This dress reflects many of the fashionable characteristics of better dresses of the late 1850s. The skirt reflects at least one alteration as the pleats vary in the consistency of their depth. The bodice has been altered and taken in at the shoulder and side seams. This dress is very tiny in its current state and is probably not much larger than what would sell as a current junior size 5 in stores today.

The fabric reflects popular color and pattern choices of the late 1850s. Stripes and plaids were very popular in the late 1850s. (Severa, p.---) The silk fringe trim used to provide the detail and accentuates the line of the dress. Fringe was also a popular choice often noted in the monthly section of Fashion Chit-Chat in Godey's Lady's Book during the late fifties.

Contents | Skirt