Everyday Living At WDS: Aug. 24 Edition

From the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum:

August 25, 2020

In this week’s Everyday Living at WDS we consider the dog days of summer. If you think the weather has been oppressive, imagine having to dress like Elizabeth Saltonstall Deane—with no air conditioning other than what nature might provide! Dressing for Elizabeth was vastly different from that of women today. She would first don a shift that could serve as either a nightgown or a slip. Stockings came next—wool or linen—up over the knees and held up with garters. Stays made of whalebone or wood (ouch!) would force women into good posture. Petticoats, stomachers (a decorated V-shaped panel to fill in the front opening of a women’s gown or bodice), caps, gowns, a belt and shoes (no right or left, both the same) would complete the look.

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This press release was produced by the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum. The views expressed are the author's own.