An endless variety of ladies' caps were worn in the mid-1860s. Caps
had been around for a very long while, so the idea was not new. Only the
styling changed to suit the fashions of the day.
As with many items, how elaborate the cap was depended on
the formality of the occasion, the type of event, or the lady’s station in life. If you
were wealthy, your cap would likely reflect your status. A lady of more
moderate means would have a cap of more moderate appearance.
One of my favorite quotes is, "Caps are the most
difficult articles to advise on; they almost entirely depend on the taste of
the milliner and the fashion of the day." (Godey's, June 1860) Even
the trendy Godey’s Lady’s Book could not give any concise or
definitive guidelines on what was considered the appropriate look.
I like this cap because it is so straightforward without a lot of fuss and muss. In fact, some of the caps that I create are very similar to this design from Godey’s Lady's Book, July 1860. It is called the "Nell Gwynne" and is simply a "lace piece" gathered at the top with a bow.
I like this cap because it is so straightforward without a lot of fuss and muss. In fact, some of the caps that I create are very similar to this design from Godey’s Lady's Book, July 1860. It is called the "Nell Gwynne" and is simply a "lace piece" gathered at the top with a bow.
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A jaunty lace cap on a young lady
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A pretty, and perhaps understated cap
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| Most definitely showing off her lace lappets! |
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| Certainly this is a grand cap! |
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Once again, quite the fancy cap!
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Note the tones of materials used for the cap—not unusual for this time period
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| These ladies are sporting both square and rectangular caps From "Forgotten Faces and Long Ago Places" |
I enjoy making Victorian caps and have many listed in my shop!
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