gardenfork

1818-1820

 This gown is of muslin and is square-edged with satin. The sleeve, which is short and full, is decorated with satin points emanating from a band. The waistline, which was very high during the first 15 years of the 19th century, had started to decline by this time. The back of the gown is fastened and fitted with tape ties. The waist tie goes through a casing from the side seam and allows for some expansion. The skirt is ornamented with satin pipings which rise up the left side and terminate with a satin bow. All the skirt's fullness is brought to the center back.

A corded petticoat was used to hold out the skirt of the gown. This petticoat was often made with an attached bodice. Nine rows of piping give the bottom the stiffness needed to support the skirt. For young women only, the hemlines were high enough to show the trousers. This new piece of underclothing was also called pantaloons, drawers, or pantalettes. With little to hold them up, many writers noted the impracticality of this particular garment, as they were often lost. Eventually, they were extended upward to tie around the waist.

Accessories appropriate for this gown are a pearls on a gold chain, long white gloves, and a cotton scarf. White silk stockings and very flat shoes complete the outfit.

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