Fashions of London and Paris, May 1803.
“Promenade Dresses.”
In the first few years of the new century, we often see walking dresses with long trains, as here. As they walked outdoors, imagine how dirty the hems must have gotten! I always pity their poor ladies’ maids and laundresses.
The dress on the right is described as having an “embroidered shirt handkerchief.” I assume that refers to the short-sleeved over-dress that dips to a point in the back. It appears to be worn over a white under-dress with long sleeves and the train. She is also described as wearing a richly embroidered shawl, but none is shown.
I do sort of love her hat with the “dome crown.”
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“Fig. 1. Round dress of blue Chambray muslin, with a long train. Large lace veil, flowing loose.
“Fig. 2. Round muslin dress with an embroidered shirt handkerchief. A muslin or lace shawl, lined with colored silk, and richly embroidered, straw hat with dome crown, adorned with oak leaves and wheat ears.”
