Natural Form / Curaiss Dresses 1877-1881
The bustle collapses in this period to remain at the thigh/knee level. Dresses are fitted very tightly on the upper body, and skirts are often tied back against the front of the legs to achive the desired slender effect. Trains on gowns become all the rage, but sanity is preserved in the street with the "round" or "short dress" which does not gather street trash as you stroll along. Collars are becoming taller- most day dresses from this era have a stand up collar of some sort- a ruffle, mandrin, or such of about 1" tall. Sleeves are slender, and an extra piece has been added to bodice patterns to allow closer fitting. The princess dress is also popular (a dress with no waistline seam to add bulk to the popular slender costume)
Following are some examples of my dress designs from this era.

Work/Day gown circa 1876-1880 "Allie" Pattern This is a gown made from our "Allie" pattern using on of the alternate views and changing the collar slightly based upon some pattern illustrations from an original Butterick Catalog. Instead of the single bust dart to make it "half fitting" an additional dart was added for a more fashionable fit to the basque style bodice.

"Allie" pattern in Green Paisley This shows the Allie with bias self fabric bands an ruffles, 3/4 length sleeves and a "military" style collar

1876 Tussah Silk Pongee Traveling Dress Created for the California State Railroad Museum, this was made in a easy to wear silk pongee- the colors a warm golden tan and dark ink blue. This is a fashionable traveling gown in the traditional natural form style.

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