Dress
c. 1845
Striped ivory silk and ivory net
Museum purchase
Object numberP88.25.3
The ideal woman of the 1840s was generally plump, but had a slim waistline. Dressmaking techniques could help create an illusion of the perfect figure—in the bodice of this dress, the vertically striped fabric is gathered into a pronounced “V” shape that lengthens the waist, thus making it appear narrower.
DescriptionDress; ivory silk with wide vertical satin and patterned gauze stripes; piped décolleté neckline; fitted bodice with pointed front waist and center front V insert shirred with smocking at midriff point; short, straight sleeves trimmed with net and slightly shirred at lower seam; floor length full skirt; CB hook and eyesCollections
Exhibitions