Keywords: Eighteenth century fashion
Item 105477
Lucia Wadsworth's "assembly dress," Portland, ca. 1799
Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: circa 1799 Location: Portland Media: cotton, linen
Item 7652
Samuel Freeman's waistcoat, Portland, ca. 1786
Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: circa 1786 Location: Portland Media: Silk, linen, metallic thread
Exhibit
The mainspring of fashion is the process whereby members of one class imitate the styles of another, who in turn are driven to ever new expedients of fashionable change.
Exhibit
Dressing Up, Standing Out, Fitting In
Adorning oneself to look one's "best" has varied over time, gender, economic class, and by event. Adornments suggest one's sense of identity and one's intent to stand out or fit in.
Site Page
Historic Clothing Collection - Eighteenth Century - Page 3 of 3
"Social elite and economically advantaged people in every European country, and in America, all followed fashion and dressed in the same style."
Site Page
Historic Clothing Collection - Eighteenth Century - Page 2 of 3
"Eighteenth Century Bright pink petticoat, ca. 1780Maine Historical Society A quilted petticoat of bright pink calamanco (polished wool) with…"