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Bustle Era Dresses 1881-1889

A Wrapper circa 1880's This is an example of a house dress or wrapper that would be appropriate from about 1877-1889, depending on the underpinnings you wore with it. The bodice is interlined to the hip level, and the fabric is a bright paisley print. It is made with a slight demi-train, very elegant for at home wear in a house with real floors- but it would have been made without for use on the prairie. It buttons all the way down the front with pearl buttons, and is loose in the front (no darts) which is then held in by a fabric belt set in at the side darts.

Tailor Made Dress 1889 I love the look of this dress- it was one of those instances where I was allowed free rein to design what I thought would look good for her period. This 1880's style tailor-made features lots of knife pleating, from the fanned insert at the back of the basque, to the kilt pleated overskirt, to the trim at the skirt bottom- it was a very fashionable feature during this time frame. The bodice closes with a hidden velveteen false front, which overlaps the button closed lining and is hidden behind the edge of the false jacket. The skirt is built on a foundation skirt with its own built in bustle. It has a front velvet panel and is overlayed with a kilt pleated overskirt. Very classic look of a very classic style

A Visiting Dress 1880's One of my Christmas Dresses. Its a polonaise style fashioned after an early 1880's dress.- The front is held back against the legs with a series of elastic bands(yes elastic was available to some extent in that period and its use makes it much easier to sit in a "tied back" dress than the twill tape used in some dresses for the same purpose. and the back is held up in its bustle with a series of twill tape ties. It is made from a "shot silk"(antique taffeta now made in acetate) in a black and red. The body is fully lined with black polished cotton (unfortunately I ran out of fabric and didn't line the sleeves-which then pulled out- A mistake I won't make again) The skirt is very simply made of black brocade.

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