Why So Many?
Women changed anywhere from three to four times daily. There were day, working, sleeping, evening events, lunch, gathering, and traveling dresses. Each dress was similar, however women were never to stay in but one dress. Why? Women felt that the more dresses, and times that they changed, made them wealthier. Wealthier women could afford more dresses, and different types of dresses. Slaves could only afford one dress, their Sunday clothes, and the slave clothes given to them by their owner. While wealthy women owned many different dresses and went to many different events.
Widow Dress
If a women's husband past, she was to only wear black. This tradition was started by Queen Victoria in 1861, after her husband died. Although many opposed this tradition, it was thought shocking not to do so.
Working Dress
A working dress was plain and simple. Usually darker color, women wore this dress to do the daily chores in. After their chores, women would change out of the drab working dress and into the day dresses. Working dresses were usually cotton and a crinoline was not usually worn with the dress.
Day Dress
A day dress was worn after the work for the day was done. This type of dress was usually worn before lunch. Commonly, the dresses were made out of silk. Day dresses usually had much more color than working dresses, as well as patterns. A corset and small crinoline were usually worn with this dress. Day dresses were not as decorated as evening and ball gown dresses, however.
Evening Gown
An evening gown was worn to dinner and small,informal evening events. Evening dresses were always worn with a corset, as well as a large crinoline or hoop skirt. Evening dresses were elegant and eye catching. Evening gowns were sometimes decorated with lace and had many different patterns on them.
Ballgown
Ball gowns were worn to balls and large gatherings. Ball gown were elegant, grande, and stunning. Decorated with beading, pearls, lace, diamonds, and other gems, ballgowns were very eye catching. Ballgowns were always worn with a corset and large crinoline. Some ballgowns had bustle to make a women's back side look larger than it was. Ballgowns were always made of silk and usually had some form of ruffles at the bottom.