..sides, or to the front panel of the skirt for daily wear. Ballgowns were more draped and similar to the prior era.
To recognize this later bustle, look for a smoother and more shelf like shape over the rear end being worn with a very tailored and quite structured square shouldered bodice.
Also check that the hair is tighter and less free around the head with no ringlets and braids pinned up. The hair of the large bustle era looks quite a bit like that of the 1890’s-1900.
(Sketch & Photo: (left) 1883 typical draping for walking dress; (right) same for 1885 – getting larger)