Arts & Culture in Quarantine: Getting Dressed in 1860

Getting Dressed, 1860 - Women’s Civilian Fashion What was it like getting dressed in 1860 for women? In this #Arts&CultureinQuarantine video, living historian Amanda Fross (@historic_adventuress) demonstrates the typical fashions of American women in the 1860s. Layering is a theme in 19th century fashion. For women getting dressed begins with the chemise. A chemise is worn under the clothes as a slip and can also serve as night clothes. Stockings are worn either above or below the knees and can be tied with garters. Corsets serve as a foundation or support garment much in the way that a brassiere does today. Drawers are becoming more common in the mid part of the 19th century. Under petticoats are sometimes worn for modesty. Cage Crinolines give the outer garment the desired and fashionable shape. Over petticoats smooth and enhance the shape and structure given by the crinoline. The outer dress may be a work garment of cotton or wool, or a more fashionable silk or lawn for summer or evening wear. Spe