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From flapper dresses to bell bottom jeans, women's fashion is historically ever-changing. Fashion has the ability to tell a story about the wearer. Join us this March as we dive into our photo collections to highlight and examine the historical outfits worn by everyday women. This ambrotype features a young woman--possibly named Minna--from the 1840s - early 1850s judging by her hairstyle and dress. Her center-parted hair with ringlet curls (called "barley curls") was a fashionable hairstyle in the Victorian era. Her striped and bell-shaped skirt were also popular fashion trends during these decades. Compared to the demure look of the early 1840s, striped skirts in brighter colors like blue, green, and yellow were fashionable. The sloped neckline of the dress indicates that she’s wearing an evening dress. A similar 1848 evening gown, featuring a striped pattern, fitted-corseted bodice, full skirt, and belted waistline, can be found in the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. LancasterHistory volunteer Catherine sports another example of the popular patterned fabric and fashionable Victorian-styled curls. 📸 1. Photograph Collection, LancasterHistory 2. Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum 3. LancasterHistory ... See MoreSee Less
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