American Fashions – Winter 1877

Victorian ball gowns and formal evening dresses from January 1877

This authentic January 1877 fashion plate print from Peterson’s Magazine titled Les Modes Parisiennes The Conservatory And Ball Room showcases five elegant Victorian women in a lavish evening setting. The illustration highlights the iconic Natural Form silhouette of the late 1870s, featuring tightly fitted cuirass bodices, elaborate swags, and long decorative trains. The figures model stunning evening attire in contrasting shades of pale rose, brocade cream, floral-embellished white, soft yellow with black lace, and rich black silk decorated with striped sashes.

Peterson Magazine evening fashion and Illman Brothers engraving archive

Expertly engraved and printed by the renowned American firm Illman Brothers, this antique hand-colored steel engraving serves as an exceptional primary source for historical eveningwear. The ladies display sophisticated hairstyles adorned with flowers and feathers, together with formal social accessories like folding fans, pearl necklaces, and delicate lace trimmings. This archival fashion illustration perfectly documents the opulent textile design, intricate ruffles, and drapery that defined high-society American and European ballroom etiquette.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges