Dress
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1874
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched silk and cotton, with silk-covered wooden (probably) buttons, and metal hooks and eyes
DimensionsBodice (center back length x width across shoulders): 24 1/2 x 15in. (62.2 x 38.1cm)
Bodice (center front length): 19 1/2in. (49.5cm)
Skirt (center front length): 42in. (106.7cm)
Skirt (center back length): 51in. (129.5cm)
Hem (circumference): 127 1/2in. (323.9cm)
Component (overskirt length): 39in. (99.1cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
Object number1986.229.0a-c
DescriptionWoman's day dress of pale green silk, consisting of three parts: bodice (.a), skirt (.b), and overskirt (.c). The bodice has a high neckline, with a standing pleated ruffle around the neck. The center front opening is fastened with nine self-covered buttons. The sleeves end in a turned-back wing-shaped cuff over a flared self-fabric flounce. A smoothly-fitted peplum extends over the hips; it is gradually longer towards the back. It is vented at the center back, with a tri-lobed flap over the vent. The edges of the peplum and the flap are finished with a wide, self-covered piping. Narrow piping is set into the armscye seams. The bodice front is fitted with two six-inch-long darts on either side of the opening. The darts are boned, as are the side seams. A small watch pocket is set into the waist seam on the proper left side. The bodice is lined with brown cotton.
The skirt is flat in front and around the hips, being fitted with darts. It is cartridge-pleated at center back. Two self-fabric bows decorate the skirt at center front. The lower skirt has two wide self-fabric flounces, headed by a narrower ruffle, gathered over a cord. The edges of the flounces and ruffle are bound with bias self-fabric. The bottom edge of the skirt has a narrow facing of cream-colored velvet. It is lined with thin, brown glazed cotton. It closes at center back with hooks and eyes (now missing.)
The edges of the overskirt are scalloped and bound with bias self-fabric. It opens at center front and is fitted smoothly around the front of the waist. It is gathered across the back. Two long self-fabric streamers are loosely tied at the center back; the ends of the streamers are fringed. The overskirt is unlined.
The skirt is flat in front and around the hips, being fitted with darts. It is cartridge-pleated at center back. Two self-fabric bows decorate the skirt at center front. The lower skirt has two wide self-fabric flounces, headed by a narrower ruffle, gathered over a cord. The edges of the flounces and ruffle are bound with bias self-fabric. The bottom edge of the skirt has a narrow facing of cream-colored velvet. It is lined with thin, brown glazed cotton. It closes at center back with hooks and eyes (now missing.)
The edges of the overskirt are scalloped and bound with bias self-fabric. It opens at center front and is fitted smoothly around the front of the waist. It is gathered across the back. Two long self-fabric streamers are loosely tied at the center back; the ends of the streamers are fringed. The overskirt is unlined.
Status
Not on view
