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This 1880s tan two-piece traveling suit with lace dickie is from the
Mid-west but is a universal style for the era with the fitted bodice
and back bustle.
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This summer cotton print weave dress with gray velvet trim comes from
Pennsylvania. It was made in the 1860s and later altered. The waist
line has dropped to normal and the high collar and bodice darts are styles
of the later Victorian years which moves away from the smooth, uncluttered
lines of the early 1860s.
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A golden hoop skirt silk dress from the early 1860s is original to
South Plainfield. It has dropped shoulders, pretty standup ruffled
collar, and front dress insert. It would have belonged to someone of
social position, for it is a teagown to be worn in the afternoon to go
visiting or receive callers at home. Its frail condition tells of its
age. The salt used in coloring silks also causes it to destruct.
Another Civil War-era dress, this 3-piece ensemble is quite tiny
in size. The jacket has bell sleeves with beautiful detailing in
green velvet. It is original to South Plainfield.
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This black dress with pellerine (short cape) would be typical
widows-wear of the mid-1800s. People didn't recycle their clothing
the way we do today -- they altered it to fit the changing style.
Close inspection of the fabric would reveal that the "V" waistline
popular in the 1850s was raised to the higher style popular in the
1860s. Another hint this is a dress from the 1850s is fringe
at the shoulders.