Don't Be a Shiftless Woman: An Examination of Mid-19th Century Chemises with Carolann Schmitt
Description
Tuesday June 27 2023 7pm EST
Don’t be a Shiftless Woman: An Examination of Mid-19 th Century Chemises
Chemise - (noun), aka smock, shift, shimmy. Chemises were an indispensable undergarment in
the mid-nineteenth century, but are often the last item to be considered when acquiring a period
wardrobe. We’ll look at dozens of original chemises c.1840-1870 as we examine the transitions
in style, cut, construction techniques, fabrics, trimmings, fit. We’ll talk about how chemises were
worn and how they functioned in conjunction with other undergarments. Learn how you can use
the key features of a chemise to help date original examples. Don’t be a shiftless woman! Learn
why the you need several of these essential undergarments in your living history closet.