Fashion and Accessories, 1750-1799

Brown and ivory brocade gown made of imported silk. Increased trade with Asia in the mid-18th century popularized Chinoiserie, an imitation or interpretation of Chinese and East Asian motif and design, as seen on this dress. Textiles like cotton,…

Sheer neckerchiefs became popular in the 18th century. They were commonly draped over the shoulders to fill in low necklines in style at the time. Their popularity continued into the 19th century, eventually being replaced by fichus and pelerines…

For most of recorded history, underwear was minimal to nonexistent. By the early Middle Ages, people began wearing long- sleeved linen garments gathered at the neck and wrist, known as smocks or shifts. Around the middle of the 18th century, the…

Following chemises and stockings, stays or corsets were the item of intimate apparel women donned each day. Corsets were constructed of layers of linen, canvas, or cotton. They were stiffened with whalebone or cane and reinforced with parallel lines…

Quilted petticoats were used as under and outerwear during the early decades of the 18th century. The patterns became more extravagant as they were openly displayed by the 1740s. With the decline of farthingales (skirt supporters constructed of…

The calash style bonnet was designed in the 18th century to allow women to wear a fashionable headdress without damaging their hairstyle, which had become large and elaborate. The word "calash" is derived from the French calèche, or the hood of a…

The term miniature typically refers to a portrait miniature, like this one of an unidentified 18th century man. Note the gentleman's fashion of the 1790s, which includes the waistcoat and cravat.After the invention of daguerreotypes and photography,…

Light blue silk shoes for women.

Plain linen gloves.