Images(2)

Women's cotton day dress

Datelate 19th Century

Object numberV00018360

NameDress

MediumCotton

DimensionsOverall: 560 x 290 mm, 0.15 kg

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis white plain weave cotton bodice and skirt was a sort of 'uniform' of the ladies of leisure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Decorated with a white sash and accessorised with veils, hats and parasols, the white day dress was worn by women of all ages enjoying fresh air and mild physical exertion. The bodice and skirt are highly decorated with broderie anglaise trim and pin tucking and feature a myriad of clips and strings and straps to attach both pieces together.HistoryBy the early 1900s a thriving tourist industry had become well established around the seaside towns of Australia. The beach had become a site of rest and recreation. Many women took up the fashionable pursuit of promenading along the shore. Wearing the 'uniform' of a white day dress, decorated with a white sash and accessorised with veils, hats and parasols, usually white, to protect precious complexions from the harsh Australian sun, women enjoyed being ladies of leisure. White, cream, or ivory dresses were seen as a symbol of wealth during the Edwardian era. Wearing white or cream-coloured clothing meant you either had a maid at home or you could afford to pay another to wash your clothes.SignificanceThis day dress is representative of women's fashions, worn by the middle classes during leisure activities of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.