Empire Gown with Train (left)

The delicate chemise gowns reached their most extreme shape around 1800. Their bodices became very short and signalled a radical departure from the rigid corset. This ankle-length gown with long train has a wide neckline, the bodice and skirt are cut from one piece of material and a drawstring at the neckline and high waist gathers the fullness of the material. The width of the skirt is heavily ruffled in the back and attached at the waist. The short sleeves are far set. A palmette decoration rising in rows of white embroidery alternates with pinnate leaves between scattered flowers.