Walking Dress – Autumn 1810

Two women stand on a cliff overlooking the sea. The woman on the left wears a white, ankle-length dress with long sleeves and a high waist. Over the dress is a light, white jacket or overdress that comes to just above the knees and has a high collar and a row of buttons down the front. She wears white stockings, flat, white shoes, a white shawl, and white gloves.

Her hat is rigid and white with an upturned brim and a blue bow at the crown. It is worn over a softer white cap or bonnet with a ruffle. The woman points into the distance with her right hand, while her left arm is around her companion’s shoulders. The second woman wears an ankle-length dress with long sleeves and a chin-height, ruffled collar. Over the dress she wears an outer layer that looks like a yellow, sleeveless overdress.

It buttons down the front and has detailing at the bodice. The woman wears white gloves and stockings and flat, green shoes. Her dark green hat is large and fez-shaped, with a sheer, rear veil and gold trim. She holds a telescope. A ship sails in the distance.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges