Fashion Plate of 1890's Evening Dress

Fashion Plate of 1890's Evening Dress
From Delineator Magazine , Full Dtess Toilettes ,Described on page 264, March 1898

Ladies’ evening dress of the 1890s highlights an hourglass figure and usually consists of a fitted bodice with and open neckline, the shoulder-line is on the shoulder, with sleeves ranging from extravagant puffs to small or even almost non-existent ruffles or lace. The skirt sweeps the floor and is A-line, usually cut in a circle with gored pattern pieces. Fabrics range from rich brocades and velvets to lightweight chiffons and organdies. Colors are deep rich jewel tones or light and youthful pastels. Trims can be rich, heavy, and historically influenced or very femminine and fluffy.

Past Patterns ball gown D 15 &D 16 perhaps with the addition of full puffed sleeves and skirt patterns numbers D16 is appropriate for 1890s evening gowns. Patterns of Fashion by Janet Arnold also has accurate ball gown patterns. Fitted day gown bodices such as Past Patterns D15 can be easily altered by cutting it with a lower neckline and shorter puffed sleeves. Laughing Moon Enterprises has good 1890s evening bodice and skirt patterns as well.