Ancient history

What did women wear in the gilded age?

Upper-Class Women

* Daytime: High-necked, long-sleeved bodices with full skirts; bustles; hats; gloves; parasols

* Evening: Low-cut, décolleté necklines; tight bodices; long, flowing skirts; trains; elaborate hairdos with jewels; long white gloves; fans

Middle-Class Women

* Daytime: Similar to upper-class women, but more modest; fewer ruffles and frills; less expensive fabrics

* Evening: Less elaborate than upper-class women; might wear a colored dress instead of a white one; fewer jewels; simpler hairdos

Working-Class Women

* Daytime: Simple dresses or skirts and blouses; aprons; sunbonnets or straw hats

* Evening: Often the same as their daytime clothes, but might put on a clean apron or add a shawl

Undergarments

* All Classes: Corsets; chemises; pantalettes; stockings; garters; bustles; petticoats