1870s Reproduction Black Watteau Bustle Dress

Reproduction 1870s bustle dress made with black silk dupioni taffeta has ruffled underskirt and Watteau back polonaise style bodice. This was initially worn in Virginia City on an outing with friends.
Worn November 2019 to the PEERS Vampire Ball with added underskirt ruffles. Worn in October 2025 to the Crocker ArtMix Spirits and Spells.
1870s Reproduction Black Watteau Bustle Dress at Crocker Artmix October 2026.

Inspiration

Early 1870s fashion plates

Bodice

Black silk dupioni taffeta bodice with Watteau back
Pattern: Simplicity
Finished measurements:
Bust:
Waist:

1870s Reproduction Black Watteau Silk Bodice Front.

Underskirt

Black silk dupioni taffeta bustle underskirt has gathered self fabric ruffle on hem, two hidden side pockets and back left hook and eye closures.

Pattern: Truly Victorian TV201 1870s Underksirt Size G. Instructions are mostly text and assumes user knows how to put on a skirt waistband. I used a lot of previous sewing knowledge for construction. Shortened 1", added 2nd pocket, added interfacing to waistband, added back placket instead of overlapping 2" over back.

Finished measurements: TODO Check these
Waist: 31.5"
Front length: 39"
Side length: 39"
Back length: 42.5"
Hem circumference: 123"

1870s Reproduction Black Watteau Silk Underskirt Front.

Grand Bustle

White cotton muslin grand bustle with hoops and flounce
Pattern: Truly Victorian #108
1870s Grand Bustle Front 1870s Grand Bustle Left Three Quarter View 1870s Grand Bustle Right Back 1870s Grand Bustle Right Three Quarter View

Completed: Partial October 2019