Peterson's Magazine, December 1859

 For my last post of the year, I give you these fashions from December 1859.

Made in silks and velvet, these garments were clearly out of reach for the majority of women.  The fact that the dress on the right is called a carriage dress implies that not only can the wearer (or her father or husband) afford a carriage, but that it could be spared to take her on social calls around town.

Interestingly, many of the other garments in this magazine are much more practical, geared to the needs of its (presumably) middle-class readership.

FIG. I—WALKING DRESS OF PURPLE SILK—Cloak of black velvet.  The under part is made in the sacque shape, with a very full skirt and sleeves; the upper part of the cloak is in a full pelerine, of nearly the same shape in front that it is behind.  It is trimmed with guipure lace and heavy fringe.  Bonnet of purple velvet, ornamented with black lace, and black and purple plumes.

FIG II—CARRIAGE DRESS OF FAWN COLORED SILK—The skirt is trimmed with the flounces, the lower one much deeper than the four above it.  Body high to the throat, with a round waist, confined by a belt of the same material as the dress.  The sleeves are trimmed with five ruffles, the lower one deeper than the other four.  This very beautiful dress is ornamented on the skirt, body and sleeves with a binding of flame-colored silk.  Bonnet of white silk, with a round face, and trimmed with black and flame-colored plumes, and black end flame-colored ribbon.