Early Victorian Era Fashion Chit Chat - May 1859 Peterson's Magazine

Early Victorian Era Fashion Chit Chat - May 1859 Peterson's Magazine

Remarks - Double skirts will be the most fasionable for all plain materials; generally the first skirt is plain; the second may be left open ath the sides or not, both styles are in favor; plaitings a vicille of the same material, or ribbon to match, is a very favorite trimming for these skirts: side trimmings en quille of rows of black velvet, which decrease toward the waist, are also much worn: the Grecian border in velvet will be introduced for plain silks, the border being on both skirts; the velvet will be of a darker shade than the silk. Plaid trimmings will be extremely fashionable, both for silks and poplins; we have seen one dress in preparation for a lady of position, having the first skirt of plain poplin; the second of plaided poplin; the body and sleeves to correspond. Moire antiques, and silks with very large plaids are worn with one skirt only; they are made long, with a slight train, and are very full. Bodies a la Bernoise will certainly be fashionable; they will not always be in velvet, but will correspond with the trimming of the dress. Except for evening dress, bodies are made high to the throat; many are now made with round waists; others with five points, and some with four short points, one in the front, at the back, and on the hips; those bodies that have basquines, have them cut very deep.

Bonnets - In these there is but little change. Mr. Wilde, No 251 Broadway, New York, has furnished us with the two, given in the front of the number; and they will show the manner of trimming as well as the shapes.

Caps - The Breakfast-Cap and Morning-Cap exhibit the latest novelties. They are from patterns just received from Paris. The head-dress is from Wilde, No 251 Broadway, New York.

Mantillas - Tese are in every variety of style, and can be purchased, ready-made, this spring, nearly as cheaply as they can be fabricated at home. We engrave one, in addition to those already mentioned; a summer article, quite graceful.

Sleeves - We have engraved two new shapes. Sleeves are still worn wide, whether open or puffed; the favorite style are those open in nearly their whole length, showing the full under-sleeve; these generally close to the wrist, and are ornamented with bows of ribbon or velvet. The full bishop sleeve will be worn, not reaching quite to the wrist, and the band at the bottom loose, either finished by a deep lace ruffle, or having a full bouillon sleeve below it.

Capes - We give a very stylish pattern.