1840s fashion

1849-1852

In the 1840s, the Bertha was a neckline style that was wide and deep. Worn by women, this style was usually made with lace.

It's a rather beautiful legacy.

A sewing pattern review for Laughing Moon Mercantile 114. Pattern reviews help sewers choose the right patten so that they have success with their sewing projects.

The top row of figures shows three women. The woman on the left wears a pink and purple dress with a fitted bodice, full sleeves, and white lace cuffs. Two lines of white lace ruffles run over the shoulders and down the bodice to form a point at the waist. The woman wears white gloves and a white bonnet, which ties under the chin and is trimmed with white plumes and pink flowers. The central woman wears a dotted white, off-the-shoulder dress with long full sleeves, and a ruched neckline. A…

So, last week I made a silly mistake and published two Rate the Dresses. I noticed it a few hours later and withdrew the one I hadn’t meant to publish. So most of you only saw the 1780s pastel polonaised froof that I left up (and most of didn’t particularly care for it and rated it a not-very inspiring 5.2 out of 10). But some of you did get a sneak-peek at this week’s Rate the Dress, so have had all week to think about whether you like it or not.. 1840s dresses can be a bit, well, plain and…

Woman's Dress, Unknown, England, 1845-1849, Costumes, Silk plain weave with warp-float patterning, printed, silk lace and silk passementerie.

A woman wears a pink bonnet with large white plumes and pink flowers inside the brim. Her dress is green with long narrow sleeves with pleats down the sleeves, and narrow white lace ruffles at the cuff. The bodice is V-necked with pleats rising from the center front out over the shoulders, and has a wide ruffled lace or net collar with a brooch.

1855-60 day dress

Day and evening dresses, 1846 United Kingdom, La Belle Assemblee

Printed challis day dress, lined with glazed cotton and linen [British], c. 1837–40 || Victoria & Albert Museum©

Truly Victorian 1840s German Day Dress