Fashions for April 1824

Loretta reports:

From Ackermann's Repository Vol III 1824

London fashions for April 1824

Dress of emerald green gros de Naples; corsage plain, and bordered at the top with a satin band of the same colour, and a narrow tucker of tulle:  the sleeve is very short and full, and composed of crèpe lisse; the fulness regulated by pyramidal bands of gros de Naples, and finished in a double satin band round the arm.  A very novel kind of flounce ornaments the bottom of the skirt, which is cut nearly a quarter of a yard up, and a fullness of crèpe lisse introduced, and formed into a regular row of demi-bells, the lower part kept extended by two statin pipings, and the top of each surmounted with a double satin circlet and a triplet of satin leaves appliquée.  Fichu of crèpe lisse, edged with satin piping, and trimmed all round with narrow blond, confined at the shoulders with corded leaves, and arranged in front to form a stomacher, the points coming below the ceinture, which is also edged with satin and blond, and unites behind in a leaf rosette with the corner of the fichu.  The hair is separated in front, and a pearl comb confines it on each side from the temple; round the back of the head it is arranged in large regular curls.  Ear-rings and necklace of rubies.  White kid gloves; white satin shoes; India shawl.

I find quite a bit to like in every fashion era.  One thing I like about the early-mid 1820s is the move to a natural waistline, while retaining the hip-skimming skirt of the previous era.  In a few years, the sleeves and skirt will start to pouf out, the prelude to the exaggerated shapes of the 1830s.  For now, though, women are showing off their natural shapes.