Widow's weeds, referring to the black clothing that women wore during the Victorian period, following the etiquette of mourning. The dress is made from serge fabric lined with stiff black polished cotton. The front of the skirt has a rounded panel from waist to side, the back has a button fastening, 16 black buttons with press studs under the top few buttons. The front of the bodice has deep V shape pleats, one of which has machine made lace in a scroll pattern and French knot detail. There are 5 buttons on the right-hand side of the bodice. A V shape panel of lave at the upper neck into a high collar which fastens with hooks and eyes and press studs. The inside lining has 10 hooks and eyes and is boned with 4 bones. The back of the bodice shows the same detail as the front but without buttons. Leg of mutton sleeves with lace from the elbow to wrist.