Directoire (slightly empire) dress has princess seamed (boning optional) bodice to waist, with short or elbow length sleeve. Two choices can go over that, kimono sleeve shown in View A or overbodice shown in View B. The skirt is sewn to the underbodice raised from the waist 2" in front and raised higher in back. The back can be trained or not, with either a square or pointed shape. Back opening has period placket with hooks and eyes or modern zipper. An optional overskirt can be added and modified to be straight or "V'ed". Dress pieces are interchangeable. A separate guimpe (blouse) has a high collar, two piece sleeves, and buttons down the back. Period sewing methods are shown and modern shortcuts suggested.

Notions: Dress: 12 small hooks and eyes, ribbon as desired for waist. Optional: 1 1/2 yd 1/2" twill tape, small vest buckle, and for train 2 small weights, 1 7/8 yds plastic boning or steel boning (lengths depend on size), 1 7/8 yds 1/2" single fold bias tape, 22" zipper for modern shortcut. Guimpe: 13 line 18 (7/16") buttons. Optional: 2 collar bones or wires, 1 1/2 yds 1/2" bias tape, 1 1/2 yds 1/4" ribbon.