Jo's Promenade Dress (1865-1869)

Be your own Jo March in a perfectly tailored, high-quality, historically accurate mid-Victorian promenade dress. 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 dress will make you feel like Jo when she put on her best dress in hopes of seeing Professor Bhaer while running errands!  

Promenade dresses were worn by Victorian women when running errands, visiting, or even just when they were walking, or "promenading," with an acquaintance.  These dresses were made to see and be seen, and this three-piece ensemble does just that!  It is based on an extant examples found here.

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 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 1860s promenade dress features:

• three pieces: a matching skirt, bodice, and belt
• a basque bodice, which extends past the waist to the hips
  
• a fully lined and boned bodice
• a high collar
• dropped shoulders
• darts in the front and princess seams in the back to create the close fit
• front button bodice closure
• a choice of squared tails or a rounded bottom bodice edge
• fitted "coat" sleeves with a cuff and pleated ruffle detail
• a center back skirt closure
• a skirt width between 150" and 180" to generously accommodate a hoop skirt
• a gored skirt with pleats on the side/back to fit an elliptical hoop
• (optional) an attached overskirt with trim
• a hem faced with a coordinating cotton fabric
• two roomy pockets, hidden in the side seams of the skirt

The price shown is for the basic dress and does NOT include: the piping, the trim details (such on the shoulders, back tails, and hem), or the train; or the hat, shawl, or any other accessories.  All of these are add-ons that are shown on the pictured dress.  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 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, elliptical crinoline, and petticoats, but no corset, elliptical 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.