Jo's Dressmaking Attire (1840s-1870s)

Be your own Jo March in a perfectly tailored, high-quality, historically accurate mid-Victorian day dress with an apron and cap. Whether you are an attendee at an event, a historical reenactor, an actress in theatre, or an avid admirer of the books by Louisa May Alcott, this outfit will make you feel ready to be the family dressmaker, like Jo in chapter 29!  

This dress is also historically accurate for nurse impressions from the 1840s-1870s.  It is the style most women would have worn daily, unlike the fancy dresses we so often see that were worn by upper-class women.  It is versatile, made of practical, hard-wearing fabric, and can be worn for both farm work and events.  It is based on an extant examples found here.

When you purchase a made-to-order item, you get the dress 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!)  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 dress 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. 

This 1840s-1870s day dress features:

• a fully lined, "O" shaped bodice
• dropped shoulders
• gathers in the front and back waistline to gather the bodice to the waistband
• front button closure
• long, full-gathered sleeves with button-up cuffs
• a skirt width between 150" and 180" to generously accommodate a hoop skirt
• one or more 1" tucks at the hem
• a hem faced with coordinating cotton fabric.
• two roomy pockets, hidden in the side seams of the skirt

The half apron features: 

• 100% cotton muslin in white
• a skirt gathered into the waistband
• a skirt is full enough to accommodate a hoop skirt
• two pockets on the skirt
• a waistband that closes with ties

The cap features:

• 100% cotton muslin in white
• a front band with the back gathered on
• two ties

The price shown is for the basic dress and does NOT include: piping at the neckline, armsyces, or waistband; the collar or any other accessories; or the dogleg closure that is pictured (the dress will have a center front waistband and skirt closure). 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.

If you would like only the dress or are wanting the dress in a color other than black or gray, please purchase Jo's Adventure 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 exact details.  Feel free to contact us through the "Custom Orders" page if you wish to provide your own fabric or you have a different color in mind than the ones shown.  

To achieve the correct historical silhouette, this gown is pictured over a corset, 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.

 All items with buttons come with an extra button sewn inside.