accn. no. 1997.43.M1

Olive silk day dress, ca. 1860
West Point, Georgia
Featured in the exhibition, Gone With the Girdle: Freedom, Restraint & Power in Women's Dress
The triple-darted, boned bodice of the brocade dress is an 1850's style while details like the "macaroons" (rosette buttons)and turned-back pagoda sleeves were likely inspired by illustrations in the November 1860 Godey's Lady's Book. Worn with the proper underpinnings this olive drab and brown silk brocade dress is a fitting daytime look for a woman of means.