"...a jaunty, sensible outfit..."

This season I shall mostly be wearing....



This rather gorgeous dress from the V&A dates from 1872 and is inspired by sailors uniforms. Personally speaking I'm frequently inspired by sailors uniforms but my inspiration tends to lead in other directions ;)

The catalogue entry reads as follows:

This is a jaunty, sensible woman’s outfit of the early 1870s designed for boating or seaside walking. A hemline just at the ankle indicates a garment intended for walking outdoors. The style of the dress has been inspired by the colours and stripes of sailors' uniforms. It is made of cotton, so it is easily washed and dried. Despite its practical use, the ensemble still incorporates the details of fashionable dress, with an overskirt in front and a bustle worn underneath at the back.

Perfect for the Age of Sail fangirl!