The 1880 silhouette, made by the…

.. new Princess line and the Cuirasse bodice combined, was a sleek and slim look and required professional dressmaking skills to get a flattering fit.  When done well and fit correctly it was gorgeous, but most women just had swaths of fabric wrapped and arranged across the garment to hide dressmaking flaws.

(1880 gowns: (left) fabric to hide the flaws, (right) lovely fit)