1870s Red Polka Dot Dress

Early 1870s red polka dot on white cotton (blend?) dress over red cotton underskirt meant as a seaside bustle gown was first worn to the Legion of Honor museum for an exhibit of "Manet & Morisot" January 2026.

1870s Red Polka Dot Dress at Legion of Honor January 2026.
 
1870s Red Polka Dot Dress at Legion of Honor January 2026.
 
1870s Red Polka Dot Dress at Legion of Honor January 2026.
 
1870s Red Polka Dot Dress at Legion of Honor January 2026.
 
1870s Red Polka Dot Dress at Legion of Honor January 2026.
 
1870s Red Polka Dot Dress at Legion of Honor January 2026.
 
1870s Red Polka Dot Dress at Legion of Honor January 2026.
 
1870s Red Polka Dot Dress at Legion of Honor January 2026. Hair pieces by Lana Lily and hat by 1886 Designs Chantal Filson
My hair pieces by Lana Lily and hat by 1886 Designs Chantal Filson
1870s Red Polka Dot Dress with group of costumed friends at Legion of Honor January 2026.
 

1870s Red Polka Dot Bustle Dress Front. 1870s Red Polka Dot Bustle Dress Left Quarter View. 1870s Red Polka Dot Bustle Dress Left. 1870s Red Polka Dot Bustle Dress Back. 1870s Red Polka Dot Bustle Dress Right. 1870s Red Polka Dot Bustle Dress Right Quarter View.

Bodice

Red polka dot on white cotton (blend?) with red cotton/poly lining has ruffled peplum in back, ruched and gathered trim on sleeve, white collar, buttons up front with red buttons.
Pattern: Heavily altered Simplicity 3727 for body and Truly Victorian 430 for arms.
Modifications:

1870s Red Polka Dotted Dress Bodice Front. Vogue V1537 1870s Red Polka Dotted Dress Bodice Left Quarter View. Vogue V1537 1870s Red Polka Dotted Dress Bodice Left. Vogue V1537 1870s Red Polka Dotted Dress Bodice Back. Vogue V1537 1870s Red Polka Dotted Dress Bodice Right. Vogue V1537 1870s Red Polka Dotted Dress Bodice Right Quarter View. Vogue V1537

Overskirt

Red polka dotted white cotton (blend?) overskirt with apron on front and heavily pleated back with inside ties to pull back front and pull up back, has ruffled trim on hem. Hook and eye back closure.
Pattern: Self Draped

1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt Front. 1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt Left Quarter View. 1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt Left. 1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt Back. 1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt Right. 1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt Right Quarter View.
Some in progress photos of draping and bodice fitting.
1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt in progress draping. 1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt in progress draping. 1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt in progress draping. 1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt and Bodice in progress draping. 1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt and Bodice in progress draping.

Underskirt

Dyed previously made underskirt red. Added ribbon to gathered bottom ruffle. Moved over hook to make waist bigger. Waistband needs redoing.
Pattern: Truly Victorian

1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt Dress Front. 1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt Dress Left Quarter View. 1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt Dress Left. 1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt Dress Back. Reproduction 1890s Black Skirt Right. 1870s Red Polka Dotted Overskirt Dress Right Quarter View.

Completed: 23 January 2026
Tags: #1870s #1870sfashion #bustle