The traditional dress of a woman in the 19th century was composed of 6 layers. The first layer was the chemise, invented in the 1840's. It was an unshaped undergarment and fell just below the knees. The neckline had drawstring closure and buttons located below the lower back. The second layer was the corset, a tight, confining device used to narrow the waistline. It laced in the back and was constructed of whalebone. It was not a pleasant experience wearing one, "As soon mother began to lac

All of the clothes worn by the woman in the 19th century were very extravagant and exquisite. The romantic influences of the clothes didn't appear until the 1820's. Before then, collars were rather high, hats were large, and the bells of the skirts were rather small compared to their size in the 1850's. In fact, the skirts became do large that they needed support, which was why the hoop skirt was invented, to support these overly large dresses. It also replaced the many under petticoats worn. Also during the 1950's large triangular shawls replaced coats. The large point would be hanging down the back with the two other corners draped over the woman's arms. From 1870 to 1890 hats be variably smaller in order to decrease the size of the head in comparison to the skirt. The large bonnet from the 1820's had shrunk to become smaller with only feather and ribbon trim. Overall come the end of the 19th century, the small skirt, large hats, and coats, had morphed into tightly !

ch was made to support the ever-widening skirt of the 19th century style. The hoop was comprised of a framework of hoops made from bamboo, whalebone, or metal held together by tapes, increasing in size towards the hem. These could often replace the many under petticoat layers. Over the hoopskirt came another under garment with an elaborately embroidered hem called the over petticoat. Lastly came the decorative dress usually made of silk or wool.

Another beautiful and stylish dress is the carriage dress. It can be made of silk, velvets, or laces with rich jewelry or even firs during the cold winter months. Sometimes it can trail gracefully behind, or it can be of walking length. Another outfit that was equally important, yet wasn't a dress was the bathing suit. It was nothing like the skimpy bikinis one might see on the beaches today, it started with knee length trousers or knickerbockers. Followed by a short skirt with a deep hem and silk stitches. The waist was fitted with a loose blouse front, with a sailor-like collar. The sleeves were wide open with short puffs reaching halfway down the arms.

There were multiple types of dresses for different occasions each with its own design and style. For just working around the house the lady would wear what is referred to as a morning dress. It was loosely made with a high neck and was not usually very detailed or elaborate, yet prints were fairly common. The sleeves fastened at the wrists, a belt was worn around the waste, and a hat, turban or veil was alway

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Approximate Word count = 1696
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)