Lady’s Monthly Museum, June 1800.
“Afternoon Dress for June, 1800”
Though these have all the appearance of evening dresses, they are called Afternoon Dresses, which meant they would have been worn for late afternoon or early evening occasions that would have been less formal than an evening event requiring full dress. They are therefore classified as Half Dress.
The silver bandeaus in the hair of the figure on the right, as well as the silver spots on her dress, are painted in silver metallic paint. It is difficult to see the metallic shine online, but in person it is quite bright and shiny.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“3. An under dress of pink muslin, with lace tucker, over which a gown of white muslin, open in front, and fastened with gold buttons or clasps. The sleeves pink, with a fulness of white muslin; fastened with the same. A pink cord round the waist. On the breast a fulness of white muslin, crossing and fastened on the shoulders. Necklace of rubies. Shoes pink; and bandeaus of pink muslin in the hair, with an ostrich feather falling behind, Hair off the forehead.
“4. Head-dress of hair bandeaus and silver radiating to the front. Hair off forehead. Gown, white silver spot-lace. White shoes. Pearl or Cornelian necklace and ear-rings.–In general, white silk gloves.”
FAQs
The front skirt hung in straight folds to the floor. Gowns were also full at the back, often sporting a small train to help create an elegant draping effect. White was the color of choice for 1800s dresses, especially when it came to formal evening wear. However, pale pinks and other pastels were also common.
What is an afternoon dress? ›
Though these have all the appearance of evening dresses, they are called Afternoon Dresses, which meant they would have been worn for late afternoon or early evening occasions that would have been less formal than an evening event requiring full dress. They are therefore classified as Half Dress.
What colors were popular in the 1800s? ›
White, gray, cream, pale yellow or other light colors were popular from 1820 to 1850. Shutters and blinds were painted black or dark green or stained in a wood color. Window frames, bars and muntins were probably painted the same dark color. Late 1800s.
What did ladies wear in 1880? ›
To top it all off, women's fashion in the 1880s was highly decorative. Ruffles, pleats, and draped fabrics were staples in fashionable dresses. Accessorizing the dresses, women typically wore boots, bonnets, and hats, often decorated with lace and ribbon. Hair was worn in low knots or tight ringlets.
What is a daytime dress? ›
Sundresses or day dresses.
This is a dress category that falls under “casual” but is still pretty “dressy.” It's probably the safest bet to nail the dressy-casual code. These dresses are made from jersey, cotton, lace, and more, and they typically have a summery feel.
What style is the nap dress? ›
Often, the only fitted part of the dress is around the bust, and other key features include “heavy smocking, overexaggerated puff sleeves and a typically long, slightly pleated skirt.” While nap dresses may be comfortable enough to sleep in, their purpose goes far beyond that of a nightgown.
What makes a dress a tea dress? ›
The tea dress or gown, characterized by its loose comfortable fit, emerged as a centrepiece of an artistic reform in England in the 1880s. It contrasted the tight, boned corset dresses that were fashionable at the time and allowed women a comfortable, breathable garment to wear at home.
How to act like a woman from the 1800s? ›
Fondness for finery shows as bad a taste, as neatness and simplicity imply a good one. Form no friendship with men. Give your hand, when necessary, modestly. If you talk in society, talk only about those things which you understand.
What was it like to be a woman in the 1800s? ›
Although women had many duties in the home, church and community, they had few political and legal rights. When Abigail Adams reminded her husband John during the Constitutional Convention to “Remember The Ladies!” her warning went ignored. Women did not have the power to make contracts, own property or vote.
Why did boys dress like girls in the 1800s? ›
The main reason for keeping boys in dresses was toilet training, or the lack thereof. The change was probably made once boys had reached the age when they could easily undo the rather complicated fastenings of many early modern breeches and trousers.
Most sixteen year old wore gowns to the ankles, a fourteen year old skirts to the calves, but a 12 year old wore skirts to just below the knee. Not even the youngest child escaped the wearing of a crinoline supported skirt. By the 1840s those skirts were true crinoline style.
Though these have all the appearance of evening dresses, they are called Afternoon Dresses, which meant they would have been worn for late afternoon or early evening occasions that would have been less formal than an evening event requiring full dress. They are therefore classified as Half Dress.
