Jo's Ball Gown (1850-1869)

Be your own Jo March in this high-quality, historically accurate mid-Victorian ball gown. Whether you are an attendee at an event, a historical reenactor, an actress in theatre, or an avid admirer of Louisa May Alcott's works, this gown will make you feel ready to attend events in New York City.

This ball gown consists of a front-closing bodice (with a removable berthe collar) and a skirt that has a connected overskirt.  It is based on extant ball gowns from the 1850s and 1860s.

When you purchase a made-to-order item, you get the gown of your dreams by choosing the fabric from the drop-down options, providing measurements for a custom fit, and even purchasing extra available add-ons! (Search the website for “add-ons” to see what’s available!)  Please note that trims such as lace, braid, etc. will vary slightly depending on stock available. Contact us through the “Custom Orders” page if you would like to discuss additional fabric and customization options that are not available on this listing.

As a custom piece, this item is professionally handmade at my Texas (USA) studio and order fulfillment takes 10-12 weeks. Please see the website header for a current estimate on the month your order will be shipped to you. Shipping within the U.S. is FREE for all orders over $50.

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ALL THE DETAILS

This gown is made-to-order; choose the size that you currently wear in contemporary sizing and choose the fabric combination from the fabric choices. Within 48 hours of receiving your order, I will send you a measurement worksheet listing the measurements required for a perfect fit. 

The dress features:

• fully interlined and boned bodice
• off the shoulder neckline
• ribbon through the lace at the neck of the dress
• a removable collar (berthe) that is bias-cut, pleated, and trimmed with lace
• a front bodice closure of buttons
• short, puffed sleeves
• a pleated skirt with a width of 165" or more (choose your skirt style from the drop down options)
• a hem facing of cotton
• trim at the hem
• two roomy pockets, hidden in the side seams of the skirt

The price shown is for the basic dress and does NOT include: piping at the neckline, armsyces, or waistband or the train on the skirt. If you desire any of these added to your dress, please choose these add-ons and accessories in the Little Women Collection and add them to your cart when purchasing the dress.

Current fabric choices are shown with inspiration photos to help you visualize the dress in that fabric.  These inspiration photos are either photos of extant dresses or period fashion plates.  They serve ONLY as inspiration and do NOT depict exactly how your dress will be made.  Once you order, I will contact you to discuss measurements and confirm your exact design details.

To achieve the correct historical silhouette, this gown is pictured over a corset, elliptical crinoline, and petticoats, but no corset, crinoline, or petticoats are included with this listing. This dress is made to fit over a historical corset and will not fit correctly over modern undergarments. However, if you would like your commissioned dress to fit over modern undergarments, please send an email, and I will be happy to oblige!

Measure your bust and waist and choose your size based on the pictured sizing guidelines. For the most accurate fit, please take the measurements while wearing your corset. The dress will be hemmed to accommodate hoops and sit about 2" off the floor, based on the measurements you send after you order.

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HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF

Please measure yourself while wearing the corset and other undergarments you plan to wear with the gown.  Remember that measurements such as your bust and waist should be 1-1.5" inches smaller than the dress measurements, to allow for ease of movement. Refer to the measurement graphic in the listing and this video tutorial if you need assistance in understanding and taking your measurements. If you still have additional questions, please feel free to email me.

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CARE INSTRUCTIONS

A care card will be included with your order, but if you choose a silk or wool fabric, it will be dry clean only.  Most dresses made with cotton, linen, or polyester fabrics can be washed.

All fabrics are preshrunk, usually by prewashing.  Seller is not responsible for any allergic reactions to the detergent used in prewashing.