American Fashions – c.1890

A woman is standing in a room wearing a long-sleeved deep maroon dress. The bodice is of velvet, crossed over at the front. At the front there are black satin ribbons crossing above the bust creating a yoke. From the lower edge of the ribbon are black lace pleated pieces, and above the ribbon are beaded or embroidered velvet sections on the yoke of the bodice.

The ribbons have bows at the point they reach the sleeves. The collar is of maroon velvet with a black lace ruffle. The sleeves are snug with pointed cuffs, adorned with black bows and white ruffles. The upper sleeves are adorned with wide pleated bands cinched in the center with black ribbon to create poufs of pleats above and below. The velvet skirt flares out and has a pleated upper layer. The underskirt is satin and has an asymmetrical design embroidered up the front.

A wide black sash with a large bow on the left creates the waist of the gown. She wears white gloves, and holds a very small back book in one hand and her furled black umbrella in the other. Her hat is small and decorated with maroon and black bows, gold plumes and egret feathers. Behind her is a door and a potted palm.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges