Three-piece Summer Dress with Floret Print

This three-piece summer dress is made from delicately printed cotton batiste. It displays the fashionable 1869 silhouette of a short bodice over a straight skirt that falls close to the body. The emphasis is now on the back, above the buttocks, an effect that is reinforced through the semi-circular overskirt. This voluminous construction was worn over a bustle. Slightly ruffled flounces, one wide and two narrow, decorate the skirt. This blousy top, ending above the waist, has a straight waist. It is strongly gathered in the front and rear centres and is fastened along the front with hook and eyes. A delicate ruffle trim extends in a V-shape from the waistline, over the shoulders and toward the rear. The frills on the top portion are fitted with piping. The bodice has long sleeves with wide ruffle trim and is fully lined up to mid-sleeve middle. The frill at the neckline is made of chemical fibre, a 20th century element.