EDWARDIAN BLOUSES AND BODICES

The blouses and bodices of the Edwardian Era were embellished with pieces of lace and bead work, and lines of ruffles. In the late 1890's, bodices were bloused with a pouched effect. Corsets gave women a monobosom --- the corset did not divide the bust but rendered a pigeon-like look. By 1904 blousing spread to the sides of the bodice. Blouses, or bodices, featured high necks in light fabrics or lace.

Evening wear bodices showed more skin with sweet heart, round or square necklines. Early Edwardian sleeves fit tightly at the top of the arm, filled toward the lower end and gathered into a tight cuff. 1900-1905 Edwardian fashion trended toward open end and pagoda sleeves. By 1905 fullness at the wrist was gone and sleeves were wide and full on top.

Sleeves stayed full at the top through 1909. They narrowed below the elbow and fit snuggly at the wrist in a style often called Leg of Mutton. In 1910 the Kincono sleeve was open, loose and comfortable.

(Info from Edwardian Fashion Trends )