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Williamsburg Rose

Early Victorian
Fashions

Typical of the ealy Victorian era during which it was constructed (1830's) the La Porte House features two stately first floor Parlors. These were the formal rooms of the house, used for lavish entertaining and decorated in the most stylish furniture of the era.

The back parlor shows a couple in typical 1830's Daywear.

PEACH COTTON DAYDRESS c.1830-35

The "Romantic era" of the 1830's dressed women in some of the most demure, and feminine styles ever seen. Small waists were now emphasized, with the ever-widening skirts and huge, balloon shaped sleeves making them look more diminutive. With waistlines at a more "natural" level, a pointed front detail became popular.

This Daydress, os floral printed cotton, shows the new silhouette. The 'leg-o-mutton' or 'gigot' sleeves, now at their widest, are emphasized by a bertha of embroidered white cotton, edging the neckline, covering and accentuating the huge shoulder width .These "lingerie" white accessories were of several types: pelerines, tippets, canezous and mantillas. They provided variety to the plain necklines of the period, as well as being a superb showcase for either purchased lace or hand-made whitework embroidery.

The back-fastening bodice, now settled at the natural waistlline, no longer is straight across, but dips to a point at the center front. Lower sleeves now are showcases for ornamentation - pleats, bands and cuffs, with contrast buttons and piping in peach, to co-ordinate with the ensemble. Numerous soft petticoats hold the skirt in a soft dome shape. In keeping with the sheltered feminine demeanor of the times, a large-brimmed bonnet accessorized the ensemble. Made in tan satin and lined in peach to compliment the dress, it is decorated tastefully with an assortment of laces, flowers, feathers and ribbons.

GREY VELVET COAT/ COSSACK TROUSERS c.1828

By the 19th century, men's clothing was characterized by attention to cut and fit. Coats, especially reflected attention to style and proportion, and became more complex in construction.

After the French Revolution, knee breeches were out of fashion, and long trousers became the norm for menswear. The stylish gentleman wears a grey velvet doublebreasted coat with a cutaway front, full shoulders, and long coat tails. High style demands that both a waistcoat (tan, single-breated) and "slip-waistcoat"(red with gold stripe)be worn, of contrasting colors,

Following the Czar's visit to England in 1814, loose-fitting "Cosssack" trousers, with their under-shoe band became fashionable, and were made in wool, silk and linen.

Ourfit accessorized with grey felted top hat and carve wooden walking stick.