Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, November 1816.
“Evening Dress”
This is the period in which the waistlines are extremely high and the bodices quite small. Also at this time, the bottom half of skirts were often filled with extravagant flounces and trimmings. Here, however, the ornamentation of the skirt is quite understated and relatively simple.
Note the looseness of the gloves, which is typical of the entire Regency period. Also notice the armlets worn high on the upper arm. Always worn in pairs, armlets were also very typical of the period.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“A lilac and white striped gauze dress over a white satin slip; the bottom of the skirt is ornamented with five rows of white silk trimming, of a very light and elegant description: it has just been introduced, and the patterns has more novelty than any thing we have seen for some time; a single flounce of deep blond lace completes the trimming. The body is also very novel; the upper part is formed of lace, and the lower of gauze, to correspond with the dress; the latter is quite tight to the shape, but the former has an easy fulness, which forms the shape in a manner extremely advantageous to the figure. The sleeve is short and very full; it is composed of lace, looped high, and finished by a trimming to correspond with that of the skirt. The hair is full dressed, without any ornament. Necklace, cross, armlets, and bracelets of rubies. White satin slippers, and white kid gloves.”
