Lower class Dicken's dress for those on the wrong side of town or dockside.

front drawing by Ashley Brown back drawing by Ashley Brown

Drawings and Design

Original drawings and design comments by Ashley Brown:

"In order to pass costume approval (since I'm not a can can girl) the dress needs to be in all natural looking fabrics. I'll dust it up to look lower class when it's done. :) The color scheme: dark green fabric (plaid would be preferable), burgundy trim, and black tassels.

"The front of the bodice is cut 4.5 inches from my collarbone in a square shape. (The lace shown on the neckline is the lace of my chemise.) Tassels are underneath the breast line. There are elastic capped sleeves, possibly with a burgundy trip on the bottom. I haven't decided yet if I want actual working buttons on the front or ones that are hook and eyed.

"The back of the bodice is laced with grommets.

"The skirt is gathered into a set waistband and has burgundy trim on the bottom with black tassels."

Examples of square neck bodices in fashion plates

Fashion Plate Examples

Examples of square neck bodices in fashion plates from the 1850s-1860 (L'Iris 1853, Ladies Gazette of Fashion 1960, Modes de Paris 1858).
bodice bodice

Mock Bodice

Mock bodice in green moire taffeta with pagoda sleeves lined with gray satin. Hook and eye closure up front with space at top for pin. This will be used for fitting and pattern adjustment.
Pattern: Based on Janet Arnold, "Patterns of Fashion 1", 1964, page 67, c.1856-60 The Vicoria and Albert Museum wedding dress
bodice bodice

Bodice

Green, blue, and black cotton plaid square neck bodice with pagoda sleeves lined with navy satin. Hook and eye closure up front. Lightly boned, button hole lacing with black ribbon up back with modesty placket.
Pattern: Based on Janet Arnold, "Patterns of Fashion 1", 1964, page 67, c.1856-60 The Victoria and Albert Museum wedding dress


Completed: September 2007