Between 1870 and 1889, women’s dresses were defined by dramatic back-focused silhouettes and lavish ornamentation. Early in the 1870s, softly draped bustles and looped overskirts created volume at the rear, while bodices featured high necklines and basques. By the late 1870s, the silhouette slimmed into the “princess line,” with long, form-fitting bodices and minimal bustle. In the 1880s, the bustle returned - larger and more structured - creating a shelf-like effect at the back. Dresses were richly trimmed with ruffles, lace, and fringe, reflecting both industrial innovation and the era’s love of opulence.