London Dresses – Spring 1808

A hand-colored fashion plate from April 1808 titled ‘London Dresses for April’, published by Vernor, Hood & Sharpe. The illustration features three women showcasing elegant Regency era attire. The woman on the left wears a high-waisted white gown paired with a long blue shawl or wrap and a white bonnet adorned with large feathers.

The women

The central figure is shown from the back, displaying a white evening dress with short puffed sleeves, an empire waist with a bow, a train decorated with fabric rosettes, long yellow gloves, and a striking red turban. The woman on the right wears a mustard-yellow or ochre long coat over a white dress, completed with a matching yellow gathered bonnet featuring a white plume and long drop earrings.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges