Friday, May 15, 2015

Plaid Work Petticoat

Reproduction plaid work petticoat, 1850s or 1860s.

Finished just in time for Fort Nisqually's fashion show!  The patterned work petticoat (possibly made-over from an old dress) helps protect one's dress during dirty chores.  I'll be using it in the fashion show tomorrow to demonstrate how accessories can change an outfit.

In both cases, I'll be wearing my green shirting-plaid dress.  To "dress it down":
  • Neck-kerchief at the throat 
  • Sleeves rolled up
  • Skirt pinned up over the plaid petticoat 
  • Print apron with bib
  • Sunbonnet
Note that all of the accessories or modifications serve to keep the dress clean in some way: shielding it from grime (sleeves, apron, petticoat), sweat (kerchief), or sun discoloration (bonnet).
To "dress it up":
  • Collar and brooch at throat
  • White cuffs on sleeves
  • White petticoats for fashionable loft (not seen)
  • Belt
  • Gloves
  • Fashionable white crepe bonnet
Edited to add: check out this original madras plaid!
Madras plaid handkerchief, c. 1855, from the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Plaid handkerchief c. 1855, VAM

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