In Dressed for the Photographer, Joan Severa gives a visual analysis of the dress of middle-class Americans from the mid-to-late 19th century. Using images and writings, she shows how even
economically disadvantaged Americans could wear styles within a year or so of current fashion. This desire for fashion equality demonstrates that the possession of culture was more important
than wealth or position in the community.
In presenting a broad overview of common fashion, Severa gathers letters and diaries as well as photographs from various sources across the United States. She provides graphic evidence that
ordinary Americans, when dressed in their finest attire, appeared very much the same as their wealthier neighbors. But upon closer examination, these photographs often reveal inconsistencies
that betray the actual economic status of the sitter.
These fascinating photographs coupled with Severa’s insights offer an added dimension to our understanding of 19th-century Americans. Intended as an aid in dating costumes and photographs and
as a guide for period costume replication, Dressed for the Photographer provides extensive information for understanding the social history and material culture of this period. It will be of
interest to general readers as well as to social historians and those interested in fashion, costume, and material culture studies.
