Fashion History: 1810-1820

From 1810 to 1820 dresses became slightly more structured with padded hems and firmer fabrics, such as twills and even some taffeta. Soft colors returned to fashion after a 10-year absence. Sleeves began to grow fuller at the shoulder and high waists endured throughout this period but lowered slightly as the years went by. Skirt hems widened ever so slightly. Fabric trimmings (often in the same fabric as the dress) were used extensively.