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Written by Vintage Fashion Guild
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Vintage Fashion Guild Timeline 1870 - 1880
 ca 1869 - 1870 Brown Silk Moiré & Velvet Gown,courtesy Hollis Jenkins-Evans, pastperfectvintage.com  ca 1872 Morin-Blossier Silk Faille Gown w/ embroidered Tulle Skirt Panel, courtesy Linda Ames, vintagetextile.com In the early 1870s the shoulders were allowed to return to the position nature intended. In 1876-78 the long line cuirass bodice appeared. This reached to the hips in all its molded, whale-boned glory. Day bodices had high necklines and fitted sleeves with pleated or ruffled cuffs at the wrists. The new look for evening was three-quarter length sleeves with a square neckline.
 ca 1875 Sage Green Silk Gown, courtesy Deborah Burke, antiquedress.com  ca 1875 Sage Green Silk Gown, back view In 1876, although the amount of skirt drapery remained constant (if not even more complex) the bustle foundation disappeared and a very small hoop was worn, primarily to keep the mass of fabric away from the feet.
 ca 1877 Oive Green Wool & Silk Chenille Dress, courtesy Hollis Jenkins-Evans, pastperfectvintage.com  ca. 1876 Brown Silk Taffeta Dress, courtesy of Leila Hidic, corsetsandcrinolines.com Fabrics were light in color and weight with favored fabrics being cotton, silk-taffeta and light wool. The problem of fitting outerwear over bustles was solved as three-quarter length cloaks and Dolman mantles (a short capelet with wide sleeves that were quite restrictive) began to make an appearance.
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