Anatomy of a Gown

Roll over image to view descriptions of the clothing worn by this gentlewoman.

Learn more:

Women's Clothing Glossary
A colonial lady's clothing, explained.
Shoes & Accessories
Finishing touches complete a lady's ensemble.
Anatomy of a Suit
Uncover the components of a colonial man's suit.

Multimedia and related links

Video
75 Years of Costume Design

Colonial Williamsburg marks 75 years of costumed interpretation. November 02, 2009

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Swordmaking in the 18th Century

Colonial tradesmen learned the swordmaking craft as Virginia armed itself for war. Journeyman brass founder Suzie Dye describes the process. March 2, 2009

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Podcasts
View descriptions
75 Years of Costume Design

Colonial Williamsburg marks 75 years of costumed interpretation in 2009. Costume Design Center Director Brenda Rosseau describes the metamorphosis from 1934. November 2, 2009

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Fashion and Function

A corset's engineered strictness defines the shape of the 18th-century woman. Journeywoman Brooke Welborn explains the trend. May 5, 2008

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The Art of the Cut

Translating a man's measurements into suits for all seasons is the task of the skillful tailor, says apprentice Neal Hurst. June 18, 2007

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Clothing Speaks

Clothing says what words do not, in the 18th century as well as the 21st. Textiles and costumes curator Linda Baumgarten explains. January 29, 2007

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Milliner and Mantua Maker

Janea Whitacre has been creating beautiful dresses in the Margaret Hunter Shop for 24 years. August 7, 2006

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Colonial Girls

Gentry girls had but one job: to find a husband. Historian Cathy Hellier explains the custom. November 30, 2009

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Swordmaking in the 18th Century

Colonial tradesmen learned the swordmaking craft as Virginia armed itself for war. Journeyman brass founder Suzie Dye describes the process. March 2, 2009

Audio podcast: Listen (mp3) | Transcript
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Video podcast: Watch | Transcript
First Lady of Virginia

Lady Dunmore's ease and grace are among Lord Dunmore's most valuable political assets. Interpreter Corrine Dame reflects on the lady who delighted the colony. August 25, 2008

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A Rarity Restored

Two artists collaborate across the centuries: one working with a brush, and the other with a micro spatula. Curator Barbara Luck and conservator Pam Young describe the restoration of a rare watercolor. March 10, 2008

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A Slave's Perspective

The Declaration of Independence was a promise extended to white men only. Hope Smith portrays Eve, a slave in the Peyton Randolph house. July 16, 2007

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Martha Washington Remembers

This first lady devoted herself to her husband and his troops. May 28, 2007

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Music Suited to a Lady

Colonial ladies played instruments that showed their graceful features to the best advantage, and they never showed their elbows. Music Interpreter Jane Hanson explains. April 9, 2007

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Mr. Wythe's Cook

Valarie Holmes interprets Lydia Broadnax - a cook for one of Williamsburg's most influential men. June 19, 2006

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Telling the story of colonial women.

Kristen Spivey reveals some surprises about 18th-century women and their role in history. March 6, 2006

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Emily James interprets spirited women

Jamaican-born Emily James has interpreted at least 16 different 18th-century women who learned how to survive lives of enslavement. February 27, 2006

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Firing the brick kiln

Christine Trowbridge explains the laborious process of making bricks and the intangible rewards of the job. October 10, 2005

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Black Women and the Revolution

Hope Smith talks about the women and children who followed their men to war. October 3, 2005

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Carolyn Wilson on Interpreting an American Lady

Carolyn Wilson talks about her passion for what it means to be an American citizen and her love for interpreting Betty Randolph in Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area. August 15, 2005

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Carolyn Wilson on Betty Randolph and Independence

In the pursuit of American independence, Betty Randolph played the role of lady and wife, enabling husband Peyton to fight for freedom. June 21, 2005

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Games & Interactive
Costume Design Center 75th Anniversary Timeline

Explore 75 years of costumed interpretation.

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Heads Up

Help the colonists find the proper headpiece to wear.

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Paper Doll Game

Put the clothes on the Paper Doll in the correct order in this game that shows how young girls dressed in the 18th Century.

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