Two piece dress, gold figured silk (c. 1838)

Two piece dress, gold figured silk, shirred sleeves and bodice (c. 1838)

Two piece dress, navy silk taffeta (c. 1877) #719

#719

Two piece dress, navy silk taffeta with gathered skirt, finge trim, and train with pleated hemline. (c. 1877)

Donor: Mrs. Helen Poe Goodridge, worn by her mother Bessie Ferguson Poe, by Mrs. Harold McGraw

Two piece dress, caramel silk taffeta (c. 1880s) #254

#254

Two piece dress, caramel silk taffeta with scalloped trim on skirt and sleeves. (c. 1880s) 

Donor: Maria Shea

Walking suit, two piece sapphire blue velvet (c. 1887) #308

#308

Walking suit, two piece sapphire blue velvet, elaborately edged and trimmed with medallions of iridescent passementerie. An outstanding example of the opulence associated with the "Gilded Age," this dress also features the final stage of the bustle, characterized by an exaggerated form. It extended horizontally from the small of the back and was supported by an intricate system of tapes, with a metal coil device attached to the waist.  (c. 1887)

Two piece dress, black net lace (c. 1890s) #284

#284

Two piece dress, black net lace overlay on bodice, jet black trim. Train - white and black silk satin. (c. 1890s) 

Two piece dress, lavender warp print silk taffeta (c. 1900)

Two piece dress, lavender warp print silk taffeta with grape and white striped silk taffeta ruffles (c. 1900) 

Donor: Mrs. Margaret Stark O'Rourke by Mrs. William Sperry

Ribbon strap holds up skirt for dancing, revealing a petticoat of multi-tiered lace ruffles.