Gown and Petticoat. Spitalfield's silk. English textile c. 1750, Remodeled  c. 1770.

     Family tradition states that his gown was  worn in Virginia by Elizabeth Dandridge Aylett Henley, sister of
     Martha Washington.~ From the Exhibition: What Clothes Reveal, Colonial Williamsburg

  
 

 Here you see a gown that could have been worn to a Ball here in America.  The gown and petticoat, made from a silk brocade, are typical of a gown styles during the 1770's.  The fabric would be difficult to duplicate today due to availability but the same  gown might be constructed using a solid color fabric.  You'll notice the panniers, or side hoops, which  give the gown it's characteristic shape.  The ruching, or self fabric trim,  elegantly adorns the gown with simplicity.  The sleeve ruffles are typical of the period.

 
 
  A view of the gown's bodice reveals ribbon bows across a plain ivory stomacher.  Few gowns are found with their original stomachers. Click on the image for additional close-up of the fringe edges of the rushing.
From the Exhibition The Language of Clothing, Colonial Williamsburg. photos by Carrie Midura

 

 

  
     
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