Dress

Description

Sheer, gauzy dresses such as this one became popular in the 1860s, especially with younger women. Open weaves, rather than closely-woven silk gowns, were particularly desirable in the summer months. Despite the prettiness of these sheer, light dresses, they lacked the vibrant colors of their silk taffeta contemporaries. To add color, the dresses were trimmed with bright ribbons and lace, or punctuated with vibrant embroidery. This dress, from the Scott family of Western Run Valley, features red stripes and blue, red, and violet flowers embroidered throughout, as well as acid green ribbon and lace trim.