victorian women's dress Antique Victorian Governess Dress, England, ca. 1850 – ANTIQUE GOWN
SKU: 83108861532
victorian women's dress

victorian women's dress Antique Victorian Governess Dress, England, ca. 1850 – ANTIQUE GOWN

Sale price$22.41 Regular price$24.90
Save 10%
Size: 4

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 8 - Jul 13

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

victorian women's dress 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

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 83108861532

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell victorian women's dress

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.4 ★★★★★
Based on 269 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
J
Verified Purchase
jmb02129
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Fantastic Boots!
Size: 8.5, Color: Redwood/Gum 10
Completely satisfied with these boots. True to size, well made, comfortable from the get-go; not break in needed. Waterproof- really. The Red Suede has withstood a nasty winter season & still looks great. Good traction. I like the ankle height which looks good with long, mid length pants & leggings. I love the easy slip on/off aspect..made getting ready for dog walking easy. I 100%recommend!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2026
P
Verified Purchase
Paige
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Definitely worth the price
Size: 6.5, Color: Black/Black
Absolutely love these boots! I originally bought them to wear in NYC in December & they did not disappoint. They were comfortable, cute, durable and worked well in the slush/snow. The traction on the bottom is also nice! They kept me warm with wool socks. I wear them almost daily now. Perfect for everyday. easy to wear with variety of outfits. Good every day shoe.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2026
K
Verified Purchase
Kimberly
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Snagged a deal
Size: 7, Color: Redwood/Gum 10
I waited and waited to get these boots! I knew I was chancing it, but they went on sale, and I snagged them! I am a size 7, and they fit nicely with socks. a little loose, barefooted, but what psycho wears boots without socks? They are comfortable and really well-made.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
ashlynnk
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 4
Cute, comfortable waterproof boots (a little snug to put on)
Size: 7, Color: Velvet Tan/Gum 2
These are really cute Chelsea-style boots and feel very comfortable once they’re on. The waterproof material is great for wet weather and the sole feels sturdy with good traction. They look stylish enough to wear casually but still feel practical for rainy days. The only downside is they can be a little difficult to put on at first because the opening is somewhat snug, but once they’re on they fit well and feel supportive. Overall they’re a great waterproof boot and I’ve enjoyed wearing them.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Abby B
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Surprisingly great for my wide feet and high instep!
Size: 10.5, Color: Velvet Tan/Gum 2
So thrilled I took a chance on these. Finding boots is impossible for me. I have wide feet, a super high instep, a bunion on one foot, and I wear a hard to find size (10.5). I ordered the 10.5 and 11 in these expecting I might need to size up for width (if I could even get them on). It was a struggle getting the 10.5s on the first time, and once I did they were somewhat uncomfortable on the top of my left foot. But I read that they would relax so decided to give it a go because I need waterproof boots for an upcoming trip and the 11s felt too long. After two days of light wear, they are already breaking in and I have no more discomfort. Getting them on is already easier and they are plenty wide enough and very comfortable to walk in. These are true to size. Super happy and worth a day of mild discomfort to break them in!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2026

recommand products