French Fashions – Winter 1871

Two women walk outdoors. A house and trees are visible behind them. The woman on the left wears a red bonnet with a white plume. Her dress is red with a wide gathered flounce at the hem. She wears a black double-breasted mantelet, with black buttons and long bell sleeves. The hem and sleeves are edged with a wide band of black satin bordered with black lace ruffles. She holds a pair of eyeglasses in her right hand. The woman on the right wears a small white hat with a veil in the back and a white flower with black leaves in front. Her dress is beige with three rows of white ruffles with black edging and pleats in between at the hem. She has a matching jacket with a low collar and long bell sleeves. Her jacket is edged in the white ruffles. Both skirts have the elaborate back detailing of the bustle fashion.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges