Mid 19th century ballgown bodices

I’ve been working on my 1860’s ballgown bodice. I’ve already drafted the pattern, sewn the seams and am in the process of adding the boning. After this, it’s setting in the sleeve and finishing the edges. Then comes decoration. My bodice will be tucked into my skirt, as I’ve already got a waistband. I’d like to also have loads of lace around the neckline, and have been exploring options by looking at existent dresses. There’s a lot of variation! In this post some inspiration images.

Evening dress
Date: ca. 1865
Culture: American
Medium: Silk

Dress
Date: ca. 1860
Culture: American
Medium: silk

Dress
Date: ca. 1860
Culture: American
Medium: silk

Dress
Date: 1860–61
Culture: French

Dress
Date: 1860–61
Culture: French

Dress Date: ca. 1864 Culture: French Medium: silk

 

Dress Date: ca. 1864 Culture: French Medium: silk

 

Ball gown
Date: ca. 1869
Culture: British
Medium: cotton, silk

Ball gown
Date: ca. 1869
Culture: British
Medium: cotton, silk

Ball gown
Date: ca. 1860
Culture: probably American
Medium: silk, cotton

Visiting dress
Date: 1865–68
Culture: British
Medium: silk

Visiting dress
Date: 1865–68
Culture: British
Medium: silk

Wedding dress
Date: 1859
Culture: American
Medium: silk

Wedding dress
Date: 1859
Culture: American
Medium: silk

Wedding dress
Date: 1855–62
Culture: American
Medium: silk

Wedding dress
Date: 1855–62
Culture: American
Medium: silk

Evening dress Date: ca. 1865 Culture: British Medium: silk (probably), glass

 

Evening dress Date: ca. 1865 Culture: British Medium: silk (probably), glass

 

Ball gown Designer: Emile Pingat (French, active 1860–96) Date: ca. 1860 Culture: French Medium: silk

 

Ball gown Designer: Emile Pingat (French, active 1860–96) Date: ca. 1860 Culture: French Medium: silk

 

Dress
Date: ca. 1865
Culture: French
Medium: silk

Dress
Date: ca. 1865
Culture: French
Medium: silk

Ball gown
Designer: Emile Pingat
(French, active 1860–96)
Date: ca. 1860
Culture: French
Medium: silk

Ball gown
Designer: Emile Pingat
(French, active 1860–96)
Date: ca. 1860
Culture: French
Medium: silk

Dress Date: ca. 1865 Culture: French Medium: silk

 

Ball gown
Date: 1856–59
Culture: American or European
Medium: silk

Ball gown
Date: 1856–59
Culture: American or European
Medium: silk

Wedding dress Date: 1869 Culture: American Medium: silk

 

Wedding dress Date: 1869 Culture: American Medium: silk

 

Dress
Date: 1860–64
Culture: British
Medium: silk

Dress
Date: 1860–64
Culture: British
Medium: silk

Ball gown
Date: ca. 1868
Culture: French
Medium: silk

Ball gown
Date: ca. 1868
Culture: French
Medium: silk