254.8-18 Sheer Bodice, 1850-1860
HISTORICAL NOTES
This lovely sheer bodice is an orphan: Not only has it been separated from its skirt, but also been separated from its history of maker and owner. It was purchased from an museum decommission sale in Holland.
The front gathering is a common detail of mid 1850s sheer dresses which evolved out an 1840s style. The bodice is back opening which is still seen in fashion plates for day dresses; however, at this point there is a shift for day dresses to open in the front and evening in the back. Also in the 1840s, there was a trend in childrens’ day wear for a low, wide neckline which became known as “infant neckline” or “bodice de l’enfant”. It has kept this name even when the style was adopted by women’s wear.
No Skirt Pattern enclosed.
PELERINE PATTERN
Enclosed is a full scale print taken from Peterson’s Magazine, February 1859. No seam allowances added.
TEXTILE
The original bodice’s fabrics are a sheer cotton stripe gathered onto a cotton lining. These fabrics are perfect for warm weather wear. Sheer dresses can be made from silks, wools, wool blends in both solids and prints.
FIT
Bodice is meant to be worn over a period era corset. Depending on age of wearer and an 1840s or 1850s corset would be appropriate.
ACCESSORIES
There are a variety of ways to accessorize this bodice. It can be worn with undersleeves for day and cooler evenings. In really hot weather, there is documentation that undersleeves can be left off for morning or afternoon wear. For a day wear, the neck line could be filled in with a chemisette or covered with a fichu, summer pelerine, or summer sheer mantle. In evening these covers are still an option with maybe even an upgrade to a fancy lace or expensive fabric; but, a chemisette, like under sleeves, is not required for evening attire.
This lovely sheer bodice is an orphan: Not only has it been separated from its skirt, but also been separated from its history of maker and owner. It was purchased from an museum decommission sale in Holland.
The front gathering is a common detail of mid 1850s sheer dresses which evolved out an 1840s style. The bodice is back opening which is still seen in fashion plates for day dresses; however, at this point there is a shift for day dresses to open in the front and evening in the back. Also in the 1840s, there was a trend in childrens’ day wear for a low, wide neckline which became known as “infant neckline” or “bodice de l’enfant”. It has kept this name even when the style was adopted by women’s wear.
No Skirt Pattern enclosed.
PELERINE PATTERN
Enclosed is a full scale print taken from Peterson’s Magazine, February 1859. No seam allowances added.
TEXTILE
The original bodice’s fabrics are a sheer cotton stripe gathered onto a cotton lining. These fabrics are perfect for warm weather wear. Sheer dresses can be made from silks, wools, wool blends in both solids and prints.
FIT
Bodice is meant to be worn over a period era corset. Depending on age of wearer and an 1840s or 1850s corset would be appropriate.
ACCESSORIES
There are a variety of ways to accessorize this bodice. It can be worn with undersleeves for day and cooler evenings. In really hot weather, there is documentation that undersleeves can be left off for morning or afternoon wear. For a day wear, the neck line could be filled in with a chemisette or covered with a fichu, summer pelerine, or summer sheer mantle. In evening these covers are still an option with maybe even an upgrade to a fancy lace or expensive fabric; but, a chemisette, like under sleeves, is not required for evening attire.
254.18-28 SHEER BODICE, 1850-1860
