American Fashions – Summer 1889

Two women are standing at a balustrade overlooking a lake. A small pavilion, boats with white sails, and many trees create a pleasing vista. The woman on the left is wearing a light blue dress trimmed with bands of black lace. The dress is high necked with a deep v trimmed at the back.

The sleeves have double layers of black lace, with narrow sleeves and gathered full elbow length oversleeves. The skirt has bands of black lace at the hem alternating with black floral patterns. She wears yellow gloves and a narrow bracelet.

There is a lace rosette at the neck, and a long and wide black ribbon tumbles down the back from the waist. Her hair is dressed up at the back, and her black hat is trimmed with a striped ribbon cockade. The woman on the right is wearing a yellow jumper style dress with a red cherry pattern over a red dress. The dress has narrow sleeves, a high neck, and a gathered front.

The jumper is sleeveless, crosses over at the front, and has braid trimming the neck, armholes, and front waist. She wears light blue gloves and a gold bracelet, and carries a furled red parasol. Her straw hat is turned up at the back, and is trimmed with black ribbon, and red flowers and green leaves.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges