Building a Working Wardrobe GETTING STARTED o
with fires, such as cooking or
Assemble a proper basic
laundering.
foundation including chemise, drawers, corset, and petticoats. o
Make sure you have a proper foundation- this is crucial in getting not only a period correct shape, but to also support the
o
back.
Two ladies
A basic cotton or wool dress will
aprons while
wearing “pinner” preparing food.
be the most serviceable. A nice cotton print or plaid, gathered bodice, will be a great first choice. A wool dress, in either a solid color, print, or plaid, is a
o
great choice for any economic standing, and will stand most weather conditions.
BUILDING WITH ACCESSORIES
Work Petticoat.
Skirts of a dress can be pulled up to reveal a work petticoat. These are usually made of a dark color, pattern, or stripe. Many work petticoats are made of wool due to its durability and resistance to catching fire.
Apron. Aprons are a vital part of any working impression. Aprons are used to protect the wearers clothing from soiling. A good working apron will need to cover the majority of the wearer’s skirt. Half aprons are the most
Painting showing
common. “Pinner” styles with a
dress skirt pulled
bib held in place with straight pins
striped petticoat.
up showing a
will help protect the bodice are
“The Milkmaid”
also found in period images.
Millner. Unknown
Aprons are commonly made of prints or plaids of cotton. Wool aprons are helpful when working
William Edward date.
o
Kerchief. Most dresses of the mid-19th Century had a collar basted in the neckline to
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protect the dress from oils & perspiration. If needed, a kerchief can be worn to greater protect the dress from body oils. Kerchiefs are little more than hemmed squares or triangles of fabric that are tied or pinned around the neck.
Image showing a woman wearing a slatted sunbonnet outside with two children. . “The Tin Cup” John George Brown, 1864.
Image showing a
GETTING THE LOOK
kerchief being worn at the neck. “The Washerwoman” J. Byerly. Frederick ,MD c. 1863. Ross J. Kelbaugh Collection
o
Sunbonnet. If laboring outside, a sunbonnet is as accessory that will need to be
o Rolled Sleeves. Many period images show women working with their dress sleeves rolled or pinned up for protection. Consider rolling or pinning up sleeves for work such as laundry, doing dishes, and cooking.
added. Sunbonnets can either be slatted or corded for stiffness. Most sunbonnets for working impressions should have a long curtain that covers the neck and shoulders
Engraving showing rolled sleeves to protect dress from wahs water. . “Rustic Courtship” Harpers Weekly, 1865
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o Pulled up Skirt. Also represented are images of women wearing their skirts pulled up revealing their work petticoat. Pulling up and pinning the skirt of the dress protects it from soiling while working, increasing the life of the dress.
Sleeve rolled, kerchief, apron, and skirts pulled up. “Shake Hands” Lilly Martin Spencer, 1854.
Image with skirts pulled up and pinned behind. “Girl in Brown Dress” Joshua Christall, undated
MORE IMAGES
Rolled sleeves, pinned Woman with skirt pulled up, apron tucked into wasistband, sleeves rolled wearinga kerchief and sunbonnet. “Returning from the Fields” William Edward Millner.
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up skirts. “The Sinews of Old England” George Edgar Hicks, 1857.
