Lady’s Monthly Museum, March 1800.
“Morning Dress for March 1800.”
In its second year of publication, this magazine was still offering original designs for their fashion prints. They are not as fine as some of their competitors, but do have a certain simplistic charm. Within a few years, original prints gave way to those copied from other publications.
The spencer jacket on the right figure is reminiscent of a habit jacket, which were always cut with a peplum in the back. I suspect it is possible that some ladies did indeed wear a habit jacket as a spencer now and then. What looks to be black lacings on the back of the green dress are apparently simply an ornamentation, though they are said to be made of white cord.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“First Figure. Black velvet bonnet, with black feather, and short veil of black lace, trimmed with pink ribbon, and tied under the chin. Muslin handkerchief tied round the neck, with a lace frill. Green muslin dress, ornamented with white cord, and small white buttons on the back; the upper park of the sleeves full, and gathered at the shoulders with white cord and buttons.
“Second Figure. Round straw bonnet lined with blue or pink, and turned up at the edge, with white feather. Jacket à la paysanne, of coloured silk or fine kerseymere; facings and collar of black velvet, ornamented with silk twist to match the collar; double row of small gilt buttons.”
