These fashions tips were published in a very popular magazine in December of 1856. As might be expected, the flounce, bouillonnée, passamenterie, and of course black lace, were all definitely in. —fadedpages.com

Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4.—Evening Costumes And Sortie du Bal.

FIGURE 1 is a dress of rich light-blue taffeta, with flounces of velours épingle, representing tangled beds of roses, in their natural colors. The berthe and sleeves are similar in design, but narrower. The berthe forms epaulettes on the shoulders, and meets in a point about the mid-depth of the corsage, which is pointed. The skirt is full, with three flounces, of which only the upper one appears in the figure. Upon the edge is woven a narrow fringe, and narrow lines of blue velvet run parallel with the flounces. A bouillonnée of the same material as the dress trims its top, which is further enriched with an engrélure of point lace. The under-sleeves are puffed, with narrow stripes of cerise velvet running lengthwise. The hair is ornamented with autumn-tinted vine-leaves and green grapes.

In Figure 2, the Head-Dress is a transparent, quarilled with black velvet, each mesh ornamented with a pearl, and surrounded with black lace, set on full, intermingled with ivy-leaves, berries, and crimson fuchsias.

Figure 3 is a Sortie du Bal of white glacé. The shoulders are laid in narrow flat plaits, which merge in wider ones below. A deep pointed hood, with tassels at the back, falls upon the shoulders. Its general form is circular. The passamenterie is of azure velvet ribbon and lozenge-formed puffs of taffeta of similar shade, with a pearl on each corner. The spaces between the puffs are occupied by fan-shaped ornaments of bugles—blue and white alternately. A cord, with loops and tassels, gives an appropriate finish to this garment.

FIGURE 4.—Evening Dress. Hair à la Grec, with coiffure of miniature fruits and flowers. Long drops ornament the ears. Three rows of black lace cover the shoulders, and, forming the sleeves, terminate in a point at the waist, where they form a V-shaped front to the corsage. At the back the lace passes across, making three flounces over the dress, which is of azol-green taffeta. Alternate bouillonnées of lace and twists of the silk occupy the front of the corsage. The skirt is very full, and set on in hollow plaits, with three lace flounces, festooned, and caught up in front by ribbons.

Figure 5.—Coiffure en Cheveu.   Figure 6.—Head-Dress.   Figure 7.—Coiffure d'Oude.

The Coiffure in Figure 5 will afford a hint for arranging the hair for ordinary occasions, independent of the ornaments here introduced. The wreath is of artificial fruits and flowers; the leaves being of varied tints of green and deep autumnal hues. A nœud of black velvet ribbon, with floats, is placed below. This may be spotted with pearls and edged with black lace.

The Head-Dress in Figure 6 is of velvet, similar to that described above; or it may be ornamented with straw buttons, with single straws of chenille.

The Coiffure d' Oude (Fig. 7), is very novel. It is composed of light-blue or rose-colored lisse, or other similar texture, striped with satin ribbon, ornamented with rows of pearl. This is gracefully twisted, so as to form, with an opposite garland of white lilies, a wreath with trailing sprays. The drapery is fringed with gold.

Cloaks fashioned like those known as "traveling cloaks," are much in favor. They are of ladies' cloths. Bonnets are ornamented with bird-of­paradise plumes; shapes of the crown vary at pleasure; perhaps the curtains are less deep than heretofore, otherwise there is little change. They still flare greatly, and are small over the head.—Lappets, basques, and flounces, retain their popularity.—Skirts, when plain, are often trimmed up the front with passamenteries.—Buttons are in vogue for ornaments; many of these are very elegant.—Velvets and black laces are much used as ornaments.

Warning - This information has been transcribed from a source that is well over 100 years old. It may be incorrect or outdated in some cases. For example, fashions change—you could be laughed at. It is also possible that errors were made during the transcription process. This information is being made available for entertainment purposes only.