new dresses — dainty flowers challis and pristine pinafores. Dresses by Shutterbug, R A R Moppets and Youngland. Black patent leather Mary Janes shoes by Jumping Jacks.
Vintage 1970s country-style Christmas dress for girls (1972)
Cute red and green vintage Christmas dress (1972)
Vintage 1970s Christmas dress for girls (1973)
Provincial cotton print Christmas dresses & pinafores (1973)
ALSO SEE: Old-school cottagecore: The prairie dress had a big comeback in the 80s
Old-fashioned Christmas dresses for girls from 1974
From Ladies’ Home Journal (December 1974)
Our nostalgic new party fashions recall the clothes children wore in old-time storybooks. And it’s so much fun parading around in this look of yesteryear that even modern blue-jean fans are eager to dress up. Our collection is to buy or sew at home.
Vanessa looks very Alice-in-Wonderland in her lace-trimmed gingham dress with its detachable pinafore. By Ceil Ainsworth, Ltd.
Two best friends delighted with their new dressy dresses
Eileen’s long-sleeved Victorian frock (left) is done in a delicate wallpaper stripe – by Cinderella. Jennifer’s hand-smocked dress has a high ruffled neck, full sleeves and its own velvet sash – by Polly Flinders.
Demure old-fashioned Christmas party dresses
In this chapter of the children’s album, demure party dresses in an old-fashioned mood to sew in modern, easy-care fabrics.
Two sisters pose with the utmost seriousness for their family portrait. Deirdre (left) wears an empire-waisted dress with puffy sleeves in a floral wallpaper print fabric.
Colleen’s gingham dress (right) has a white-eyelet front panel edged with a ruffle and grosgrain ribbon.
High-necked portrait dress
Brooke’s high-necked portrait dress with leg o’ mutton sleeves is trimmed with prim pleating at the neck, bodice and cuffs and accentuated with a velvet ribbon. The floral medallion print fabric is an appropriately nostalgic choice. Simplicity patterns. [This is a photo of young model/actress Brooke Shields]
Old-fashioned holiday outfits for a little boy & little girl (1974)
Liam plays the dandy in short suspender pants with shirt, by Fischel. His sister, Rosheen, is impeccably turned out in a pinafore dress by J C Penney.
ALSO SEE: 1960s boys’ clothes: Retro fashions for kids
Cute Christmas dresses for little girls you can still buy today
- SKATER DRESS — Cute, comfy and totally twirl-worthy
- FABRIC — Halloween and Fall print styles made of 60% cotton/40% polyester jersey; Christmas print style made of 100% cotton jersey
- CLOSURE — Pullover style with elasticized waist
- 🎁 Princess dress up clothes gift set: 5 princess looks with mix & match fun, create 5 magical princess looks with 5 themed princess tops and 4 mix-and-match skirts. Add 2 hair hoops, 3 princess...
- 💎 Prime Fabrics: The costumes are made from soft, breathable, and durable fabrics, ensuring comfort and longevity. These materials not only give the dresses a luxurious feel but also make them...
- 💯 High Authenticity: The costume designs stay true to the iconic looks from the animated movies, featuring signature colors and elements for each princess, these designs allow children to...
- Exquisite design: Elegant velvet top combines with a shimmering sequin tulle skirt; silky waistband enhances the silhouette for festive holiday celebrations
- Comfortable fit: Professionally tailored A-line cut allows room for twirling and dancing; charming ruffle sleeves and adjustable bow waistband add style
- Premium fabric: Soft wrinkle resistant velvet remains gentle on delicate skin; silky lining and fluffy tulle provide comfort without irritation
- Preppy Plaid Girls Dress Set: This 2 piece girls dress set includes a burgundy plaid sleeveless dress with pockets and a matching cardigan, creating a polished school outfit for fall, holidays...
- School-Ready Plaid Style: The classic plaid print, A-line skirt, and cardigan give her a neat preppy look that works for school days, birthday parties, Christmas photos, and everyday dress-up.
- A-Line Silhouette With Pocket Design: The flowy A-line skirt creates a sweet twirl-ready shape and gives her room to move comfortably during play. Side pockets add a practical touch for small...
