Posts tagged 18th Century.

Gown | c. 1760

Robe à l’anglaise | c. 1780

A dress of surprisingly modern taste appeared around the time of French Revolution, during the transition period from the gorgeous Rococo style silk dresses to plain cotton dresses after the Revolution. Simple dresses from that period have. This dress made of light plain silk taffeta has a “compères” style double front bodice. The sole decoration to this dress is black lace trim.
When wearing this dress, a thin “fichu” was placed in the large opening at the top of the bodice.

Cotton and Silk | c. 1798

Gown | c. 1760

The sack-back gown was the most popular style of formal dress for women in the mid-18th century. It was loose at the back, with the fabric gathered into pleats at the shoulder. In front, the gown was open, showing off a decorative stomacher and petticoat. This example is decorated with ruchings and ruffles of the same silk, edged with white fly fringe (a type of silk fringe). The arrangement of these decorations in curves and loops shows Rococo influence. The bright yellow colour of the silk was a popular shade in 18th century women’s dress.

François Boucher | La toilette intime

Dress | c. 1785

Robe à la Française | c. 1765

George Romney | Lady Milnes | 1788

Stays | First quarter of the 18th century

Robe à la Française | c. 1740