Day dress (1)

Around 1870 women's fashion changed dramatically, moving away from the full crinoline dresses to the smaller bustle at the rear.  This dress is a blend of the two styles, retaining the full petticoated skirt but also incorporates the bustle.   Rust-coloured heavy silk was a popular fabric at the time.  Lined with heavy cotton, braiding is also sewn at the hem to protect the silk.   The bodice is lightly boned and is decorated with fringe, as are the cuffs.  The fastenings are hooks and eyes and the dress opens from the bodice and from the waist side where an invisible pocket is concealed on a side seam.