Full Evening Dress

anonymous, c. 1850 - c. 1856

The boat neck was reserved for eveningwear. Day dresses were higher-necked and usually had long sleeves. The pointed bodice of this dress is fitted with whalebones, and a medium-size crinoline (hooped petticoat) was worn under the skirt. The striped fabric, which became fashionable around 1855, is incorporated into the design both horizontally and vertically.