Cream and Brown Printed and Striped Bodice

circa 1867
VC1992045

The construction of this bodice, with the exception of the sleeves, is nearly identical to that of the double-point bodice, but the look is entirely different.  The striped vertical ruching and narrow brown velvet ribbon lend the dress a rather Renaissance appearance, particularly when taken together with the sleeves, which have puffs at the top, with a decidedly Elizabethan velvet ribbon cage.

This second bodice from the Vassar collection comes from a more carefree year than the other bodice, with its fanciful, elaborate decorations and bold print fabric.  The date of 1867-68 makes sense, as it would be after the Civil War, and thus fancier dresses would be more appropriate.  The dress is also probably for a younger woman, as the measurements are more in keeping with the average sizes of women at the time.

Researched by Margaret Thompson ‘10