Fashionable Silhouettes

Explore fashionable silhouettes from the National Trust NSW collection, from a 1740s yellow silk gown, through the bustle era and leg-of-mutton sleeves to the mini dresses of the 1960s. This exhibition celebrates statement sleeves, striking skirts, and the undergarments that helped to create them.

Fashionable silhouettes have changed over time—sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically. Shifts in sleeve volume, skirt shape, necklines, and waistlines created new outlines that could mark someone as stylish or out of date.

Silhouettes have shaped more than just style—they've affected movement, safety, and freedom. Some restricted the body, while later, simpler lines allowed greater ease. In the 1850s, wide skirts with crinolines posed fire hazards. Advances in tailoring and synthetic materials later enabled safer, more dynamic designs.

Showcasing some of the most dazzling silhouettes in the collection of the National Trust NSW, this exhibition celebrates statement sleeves, striking skirts, and the undergarments and accessories that helped to create them. From a yellow silk gown first worn in the 1740s, visitors can explore the fashions of the bustle back era, leg-of-mutton sleeves and 'New Look' skirts through to the mini dresses of the 1960s.