Peterson's Magazine, January 1859

 

FIG. I—Evening Dress of Black Net over black silk, and trimmed with three broad, black lace flounces.  Greek body with a long point in front and at the back. The sleeves are made wide, and supported by full puffs of white tulle.  The trimmings of the dress and head-dress consist of clusters of grapes and leaves.

FIG. II—Dress of White Tulle With Two Skirts Embroidered in Floss.—Each skirt has a lining of pink silk of a quarter of a yard in length, run under the embroidery.  Wreath of pink roses on the head.

Here we have two young ladies ready for a party (a New Year's party?) in 1859.  Peterson's Magazine's description of the dresses illustrated in this plate is remarkably clear and straightforward for the era, probably because they expected some of their readers to try making their own versions.