Morning Dress – Spring 1803

Two women in morning dresses from 1803. The woman on the left wears a red Spencer jacket over a simple white dress. It has gold military style braid, and buttons across the bodice. The jacket is cut away, reaching only to the empire waist in front, and almost to her knees in the back. The hem is trimmed with a wide white ruffle. She wears red shoes and yellow gloves, and carries a large beige fur muff. Her collar is a high crisp white lace ruff. She wears a red bonnet with a yellow flower in back and a white feather in front. The woman on the right wears a long green coat edged in white fur. It is completely closed, and it is gathered at the empire waist line. Her transparent white dress is visible beneath her coat at the hem. She wears green shoes and carries a large brown fur muff. She wears a round green brimless bonnet edged in white with a veil at the back. The two women appear to be conversing as they stroll.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges