From Wikimedia; enlarged one third by gogm.
This 1855 Eugène Lami watercolor gives an idea of evening dress just before the advent of the cage crinoline. Skirts are wide domes and necklines are off shoulder, usually vees. Ladies are ready for the cage crinoline. Coiffures are short with a few curls, often decorated with flowers, and often end in chignons.
Keywords: 1855, Lami, Empress Eugénie, Empress, Bonaparte family, French, Queen Victoria, Hanover family, Queen, French, straight coiffure, floral headdress, off shoulder vee neckline, off shoulder scoop neckline, modesty piece, bertha, boes, quarter length full sleeves, elbow length sleeves, engageantes, full skirt, flounces, floral bodice ornament, mecklace, bracelets, gloves, fan