Talk about an antique clothing haul score! I never in my life would have thought that I would be able to buy an 1860s lady's outfit with the skirt, day bodice, and evening bodice! To find all three pieces together is super rare, let alone the fact that the pieces are in incredible condition. I really hope you all enjoy this look into this *incredible* Victorian dress.

In this unboxing, we're going to look at all three pieces - the day bodice, the evening bodice, and the skirt (spoiler: it has a pocket!) All three pieces are excellent examples of 1860s women's fashions. Having a day bodice and an evening bodice made up to match a skirt was an economical and common occurrence in the Victorian era, as it made it possible for a woman to wear the skirt multiple times and get the most value out of the investment (Fabric = Money, and when your skirt has yards and yards of fabric in it, you want to get the most bang for your buck!)

The 1860s was the era of the hoop skirt in the western world, and this Victorian dress is no different. Under this huge skirt is a 120" hoop and petticoat to help hold it out into shape and give the woman the fashionable silhouette of the 1860s. While this outfit looks complicated and difficult to put on, a Victorian woman could dress herself in this ensemble, because the bodices are both center front opening with hooks and eyes and the skirt opens towards the front as well. We usually associate formal wear with back lacing bodices and servants, but this woman was capable of getting dressed for a ball by herself. Seeing an original Victorian bodice that opens in the center front just further justifies any and all historical costumers who want to sew their ball gown with center front closures.

One final thing I really love about this 1860s outfit is how easy it will be to reproduce for your own historical costume wardrobe. The designs are simple and elegant and easily reproduced. The only issue is *real* silk moire isn't really produced anymore (and if you find some it's usually incredibly expensive!) So if you are inspired to sew a new version of this Victorian dress, I would suggest a silk taffeta, silk faille, or silk satin as a replacement to the silk moire/watered silk. The velvet bias trim could be made from a small bit of silk velvet fabric.The construction of the bodices are actually quite simple and would be easy to sew, whether by hand or by machine. (and who knows, maybe a sewing pattern will come out in the future...😉) Don't forget that under this 1860s dress you would be wearing your chemise, corset, under-drawers, hoop skirt, and petticoat.

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