Antique Victorian Calico Dress

I am so excited to share this incredibly rare Victorian calico dress; it's so difficult to find clothing from this era in a wearable condition, and this dress is just lovely. Circa 1880s, this is what was known as a "wrapper dress," or a casual dress that would have been worn around the home and in one's private quarters. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, designers like Laura Ashley and Gunne Sax borrowed from these Victorian designs, but this is the original. The cotton calico is a lovely shade of cranberry red, with ivory details and an ecru lace collar. Although it looks simple, the construction is relatively elaborate by today's standards. The bodice features an attached dickie, with the outer layer hooking closed under the under-layer, which buttons up, or could be worn more undone (see images).  And the ruffles at the shoulders are just everything! The belt is attached in the back, and can be fastened with the hook closure, or simply tied. A NOTE: it is very rare to find these dresses at all, let alone with a belt in tact, so this dress is very special in a number of ways!

This piece is in wonderful antique condition overall. I cannot emphasize at all how rare it is to find a dress from this era that's in even remotely wearable condition, so it have a dress this well-preserved is really special. There have been some discrete repairs made to the fabric, and there is some minor fading due to age. The collar is not original to the dress but authentic to the period (from another piece from this era.) With any questions about the specific condition or size, please email shop@verybreezy.com for additional photos or measurements, as all sales are final.

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