Maternity dress, Pelerine, and Shoes

View of maternity dress, pelerine, shoes and detail image.

Maternity dress, c. 1830–35. English. Printed cotton. Costume and Textile Purchase Fund, 2012.31.1

Pelerine, c. 1830–35. Embroidered cotton. Costume and Textile Purchase Fund, 2012.31.7

Shoes, c. 1835. American. Silk satin and leather. Gift of Mrs. Willard Jones, 1963.218a,b

This dress has an apron-front skirt, meaning that it is open across the front of the waist and down the side seams to above the knee. The waist is on a drawstring so that it can be adjusted. This construction had been an option since the 1780s and was convenient for pregnancy.