Costume Description: Her very closely fitted basque (bodice) is well over the hips. This ensemble is likely before the bustle would reach the huge proportions again, aka the second coming of the bustle. The shadowing of the skirt hints at a draped overskirt. The odd sleeve length (between elbow and forearm) is actually very fashionable for this era. The slim fitted sleeves also mark this time frame.

Hairstyle Description: This teenager's hair is straight with classic length straight bangs. I note that both are straight because during the Bustle era different things are done with the bangs. To mark that both the long hair and the bangs are straight is a sign that it is the 1881-1885 time frame. Her shoulder blade length hair is parted on the side. Her hair does not appear to have been braided previously. What goes around, comes around... I have been wearing this style for the past 15 years. If you did not have a good view of her costume, you would think she is a modern day girl.

Identification Marks on Photo

Name of Sitter: None provided

Type of Photo: Cabinet Card, Size of image, 4.25" W X 6.5" H

Studio: Clinedinst, Casseday & Company

Studio Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Date: None provided

Other information: None provided

If you would like a photo analyzed and dated, please go to our Fashion Foto-date website.

Disclaimer:The photos located on this website, "A Brush with History: Vintage Hairstyles," are property of The Costume Gallery collection. They may not be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Penny E. Ladnier, owner of The Costume Gallery. The circa dates given for the photos are an educated guess, from analyzing the fashions worn in the photo. When an actual date is provided on the photo, that date will be included in the identification marks section. The location stated by the studio may be a clue as to where this photo was taken. Please take it as a clue. Many photographers traveled to locations and took photographs… meaning that the photo may not have been taken in the same city or town as the address of the studio.

© A Brush with History: Vintage Hairstyles, 2001, 2002.
© The Costume Gallery, 1997 - 2002.