1833 Plaid Silk Gown + All the Accessories – Done!

Lauren Stowell (American Duchess) wears an 1833 gown and accessories

I can’t believe I never shared *finished* photos of the 1833 plaid day dress with all the accessories. I went through the whole making of it but, like…never showed the finish. That’s a cardinal sin of costuming blogs!
Better late than never, though – and the link for the project will be complete now too.
This photo was obviously taken in Summer (2020) when I had a chance to wear this gown again for an 1830s silhouette Zoom party. It is still one of my favorite costumes ever and shall have many years to come, as the cross-over bodice is so adjustable.
To recap the making of:
At Dickens Fair 2018 – the accessories (millinery) are really important to completing an 1830s look. Pelerine, belt, large buckle, gloves, muff, bonnet. 
I don’t have any photos or posts about making the canezou/pelerine. I apologize!
The pelerine is made of several different piece of vintage whitework voile salvaged from christening gowns and aprons. The belt is a length of velvet ribbon and the buckle is from Ensembles of the Past on Etsy. 

This photo amuses me because it makes the gown look tiny. Here’s the whole thing laid out without the millinery piled on top What I love about the early 1830s gowns is that the basic bodice and skirt are really simple. Then it’s the insane sleeves that take it *there* followed by the fluff-splosion of millinery. Just keep piling it on!

10 Comments

  • ZipZip

    December 30, 2020 at 3:45 PM

    "Fluff-splosion": what a useful, big-fun word!
    Until recently, thought the 1830s too outre, especially the architectural hairstyles, but am now drawn to the playfulness and the happy, spirited look. You can *play* in these outfits. No wonder you see yourself wearing the outfit for years! The pelerine in particular is delightful.
    Happy New Year,
    Natalie in KY

    Reply
    • Lauren Stowell

      December 31, 2020 at 11:18 PM

      We all need loads more fluff in our lives! I also like to joke that there seems to be an evolution amongst historical costumers – we all start out loathing the 1830s. It's SO ridiculous! Ack! I'll never make anything ever ever from this period. And then….it starts to creep in…it's insidious…and then suddenly you find yourself cutting out gigantic arced sleeves and making hair pieces, lol!

      Reply
    • Black Tulip

      January 2, 2021 at 9:46 PM

      Exactly! I've always been of the "If there's one period I would never, EVER do . . ." school of thought, but now I occasionally catch myself wondering if I could ever coax my hair into an Apollo knot!!!

      Reply
    • Lauren Stowell

      January 4, 2021 at 7:14 PM

      You're going to *love* the hair – it's all hair pieces! Clip-on side curls, a braid bun or wired brain loops for the top, a bunch of weird decorations and you're there!

      Reply
  • aussie Chris

    March 17, 2021 at 2:37 AM

    How beautiful!! Gosh it must feel amazing to wear!! That gorgeous 'swish' of the silk – pure heaven!! I like the idea of the crossover bodice as we do tend to change shape a bit when things change – like Covid!!!!

    Reply
    • admin

      May 16, 2021 at 5:58 AM

      Thank you! Yes, it does feel amazing to wear and I really never thought it would. Those gigantic puffy sleeves are just ridiculously fun, and…somehow feel…elegant. Madness!

      Reply

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