Posted to the Alexander Palace Time Machine Discussion Forum by Eddie_uk on 12 August 2010; detail-enhanced by gogm.
Princess Louise's dress in this 1878 photo closely hugs her body to the extent that she would be up-to-date with a vee-necked blouse. It would be interesting to see the part of her bodice concealed by her arms; she may be wearing a vest over a chemisette or the vest-chemisette may be parts of a cuirasse bodice.
Keywords: 1878, Duchess Louise of Connaught, Princess, Duchess, Hohenzollern family, Welf family, German, straight coiffure, high neckline, ruff, buttons, long tight sleeves, cuffs, close skirt, necklace