Fashion Plate - Children, 1855

Magasin des Demoiselles, April 1855

This French fashion plate illustrates a range of styles for children. The custom in Europe and America was to dress boys and girls alike during their first years of life. The adult woman, presumably the mother, holds a baby wearing a long white gown and a baby cap. Such gowns were used at christenings. The gown reflects details found in adult women’s fashions, specifically a broad collar, ribbon sash, and layers of flounces on the skirt. The other four children, whether boys or girls, wear dresses or skirts that end just below their knees. The child wearing the tam is probably depicting fashions for boys. Skirt suits like the one he is wearing are often found in collections. Boys did not start wearing short pants known as breeches until they reached school age.