3 Piece Civil War Set Skirt Guimpe (Blouse) Swiss Bodice Woman's Size Small New

Description

This three piece set is sized Small ( Bust 34", Waist 32".) This is a new set and has never been worn.  It consists of a skirt, guimpe (blouse),  and Swiss Body (jacket).
The skirt is made of 100% cotton in a light green shade. It is
made with a double opening, the waistband is made in two sections, front and back.  The side openings can be left open and used with a period "pocket" or snaps or hooks and eyes can be added to keep them closed. It fastens inside at the front  side waist using two buttons inside and inside  with two antique bone button holes. The buttons can easy be moved to accommodate changes in waist size. The skirt is decorated with 3 1/2" wide  cream colored floral lace. The waist band measures 32". The skirt is 42" long with a simple 3" wide  turned hem. The hem circumference is 130" around. Machine wash, hang dry.
The vest-like Swiss body is made of 100% polished cotton in a printed pattern of flowers in shades of cream, shades of pink and rose, blue shades, green shades and cream.  It is lined with dusty pink colored 100% cotton. The Swiss bodice is close fitting,  and cut low with a square neckline. it buttons down the front to a V below the waistline. The French cut back drops into a charming peplum that falls below the waist to shoe nicely across the wide skirt.  It buttons down the front with antique rose colored glass buttons. The tab at the back waist is also accented with the same buttons.  The rounded sleeve caps are finished with a tiny  crocheted edging.  The Swiss body is cut high enough in the neckline to be worn without the guimpe as an evening or dinner dress.
Machine wash cool, hang dry.
From the pattern: "A Swiss Body is basically a jacket without sleeves. Swiss Bodies and other "waists: were very popular because they extended a Ladies wardrobe. The addition of a Swiss Body and blouse to your wardrobe gives you many new "outfit" choices. Swiss Bodies were worn for everything from traveling to evening wear depending on the fabric from which it was made. Swiss Bodies are very comfortable to wear as they give free movement, unlike the tight fitted bodices. On warm summer days a light Garibaldi blouse or tucked body and a cotton Swiss Body make a wonderful cool outfit. Ladies of the Era always wanted to make a statement either in their "coming," the front, or their "going", the rear. This Body definitely gives a nice rear view, as it has a sassy peplum back with an optional belt."
The guimpe body or blouse is made of sheer, cool, striped off-white cotton.  The stripes are in alternating pattern of opaque and sheer. Due tot he sheerness of the fabric, this guimpe should not be worn without proper period undergarments.
The garment basically fits only at the neck and wrists with full puffy sleeves and a keyhole opening with button closure at the back neck. The use of lots of fabric in the guimpe would be a sign of status. It is not made to be worn alone with a skirt, that was simply not done by "women of quality." Fashion forward younger women were beginning to wear skirts and guimpes (and
Garibaldi
blouses) with decorative Medici belts. The guimpe
buttons at the neckline and wrists with vintage cream colored glass buttons with a wavy pattern.
The raglan style sleeve it easy to wear under variety of tops. The fullness of the blouse can be laid into lovely pleats when worn under any lower cut bodice or waist.  The puffy, full sleeves make an attractive display in the place of undersleeves or sleeve
jockeys
.
I suggest it be cold water washed and hang dried. The glass buttons are easy to break in the drier.
This is a great starter outfit, the colors make it easier to add different bodices, belts or vests to easily expand your wardrobe.
I suggest the be cold water washed and hang to dry. The glass buttons are easy to break in the drier.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks for looking and Happy eBaying!