1850's

    In the 1850’s, women’s skirts were made fuller by flounces (or big ruffles). These ruffles were usually made in tiers of three.

Day Dress

    For day dresses, the bodice had panels, which went over the shoulder and were gathered around the waist. In addition, they wore jacket bodices that were buttoned down the front. This went over a chemisette (which is a decorated, half skirt). Their sleeves were bell-shaped and trimmed with lace or other details. They wore collars of lace and sometimes a bow.

Evening Dress

    For evening dresses, they wore a steel cage to make skirts even bigger. Instead of flounces, they had some sort of skirt, lying more smoothly over their undergarments. They wore short, off the shoulder sleeves and had lower necklines. Underneath they wore pantalets, which were made of white linen and covered their legs.