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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Melissa
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Run small size up
Size: 10 Little Kid, Color: Rose Glitter W/Strap
Mini Melissa’s are my go to flats for my toddler they are so cute and flexible perfectly comfortable for her little feet.
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Rossana Crego
Boise, US
★★★★★ 1
Used shoes
Size: 10 Little Kid, Color: Glitter Clear W/Strap, Size: 10 Little Kid, Color: Glitter Clear W/Strap
If I could give this zero stars, I absolutely would. I ordered these shoes expecting them to be brand new since I paid full price and never selected any “used” option. What I received instead were clearly heavily worn shoes there were visible signs of use that you simply wouldn’t expect from a new product.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2026
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Anna
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Pricey but worth it
To say my daughter loves shoes would be an understatement and whenever you throw in a fun color and glitter to the mix, it only exponentially increases the love and excitement every time she puts on these shoes! The quality of the shoes are outstanding, they provide support in the right places and so far have been surprisingly durable (for a toddler that’s saying something)! This is the second pair of this shoe that I’ve purchased, the first was a pair of the clear glitter style. They are very cute shoes and the color matched the pictured on the website very well, which was great since I was trying to complete a “Princess Anna” look with a previously purchased dress. Note: I do suggest to size up one size, because in my experience they run a little small.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2024
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Emily Richardson
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
My daughters favorite shoe!
Size: 10 Little Kid, Color: Gold W/Strap
My daughter wears these every single year- we always get the gold and clear glitter. They go with everything and so comfortable to her. Once it gets warm outside this is her go to shoe everyday!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024
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Shany Castellon
Massapequa, US
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My fav
Size: 10 Little Kid, Color: Rose Glitter W/Strap
My daughters have had have these campana shoes in every size and every color, i love them and they do too, they are light, comfy and cute
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Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2024

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