18TH CENTURY WOMEN'S DRESS

Womens dress at this period was less extravagant but showed an even more drastic break with the past. Panniers and bustles and corsets were all abandoned, as were also the rich materials, instead women wore a "roben chemise", which did indeed look like an undergarment, it consisted of white high-waisted muslim cambric or calico garment falling to the feet and sometimes so transparent that it was necessary to wear white or pink, tights underneath. Heelless slippers contributed to the effect of Greek dress. Hair dressing was simplified with a similar intention, but the effect was somewhat spoilt by the plume of ostrich feathers which it was fashionable to stick in the hair.