A part of our history are fashions, especially those worn by the women and children of your ancestors.   I've included here some various styles from the early 1880's era.  These type of fashions were in popular magazines and women’s publications, which promoted the latest fashion styles to women of all classes, whether those styles were practical for their lifestyles or not.  From Peterson's Magazine, the average American woman, according to a writer from London, is the best-dressed woman in the world.  These in particular are from the 1882 Peterson's Magazine book.  If you have any that you'd like to contribute, it would be most appreciated. I hope you find these as enjoyable as I have.
 

September 1882  Young Lady's Dress and Visiting Dress Dress of Black and White Shepherd's-Plaid,  For a Young Lady The kilted skirt is in alternate plaits of the plaid--which has a gray effect--and of a gray camel's-hair.  The overskirt is of the plaid, which opens in front over the kilted skirt, and of the gray camel's hair, which forms the drapery at the back.  The deep pointed body has coat-basques added, but opens at the back to allow the puffed camel's-hair to show.  Cape gathered slightly at the neck.  Gray straw hat and feathers. Visiting Dress, of Fine Forest-Green Camel's Hair and Green Watered Silk The apron-front is made of alternate stripes of the watered silk and of the fine plaitings of the camel's hair.  The skirt at the back is of the camel's hair, in simple drapery.  The bodice is of the camel's hair, with simulated vest, collar, and cuffs of silk; and a plaited  basque is added, to correspond with the front of the skirt.

September 1882  House-Dress, Back and Front Front and Back of House-Dress, of  Beige Cashmere  The skirt is in alternate box-plaitings and kiltings of the cashmere.  The tunic is beige and blue plaid, and is draped high at the sides.  The bodice, of the same material, has a kilted waistcoat, ornamented with straps fashioned with buckles.  The habit-bodice at the back corresponds.

 
 

September 1882  Out-Door Dress and House-Dress Outdoor or House Dress, of Black and White  Checkered Silk and Spanish Lace The skirt is edged with lace, laid on flat, and opens on the left side, over several rows of Spanish lace.  The drapery is full at the back.  The bodice is pointed, and has a collar formed of two rows of Spanish lace, which also forms a jabot in front.  White chip hat, trimmed with an Alsatian bow of black lace. House-Dress, of Brown Cashmere and Satin The skirt is of alternate plaits of the two materials.  The long coat-bodice is of the cashmere, and has a beaded trimming around the skirt, on the pockets, the sleeves, collar, and down the front.  A scarf of fancy material is knotted at the back.  Jabot of lace down the front.

New Styles for Hats Fall Hat, of Brown Straw, trimmed with brown velvet and ostrich plume. Fall Hat, of Cream-Colored Felt, with cream-colored plush front, trimmed with large yellow roses.

 

September 1882 Children's Fall Fashions Boy's Suit, of Brown Heather Stripped Woolen The trousers are short, and buttoned at the side.  The platted blouse has a deep collar, and is bound with braid, or may be finished by machine-stitching. Stylish Mantle, For a Little Girl The under part is a plain paletot, without sleeves, and the cape is slightly draped at the centre of the back with rosettes.  This garment may be made of any color cloth or flannel, but is exceptionally pretty if made of some Scotch plaid.  Straw hat, trimmed with surah silk, to match the mantle in color. A Little Girl's Atumn Coat, of Gray Plaid It is laided in plaits back and front, and has shirrings at the waist.  A belt is attached where the shirrings begin.  There is a double collar, large pockets, and deep cuffs.  Gray straw hat, trimmed with an ostrich feather.

Fashion Notes September:

General Remarks:  All colors are worn--dark-greens, dark-red, terra-cotta, dark-blues grays of all shades, as well as brown.  In the latter color, care should be taken to avoid cinnamon-color, for it is excessively trying to all complexions.  Gray is popular for evening wear; and one of the prettiest toilettes we have seen for a young lady is of light-gray tulle, trimmed with deep pink roses.

Mantles and visites are of all styles.  For autumn, black or colored camel's-hair is taking the place of silk and lace for wraps.  But few colored figured or brocaded ones are worn on the street; but for driving, they are popular.

Bonnets, if new, are mostly of tulle, embroidered with jet steel, or colored beads; but few new ones are seen.  As for this month, straws retrimmed are considered sufficiently good for the mid-season.