Articles
trous·seau, n. [French, from Old French, diminutive
of trousse, bundle. See truss.] The possessions, such as clothing and
linens, that a bride assembles for her marriage.
Throughout history, single young women all over the world have prepared for
their change in marital status by accumulating a trousseau. A traditional
trousseau -- stored in a hope chest -- included bridal accessories, jewelry,
lingerie, toiletries and makeup, plus bed linens and bath towels for her new
home.
From Victorian times till today, the trousseau also has consisted of
brand-new outfits to see a woman through her wedding, honeymoon, and newlywed
days.
Oftentimes the garments in a trousseau were hand-sewn by a mother, aunt,
grandmother, or the girl herself, if skilled with a needle.
Wealthier families procured the skills of a professional
seamstress to outfit the bride-to-be.
VICTORIAN TROUSSEAUS
Elaborate trousseaus were a sign of wealth and social standing during the
Victorian era:
"The society woman must have one or two velvet
dresses which cannot cost less than $500 each. She must possess thousands of
dollars worth of laces, in the shape of flounces, to loop up over the skirts of
dresses... Walking dresses cost from $50 to $300; ball dresses are frequently
imported from Paris
at a cost of from $500 to $1,000... There must be traveling dresses in black
silk, in pongee, in pique, that range in price from $75 to $175... Evening
robes in Swiss muslin, robes in linen for the garden and croquet, dresses for
horse races and yacht races, dresses for breakfast and for dinner, dresses for
receptions and parties..." from "Lights and Shadows of New York"
by James McCabe, 1872.
"A visiting and reception dress was of maroon
velvet, trimmed with wide bands of cocks' feathers of the same shade. A second
rich costume was of black brocaded silk and plain silk. ." -- from
"Miss Vanderbilt's Trousseau," Harper's Bazar, December 15, 1877
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