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I really like TV216 1875 Parisian skirt but I am unsure which bodice to use. I do not care much for the early bustle bodices. I found TV460 from the late bustle period. I would use the long sleaves, but make it a square neck. What do ya'll think? Would it look bad to cross the bustle periods? Any other idea for a bodice? Thanks!

Totally depends where you want to wear it and what effect you are aiming for! If you need to put together a historically precise and perfect outfit then this might not be the best idea, however, if thats not a consideration, go for it if its what pleases you, why not?

Tiffers

Thanks so much. I would REALLY want to use TV422 1881 DInner Bodice, but I would have to alter the hips a little to fit over the bodice. I am not sure I can do this. I'll try to think about this some more.

During the early bustle, the 'ideal' torso was much shorter and rounder, whereas during the later bustle period the 'ideal' torso was very tall, with broader shoulders and a narrow waist. If you just prefer the taller torso over the shorter one, I don't see why you couldn't graft the two ideas together - add a little peplum or cut the late bodice off at the waist (rather than the late bustle pointed waist) and probably alter the neckline a little and you should have a perfectly reasonable middle ground. The early sleeves were much looser, which could really help send the costume back to the earlier period even if you're using a late bodice to start with.

If your objections are all of the trappings (peplum, neckline, loose sleeves) rather than the torso, have a dig through some fashion plates. I bet you can find something (or two somethings to cobble together) into a more simplified shape.

THank you bookworm!! I have found a fashion plate from 1875 that I love! TV422 from the natural form looks the closest to the bodice so I am going with that one. I'll just have to alter it a little bit.

Yes, you'll probably want to cut the hip much looser than the pattern calls for and tailor it in when you make a mockup. Good luck!