The Lady’s Monthly Museum, July 1800.
“Afternoon Dresses for July 1800.”
The early prints from this magazine were somewhat simplistic, even crude, compared to those in the more expensive magazines. But they were original designs at this time, not yet borrowed from other publications. And they do have a certain charm, with very sweet faces.
Afternoon dresses would have been worn at events held in the late afternoon, such as garden parties or barge parties on the river. They might even do for informal early evening gatherings.
The hat on the left is a bit odd, but I do like the blue ribbon accents on the sleeves. The pink garment on the right is called a half-dress, a term I have not yet run across for a specific garment rather than a category of dress. It is almost like a short tunic, or a spencer with a short skirt.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“3. White muslin gown, buttoned down the front with blue buttons; the shoulders white satin, laced over with blue ribbon, and with a puffing of muslin before and behind. A lace frill on the neck behind. The head-dress: a white satin front, laced over with blue ribbon, and blue buttons, with a veil of white muslin depending from it: a blue feather. Necklace, ear-rings, and bracelets, an elastic gold serpent with diamond eyes. Gloves white silk.
“4. Plain undress of white muslin, with puffed shoulders. A half-dress of pink satin, forming the body and half the sleeves, with a skirt open in the front, and descending in two points; short on the sides, and pointed behind: the skirt embroidered with silver, and buttons of silver on the breast, shoulders, and sleeves. Head-dress: a silver net and band, with silver tie in front, enriched with rows of pink satin before and behind. Necklace, ear-rings, and bracelets of coral. Shoes pink satin.”
