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1830: The Start of Bonnets
Link Modest prettiness was 'the 'look' in the 1830s, with bonnets replacing hats. Bell-shaped skirts known as crinolines became moer popular, needing ever more petticoats, and even hooped supports were need for them. -
A new type of hairstyle
Link The hairstyles of the last decade changed to fashions which kept the hair closer to the head, and the high bun or knot on the top of the head moved to the back of the head. Hair was still often parted in the centre. Long curls dangling down towards the front (sometimes called "spaniel curls") were worn. -
Gowns in the 1840s
Link During the 1840s Shoulders became narrow and sloping, waists became low and pointed, and sleeve detail moved from the elbow to the wrists. Skirts changed from a conical shape to a bell shape, Full skirts were a success mainly through layers of petticoats. -
Dresses in the 1850s
Link In the 1850s, the domed skirts of the 1840s continued to grow. Skirts were made larger by means of deep ruffles, usually in tiers of three and gathered tightly at the top .Early in the decade, bodices of day dresses featured panels over the shoulders that were gathered into a blunt point at the dropped waist. Evening dresses were very low-necked, falling off the shoulders, and had short sleeves. -
A New Invention: The Sewing Machine
Link 1860 saw changes: the sewing machine was invented bringing costs down, and synthetic dyes enabled intense colours. The sewing machine offered women a break from the countless hours and boredom of hand sewing. However, the large cost of these early machines meant that they were too expensive for most American families. -
The Princess Gown
Link In 1866 the new Princess gown also changed the line of fashionable dress. The Princess gown was cut in one piece and consisted of a number of joined panels fitted and gored from shoulder to hem that gave the figure shape through seaming.
