The dress consists of four pieces: bodice with trained open skirt, under skirt, ruched over skirt, and a belt. The fabric is a very open-weave white muslin which has a very pretty dotted pattern woven into it. The bodice is lined in cotton and fastens with hooks and eyelets. The long, flared sleeves are extremely elegant and typical of the 1870s. The edges of the skirts are trimmed with deep borders of ruched muslin, and the dress is decorated all over with ivory silk ribbon and pink silk fringe. The skirts are unlined; they would likely have been worn over a white underskirt or petticoat. The layering of the sheer, gathered skirts creates the lightweight and airy look so popular in the first bustle era. This is certainly one of the prettiest 1870s dresses I have had for sale, and it’s a rarity for all the matching components to have remained together.
The dress is in good condition for its age. The fabric is clean and white with very little staining; there are a few small marks across the pieces but nothing overly noticeable. Likewise, there are some small holes and tears, but these could easily be mended. The worst areas of damage are to the silk ribbon decoration, which sadly has deteriorated and has perished in several areas, especially to the waistband of the belt. Its minor flaws aside, the dress displays beautifully and is truly the perfect example of a Victorian summer dress.
Approximate measurements
Bust - 33 inches
Waist - 23 inches
The dress consists of four pieces: bodice with trained open skirt, under skirt, ruched over skirt, and a belt. The fabric is a very open-weave white muslin which has a very pretty dotted pattern woven into it. The bodice is lined in cotton and fastens with hooks and eyelets. The long, flared sleeves are extremely elegant and typical of the 1870s. The edges of the skirts are trimmed with deep borders of ruched muslin, and the dress is decorated all over with ivory silk ribbon and pink silk fringe. The skirts are unlined; they would likely have been worn over a white underskirt or petticoat. The layering of the sheer, gathered skirts creates the lightweight and airy look so popular in the first bustle era. This is certainly one of the prettiest 1870s dresses I have had for sale, and it’s a rarity for all the matching components to have remained together.
The dress is in good condition for its age. The fabric is clean and white with very little staining; there are a few small marks across the pieces but nothing overly noticeable. Likewise, there are some small holes and tears, but these could easily be mended. The worst areas of damage are to the silk ribbon decoration, which sadly has deteriorated and has perished in several areas, especially to the waistband of the belt. Its minor flaws aside, the dress displays beautifully and is truly the perfect example of a Victorian summer dress.
Approximate measurements
Bust - 33 inches
Waist - 23 inches
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