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
- Soft Material: Crafted from skin-friendly velvet, this dress offers a soft, delicate touch with a subtle sheen. It's breathable and gentle on sensitive skin, offering all-day comfort for your little...
- Adorable Design: A puffy tutu skirt paired with lightweight tulle layers creates a dreamy and sweet silhouette. The pretty waist bow adds a charming touch, making your princess stand out at every...
- Optimal Size: Available in 5 sizes for ages 3 to 7, our girls velvet dress provides comfortable fit for different age groups. Please select according to your child’s height and weight for a suitable...
- Note: Recommended to machine wash on a gentle cycle in a laundry bag/hand wash and air dry naturally without tumble drying as sequins might fall off a bit, which will increase the durability of your...
- Premium Velvet Fabric: Toddler tutu dress is made from shiny velvet which is smooth delicate, skin-friendly, and soft, bringing your little princess the most comfortable experience.
- Cute Design: Toddler long sleeve ruffle dress, stars tulle design, showing the elegant gorgeous of girls. Classic round neck with soft-lined, just right for cuddling and playing throughout the day.
- Material：Toddler tutu dress is made of a skin-friendly, stretchy and breathable knitted top, with a super soft, non-itchy and full coverage lining under the tulle skirt
- Feature: The satin ribbon on the hem of the tulle is shiny and sways elegantly when you spin around at the dance, making your little princess a dazzling star in the crowd. Elastic waist with lace adds...
- Occasion: Wedding, birthday party, family photos, daily life, school, performance，church, vacation, funeral，and other special occasions. Red and green party dress are so cute for little girls at...
- MACHINE WASHABLE & SOFT LINING FOR COMFORT: Party fun doesn’t have to mean complicated care. This dress is machine washable, making clean-up after birthday cake or Easter egg hunts a breeze. The...
- EASY ON & OFF WITH STRETCHY COMFORT: We know getting dressed can be a workout! That's why this dress is made with soft, slightly stretchy polyester fabric that’s easy to pull on over the head. No...
- SECURELY ATTACHED TULLE FOR SAFE PLAY: The beautiful double-layer tulle skirt is permanently and securely attached to the main dress. This means no detachable parts to worry about losing, and it's...
- Note: Recommended to machine wash on a gentle cycle in a laundry bag/hand wash and air dry naturally without tumble drying as sequins might fall off a bit, which will increase the durability of your...
- Premium Velvet Fabric: Toddler tutu dress is made from shiny velvet which is smooth delicate, skin-friendly, and soft, bringing your little princess the most comfortable experience.
- Cute Design: Toddler long sleeve ruffle dress, stars tulle design, showing the elegant gorgeous of girls. Classic round neck with soft-lined, just right for cuddling and playing throughout the day.
