This is a gorgeous brown, silk satin, late 1880s dinner dress. The dress is made up of a stunning bodice that has a high collar and is trimmed in a little white lawn ruffle. The silk has beautiful black duo tone beading. The beading continues down the front of the bodice in a leaf loopy pattern and is appliqued to the bodice along the center placket. The bodice buttons up the front with incredible (brass) buttons that have faceted bead flowers in the center (steel cut bead style). The bodice is simply cut and falls just past the natural waist and is pointed in the front. In the back, there is a little pleated tail that sits over the bustle. The bodice has long-fitted sleeves that are simple and loosely fitted. At the wrist, there are more beading appliques and the cuffs are sewn in with another white cotton lawn ruffle. The bodice is fully lined in a brown? polished cotton? It is full-boned on all seams for shaping and support.
The skirt is super simple and is just (2) large straight panels of silk sewn together and gathered down with a drawstring at the waist. The gathers look like pleats, especially on the back of the skirt. There is also a pocket that sits further back than contemporary pockets. The skirt is unlined and…

Conditions:
The set is overall in fantastic condition with only two small things to note. There is some slight staining in the skirt where the color is slightly lighter. The spots are small and hard to see in the fullness of the skirt. The cuffs also have ??? The set is still wearable but is a petite size. This beautiful dinner dress is ready for a new home.

Measurements
Top
Neck: 15"
Shoulder: 12"
Bust: 34"
Waist: 25"
Length: 19"
Sleeves: 20"
Cuffs: 8"

Skirt
Waist: Free
Hips: Free
Length: 33"
Hem: 1.5"

This item is sold from an excellent, highly rated vintage seller in Pittsburgh, Pa.