Antique Ladies Dress

Here is an illustration of an antique ladies dress. A description for this dress (referred to as a Ladies’ Costume), from the magazine is, “FIGURE No. 317L. – This illustrates a Ladies’ costume. The pattern, which is No. 7579 and costs 1s, 8d, or 40 cents, is in fifteen sizes for ladies from twenty-eight to forty-eight inches, bust measure, and is represented in two views on page 470 of this publication.

The present portrayal of the costume introduces figured taffeta and black satin, with ribbon and Vandykes of point de Venise lace for decoration. The skirt is fashioned in the prevailing style with flaring sides and back and consists of seven gores. The front-gore and side-gores fit smoothly at the top, and the four godets which form the back are box-plaited at the top and spread below into artistic flutes that are preserved in their stately curves by a stiff interlining and an elastic strap arranged underneath.

The fronts of the shapely basque-waist are drawn into full, lengthwise folds over their dart-fitted linings by gathers along the shoulder edges, and the fulness is plaited to a point at the lower edge.

A band of satin ribbon is flatly applied at each side of the closing, which is made invisibly at the center; and the lower ends of the ribbons are plaited to points under a bow at the lower edge. Vandyke points of white point de Venise lace cross the fronts from the arm’s-eye and under-arm seams, their points meeting at the bust and being caught together by tiny pearl stickpins. The full back, which is separated from the fronts by under-arm gores, is arranged in full, soft folds to correspond with the fronts, and the plaits into which the fulness is collected at the bottom flare becomingly and are stayed by tackings to the fitted lining. The lower edge of the waist is trimmed with a twist of satin ribbon, and the satin crush stock, which is mounted upon a close-fitting curate collar, is closed at the back under an Imperial bow to match. The huge gigot sleeves, which are shaped by inside seams only, spread in the extreme style now considered correct, their exaggerated fulness resulting from gathers at the top and along the upper part of one edge of the seam. They are smooth upon the forearm, and each is trimmed at the wrist with a point of satin headed by a Vandyke of lace.

The costume is distinguished by a general air of good style and a simplicity of adjustment that will appeal strongly to the woman whose dressmaking must be done at home. It will develop charmingly in crepon, either in the familiar fine weaves or the newer goat’s hair variety; and Fayetta, zibeline and other woolens will make up well, as will also India silk and taffeta. Ribbon, lace or embroidery may be used for decoration with the lavishness which is always permissible on Summer gowns, or a simple completion may, if preferred, be adopted. The large straw hat is adorned with ribbon and fine flowers.”

Here is a black and white version of the illustration of the antique ladies dress.

The article refers to the antique ladies dress being “represented in two views on page 470 of this publication”. Here are the two views from page 470.

And a black and white version of the two views.

I scanned the original illustrations from the April 1895 issue of The Delineator magazine.
Click on images to enlarge.