Day dress and capelet. United States, 1860s. Silk taffeta. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston collection [3060×4080] [OC]

https://emuseum.mfah.org/objects/39820/day-dress-and-capelet

[display description](https://i.ibb.co/r2vG30c0/20250116-181219.jpg)

[Day Dress and Capelet,

United States, 1860s

Silk taffeta

Gift of Jas A. Gundry, 98.493.A,.B

Military-inspired women’s clothing was popular in the mid-19th century. This elegant dress, made during the decade in which the United States was embroiled in civil war, demonstrates the influence of military style through the decorative bands of ribbon ornamenting the bodice and capelet. The long-sleeved, high-neck bodice was made to be worn during the day, in contrast to an evening gown, which would have had capped sleeves and a low-cut bodice.]