History's Runway: A Seaside Dress, 1872

Seaside Day Dress
England, c. 1872
This and all related images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Inspired by the classic sailor suit, this day dress was made in the early 1870s as a sporting outfit to be worn for a day at the seaside—walking or boating. Constructed of easily-laundered (by Victorian standards) cotton, the outfit is meant to be practical without sacrificing style.

A hip-length jacket with a square collar is finished in scarf ends. The overskirt boasts patch pockets with another pocket in the seam. A stitched bow adorns the belt. Unlined, the ensemble would have been ideal for a warm day.  Bone buttons offer a charming contrast to the combination of medium blue and ecru stripes and the rich, deep blue of the finish-work.

It was made in the United Kingdom, likely in London. Few such example of sporting outfits of this period remain. Though the materials were durable, these types of ensembles were more quickly consumed due to the nature of their use.

You'll see that, as was the style of the time, this was worn with a bustle beneath the dress.  The skirts are shorter than would have been acceptable for city-wear, but this served to keep the hem from dragging in the sand.  

History's Runway: The Rogers Half-Mourning Dress, 1889-1892

Day Dress
Paris, c. 1890
This and all related images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Records tell us that this dress once belonged to either Cara or Annge Rogers—the daughter of an American industrialist of great means. Cara would later become Lady Fairhaven—one of what was known as a “Dollar Princess.” These wealthy American young ladies came to Britain seeking titles and married into impoverished aristocratic families—providing them with the funds they needed and getting the title that was so coveted. 

In the 1880s and 1890s Cara kept full wardrobes in London, Paris and New York which she shared with her sister. This is one of them. This French formal day jacket and skirt is made from ivory figured silk which has been overlaid with chiffon and ribbons of black velvet. Machine lace and ivory velvet lead to the bustle. Such an outfit would have been suitable for a period of half-mourning, which is something both sisters were likely always in.

History's Runway: A Seaside Dress, 1872

Seaside Day Dress
England, c. 1872
This and all related images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Inspired by the classic sailor suit, this day dress was made in the early 1870s as a sporting outfit to be worn for a day at the seaside—walking or boating. Constructed of easily-laundered (by Victorian standards) cotton, the outfit is meant to be practical without sacrificing style.

A hip-length jacket with a square collar is finished in scarf ends. The overskirt boasts patch pockets with another pocket in the seam. A stitched bow adorns the belt. Unlined, the ensemble would have been ideal for a warm day.  Bone buttons offer a charming contrast to the combination of medium blue and ecru stripes and the rich, deep blue of the finish-work.

It was made in the United Kingdom, likely in London. Few such example of sporting outfits of this period remain. Though the materials were durable, these types of ensembles were more quickly consumed due to the nature of their use.

You'll see that, as was the style of the time, this was worn with a bustle beneath the dress.  The skirts are shorter than would have been acceptable for city-wear, but this served to keep the hem from dragging in the sand.  

History's Runway: The Rogers Half-Mourning Dress, 1889-1892

Day Dress
Paris, c. 1890
This and all related images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Records tell us that this dress once belonged to either Cara or Annge Rogers—the daughter of an American industrialist of great means. Cara would later become Lady Fairhaven—one of what was known as a “Dollar Princess.” These wealthy American young ladies came to Britain seeking titles and married into impoverished aristocratic families—providing them with the funds they needed and getting the title that was so coveted. 

In the 1880s and 1890s Cara kept full wardrobes in London, Paris and New York which she shared with her sister. This is one of them. This French formal day jacket and skirt is made from ivory figured silk which has been overlaid with chiffon and ribbons of black velvet. Machine lace and ivory velvet lead to the bustle. Such an outfit would have been suitable for a period of half-mourning, which is something both sisters were likely always in.