Gowns and Dresses 1700–50 in Western fashion

a rigid, upright posture sharp break @ bust characteristic of stiffly boned stays of 1730s. these english ladies wear formal mantuas tea.



empress elisabeth christine in riding costume.

in decades of new century, formal dress consisted of stiff-bodiced mantua. closed (or round ) petticoat, worn apron, replaced open draped mantua skirt of previous period. formal style gave way more relaxed fashions.

the robe à la française or sack-back gown looser-fitting , welcome change women used wearing bodices. flowing pleats shoulders undress fashion. @ informal, gown unfitted both front , , called sacque. more relaxed style came shift away heavy fabrics, such satin , velvet, indian cotton, silks , damasks. also, these gowns made in lighter pastel shades gave off warm, graceful , childlike appearance. later, formal wear, front fitted body means of tightly-laced underbodice, while fell in loose box pleats called watteau pleats appearance in paintings of antoine watteau.

the less formal robe à l anglaise, close-bodied gown or nightgown had pleated back, pleats sewn down fit bodice body waist.

either gown closed in front (a round gown ) or open reveal matching or contrasting petticoat.

open-fronted bodices filled in decorative stomacher, , toward end of period lace or linen kerchief called fichu worn fill in low neckline.

sleeves bell- or trumpet-shaped, , caught @ elbow show frilled or lace-trimmed sleeves of shift (chemise) beneath. sleeves became narrower period progressed, frill @ elbow, , elaborate separate ruffles called engageantes tacked shift sleeves, in fashion persist 1770s.

necklines on dresses became more open time went on allowing greater display of ornamentation of neck area. thick band of lace sewed onto neckline of gown ribbons, flowers, and/or jewels adorning lace. jewelry such strings of pearls, ribbons, or lace frills tied high on neck. finally, 1 other large element of 18th century women s dress wear became addition of frilled neckband, separate piece rest of dress. ornament popularized sometime around 1730 .