Ruched Bodice Country Modest Dress

Europe/Western Colonies - Country

Ruched Bodice Country Modest Dress

Sizes: XS, S, M, L

Opacity: 3

Sleeve: Fixed

Elasticity: This fabric has significant elasticity across the bust as the ruching is elasticised. However, we have tested this garment and found that it becomes transparent when stretched. This combined with the limited width of the skirt has resulted in us deeming this to be a garment best suited to a smaller wearer as requiring significant stretch from this dress makes it impracticably transparent.

We have all heard the term “country” applied to fashion. However, there is an immense variety to the nature of country clothing depending on the country of origin. For many people, country means American Country and Western style. This consists of denim clothing, bull horn motifs and gingham and lace women’s dresses. In Australia, it is a vastly different look, with moleskin riding pants (think R.M Williams style bone coloured moleskins), Wrangler boots, Drizabone coats, flannelette shirts, and Akubra hats. Yet in Britain, particularly in the colder parts, country clothing is all about Wellington boots, hand knitted woollens and various forms of trench coats. And I still giggle to myself when I think back to my first trip to Germany when I was in my late teens. It was the late 90s and fashions had been influenced by the Spice Girls and various forms of square heeled platform shoes were all the rage. I had the most beautiful pair of brown leather “clogs” that had a leather upper that passed across the top of the foot but the heel of the foot was uncovered. I remember wearing these shoes all around Germany (they were comfortable as well as fashionable.) Yet, as I was saying goodbye to some of my family at the airport, my cousin (who was around the same age as me) suggested that next time I should leave my “farmer shoes” at home! 😂😂😂😂😂 At the time I was horrified to think that someone would consider my shoes to be anything other than the height of fashion. It’s a great (and funny) example of the way rural fashion is very different in different parts of the world.

But one major feature of all country fashions is the use of handmade fabrics and decorations. From heavy crocheted handmade lace, to earthy coloured fabrics, natural dyes used to make earth coloured florals and various sewing techniques that could be achieved by housewives or isolated craftspeople, such as ruching, piping, embroidery and the use of decorative ribbons, tassels and bows. All these features come together to create a very eclectic but craftsmanship heavy clothing style we now call country. This dress is a beautiful embodiment of a number of these features, including the soft earthy colours, the large hand-painted looking floral pattern and the use of the ruching sewing technique to create a pretty country dress.

We suggest pairing this dress with a pair of ankle high boots (possibly with embossed leather) and a brown triangular hijab or shawl worn across the shoulders to really play up the country vibe with this dress.

Garment Measurements in centimeters (bust, waist)

XS - 66, 64

S - 70, 68

M - 76, 74

L - 82, 80