NPG D47516; 'London Full Dresses', November 1808 Portrait National Portrait Gallery The Evolution of the 19th Century Gown: A Visual Guide Mimi Matthews Sweetheart Light Blue Split Front Mermaid Prom Dress with Bow Babyonlines What was an 18th century "Night gown"? Throughout much of the 18th century in England and its American colonies*, the term "night gown" or more often just "gown" described a garment whose bodice back The 1810s were not entirely about white, as this evening dress surely attests. Far from it. Color was still a major player. This surviving evening ensemble is possibly one that was meant