OK, I’ll admit it – I did a lot of Civil War re-enacting in my 20’s. That explains why I have more dresses from this period than most others. The 1850’s saw the rise of the hoop skirt – the multiple petticoats of the past two decades fell out of favor in the wake of this new device. The basic shape of the hoop skirt changed over the course of the time it was in fashion. In the mid to late 1850’s, the skirts were bell shaped. In the early 1860’s this changed so there was slightly more fullness at the bottom, and by the late 1860’s the elliptical hoop skirt came into fashion. The elliptical hoop was flatter in front and wide towards the back. This further evolved into the bustle period that began in the 1870’s.
Dress with 3 tiered ruffled skirt and "fan front" bodice. The fabric has a border print which has been used to trim the ruffles
Bodice in late 1850's style trimmed with red fringe, skirt of black faille.
Three piece dress with bodice trimmed in black fringe, van dyke pointed overskirt trimmed in black fringe, and black taffeta ruffled underskirt
Silk taffeta gown with elaborate inset rusched panels and embroidery
Day dress of plaid silk taffeta trimmed with olive green grosgrain ribbon
Cotton day dress with coat sleeves, trimmed with satin ribbon.
Dress with two bodices - one ball gown bodice and one day bodice trimmed with antique gold fringe and braided self fabric trim. Also has apron overskirt trimmed with fringe and an elaborate belt.