Afternoon dress
c. 1857
Pilk silk taffeta
Museum Purchase
Object numberP92.40.1
This dress is an excellent example of the antebellum silhouette, which was tightly corseted and featured a full, sweeping skirt, here comprised of tiers of fringe-trimmed taffeta, an effect mirrored on the bodice and belled sleeves. But the flamboyant, saccharine pink color of the dress is most certainly its focal point. The striking result is almost aggressively feminine and is sure to have attracted attention. Pictured here with the day bodice, the ensemble also includes a separate, less conservative bodice for evening wear. This popular custom allowed the wearer to economize her wardrobe while conforming to the standard conventions of dress.
DescriptionTwo-piece dress with two bodices in pink silk taffeta with pink fringe trim; day bodice has capelet, bell sleeves, peplum, all with rows of fringe, wrapped buttons CF; evening bodice has wide neckline, organdy puffs at cap sleeves, pointed CF, CB waist; matching skirt has tiered ruffles, with fringe trimCollections
Exhibitions