Edwardian Era Ladies' Dresses - July 1903 The Delineator

Edwardian Era Ladies' Dresses - July 1903 The Delineator

6939 - Ladies' Costume - White dotted Swiss is a favorite material for Summer gowns and is shown to advantage in the attractive design, known as the baby waist dress, shown on the opposite page, with the ornamentation afforded by lace bands and velvet baby ribbon. All-over lace was used for the square yoke of the bodice, which is supported by a close lining and pouches prettily in front, while the back fulness is drawn down softly. The closing is arranged at the left shoulder and side, and the neck may be high and completed with a standing collar, or cut out in low, square outline. Bishop sleeves in full or three-quarter length and in the latter case with either a band or frill finish are supplied. A ribbon belt completes the waist.

Darts adjust the five-gored skirt over the hips, and an inverted box-plait or gathers may remove the back fulness. The skirt falls in a medium sweep, but may be shortened to dip length, and a smart flare is allowed at the foot, where five or fewer gathered ruffles edged with the velvet baby ribbon may give a fluffy appearance. A band of the insertion makes an effective trimming above the ruffles. A measurement of about four yards is allowed at the lower edge in the medium sizes.

6952 - Ladies' Shirt-Waist Costume - For shirt-waist costumes, loosely woven wash materials are particularly appropriate. Tan cotton cheviot was employed for the one here illustrated, with machine-stitching for a finish. A body lining consisting of dart-fitted fronts and a seamed back gives support, but is not essential. The shirt-waist has tucks turned to give the effect of inverted box-plaits at the back and also in front, where it closes in duchess style. The sleeves are tucked to elbow depth to correspond with the rest of the costume and are finished with buttoned wristbands. A narrow band supporting a standing collar affords neck completion, and a patent-leather belt is worn.

The skirt is shaped by seven gores which flare modishly and is also tucked in inverted box-plaited style, an under-folded plait removing the back fulness. Five yards and one-half is the measurement given the lower edge in the medium sizes, provision being made for a medium sweep as well as for dip and round length. The foundation skirt is also of the flaring type and is constructed of five gores.

Mercerized vesting makes stylish shirt-waist suits, and linen etamine is much used. An attractive costume and one that would prove very serviceable might be developed in pongee; if decoration were desired, embroidery or medallions might be used to advantage. Unbleached linen would be pretty with pipings of white. An afternoon frock of Nile-green chiffon foulard figured with white and with motifs of point de Venise lace on waist and skirt would be pretty with reliefs of black velvet. Chambray, gingham, taffeta, Louisine, knickerbocker suitings and albatross are adaptable.