The bodice is lined in canvas or satin (your choice) and has two grommets in the front just under the bust where it closes. The lining is turned under and finished by hand at the sleeves and waist. The skirt is 110 inches in circumference and is boxpleated into the bodice. The front of the skirt is open to reveal the chemise or undergown. The sleeves tie onto the bodice in two parts. They lace through grommets, however I have hand-sewn eyelets on the gown itself. This way, if you decide to leave the sleeves off, the lacing holes in the gown are not very obvious. To finish the gown, I added a beaded lace trim that runs vertically down the front and around both parts of the sleeves.
This gown is shown over a natural muslin chemise, but silk or linen is recommended. An undergown can also be made to match the overdress.