Dearest gentle readers, This author has been keeping a keen eye on the fashions of the early 19th century, and it would seem that puffed sleeves and daring silhouettes were very much Afternoon dress. Culture: American. Date: ca. 1862. The female silhouette of the middle of the 19th century consisted of a fitted corseted bodice and wide full skirts. The conical skirts developed between Square Satin A Line Empire Sleeveless Long Wedding Dress Ivory US 14 1800 1809 Fashion History Timeline A Closer Look: 19th Century Fashion 1800s 1840s Part 1 Cultured Elegance