1850 dresses Antique Victorian Governess Dress, England, ca. 1850 – ANTIQUE GOWN
SKU: 68935673145
1850 dresses

1850 dresses Antique Victorian Governess Dress, England, ca. 1850 – ANTIQUE GOWN

Sale price$26.85 Regular price$29.83
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Description

1850 dresses Antique Victorian Governess Dress, England, ca. 1850 – ANTIQUE GOWNThis rare antique governess dress, dating to around 1850, offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural world of 19thcentury womens workwear. Originally, the education of young children or older daughters was entrusted to governesses in aristocratic households. From the second half of the 18th century onward, the profession also became common among the British middle class. For educated women without financial support from a father,

This rare antique governess dress, dating to around 1850, offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural world of 19th‑century women’s workwear. Originally, the education of young children or older daughters was entrusted to governesses in aristocratic households. From the second half of the 18th century onward, the profession also became common among the British middle class. For educated women without financial support from a father, husband, or brother, working as a governess was one of the few socially acceptable ways to earn a living for more than two centuries. By the mid‑19th century, many women in Great Britain depended on this occupation for their livelihood. This dress belongs to that historical context.

The antique dress is made from brown, finely striped silk fabric, giving it a refined yet modest appearance suitable for a governess’s role. A lace insert decorates the bust area, adding a subtle feminine touch. The three‑quarter‑length tiered sleeves, finished with cream‑coloured silk fringing, reflect the fashion of the period while maintaining practicality. The pleated skirt, trimmed with a brown velvet ribbon, enhances the structured silhouette typical of the 1850s.

The back of the one‑piece dress fastens with hooks and eyelets, a common closure method of the era. The dress is in good to very good condition, with three small signs of wear on the bodice, several minor signs of wear on the skirt, and one repaired buttonhole. The lace insert was likely added at a later date. The dressmaker’s dummy used for photography is slightly too large for the garment. Jewellery shown in images is not included.

A historically significant and beautifully preserved example of Victorian women’s clothing, this dress offers rare insight into the life and appearance of a 19th‑century governess. It is an exceptional piece for collectors of antique fashion, social history, and museum‑quality garments.

Waist: ~ 70 cm
Chest: ~ 90 cm
Length: ~ 135 cm

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SKU: 68935673145

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Starcrescendo
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 4
Sock it to me
Number of Items: 6, Color: White/Graphite (6-pairs), Size: Medium
These socks are super comfortable. They are really soft and cozy and fit well. However, they were advertised as "no show" socks and I even recently bought Under Armor shoes and they definitely show. I personally do not care about that in the slightest but thought I should mention it. It seems weird they advertise it that way but then it is not the case.. Anyway my only fault with the product is that these socks are THICC. Like these aren't cheap socks at all they feel luxurious but are quite thick in the shoes. I'm assuming this will be great once I start running since it should help absorb the impact, but otherwise it makes shoes feel a little tight. That's my only complaint with an otherwise high-quality product. Update: I don't know what in the world people are doing to them but I have had and washed them multiple times for months since I bought them and they have fared fine. You could maybe wash them inside out but I don't particularly do that and they have been fine. I separate white laundry from colors, are people being lazy and forgetting to do so? Don't blame the product...
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Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2019
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Kendall Williams
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
A gift
Number of Items: 6, Color: White/Graphite (6-pairs), Size: Large
I ordered these as a gift for someone, he was really happy with items ordered off his wishlist.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2026
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Manny
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Loved this product!
Number of Items: 6, Color: Black/Graphite (6-pairs), Size: Large
I wear a size 8.5 or 9 in men shoes and this socks fit perfectly for me. They have the right amount of cushioning and support that I was looking for. Not too much that makes wearing shoes uncomfortable and not too little that feels like I’m not wearing anything. Will buy another set
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Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2023
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Jeffrey Moffitt
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Heels wear out fast.
Number of Items: 6, Color: Black/Graphite (6-pairs), Size: Large
The heels wear out quickly. Disappointing. I’m retired and don’t put undue stress on my clothes. I wouldn’t buy them again.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2025
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Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice.
Size: Medium, Color: Prime Pink/White Assorted
These were great quality and perfect fit. They held up. Under Armour seems to make the better quality socks than others.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2026

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