Brown Walking Dress

After 1845 skirts became larger and in the 1850s achieved a consistent dome-like form that was often accentuated with ruffles. This finely pleated skirt is decorated at the waist with three ruffles in an exquisite à disposition woven pattern of transversely placed ovals. The ovals, within which black and white polka dots are grouped around a reddish brown matte core, are reminiscent of a lively pen and ink drawing of partridges, and taper upward. The lower flounced edges end in a similar use of forms with a curved pattern. The separate bodice has a stylish front button closure and its rounded tails, short in front and longer in the back form, the uppermost ornamentation of the skirt. The dropping shoulders are emphasized by double trim and decorated with partridge patterned tassels. The long sleeves, which widen into a pagoda shape, are set beneath. These also terminate in a double partridge-patterned flounce with fringe border. The bodice is fully lined in white silk, which is emphasized by the red trim at the sleeve. The skirt is unlined and it has an impact shielding braid trim at the hem. Beneath the ruffles one can see that it was made of numerous separate pieces, it is pieced together thus saving material.