Monika also merits a salute, since it would take very little effort to turn HRH’s dress into an 1830’s wedding gown, which it resembles much more closely than anything Martha Washington would have worn. (For a peek at a dress actually worn by Martha Washington’s sister, see Linda Baumgarten’s What Clothes Reveal:The Language of Clothing in Colonial and Federal America: The Colonial Williamsburg Collection.) The general silhouette for the first three quarters of the 18th century is marked by a deep square neckline (not round), very form-fitting elbow-length sleeves (not full), ending in either cuffs or ruffles, a flat front (not curved over the bosom) and a V-shaped waist (not straight across), and an open robe over a visible petticoat (not closed all the way around). (This is a very general description of the hallmarks of a large majority of the dresses worn in the first three quarters of the century, so I beg ladies who specialize in 18thC clothing, do not castigate me for not mentioning court dress, riding habits, etc.) The 18th century provides some very pretty possibilities for the ladies who would like a wedding dress that combines a certain opulence with arm-coverage, and Ms. Baumgarten’s book is well worth a look on its own merits.

You’re right. It *is* very Martha Washington.