Accessories

Shawls

Shawls were sometimes made from squares of fabric, or full squares or even double squares. Paisley shawls were very popular as was those with a large check pattern. Also popular were knitted shawls, with or without a fringed edge or bold borders. Lace shawls were fashionable; light ones were worn over dark dresses and dark shawls were worn with both light and dark dresses. Lace was also used on parasols and fans.

Hats

The older style hat was oval rather than round and often made of straw. The brim was half as wide as the crown and sloped downward from the crown. They often had trim at the front and ribbons that hung down the back and were regarded as suitable for "seaside" visits. Fashionable women wore hats with tall crowns that were squared instead of domed at the top. The crown curved upwards at the sides so they did not sit flat on a table. Brims were relatively narrow and less than ½ the width of the top of the crown. More trim than older style of hat, with contrasting ribbons and sometimes veils. Another style was a tall crown and very little brim often with decorative rosette or bow of ribbon at the front. Sometimes trimmed with feathers which emphasised the front rather than the side of the hat. Could be made of cloth or straw covered with fabric brim. These hats were popular near the end of the Civil War.

Shoes

Difficult to determine style as photographs do not show footwear. Generally leather ankle boots with either laces or buttons up the side. Fabric or silk footwear was worn with evening dresses.

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[Article by Cassandra]