"Mature" does not equal "Old" -- Whoops! Halt! When I said "mature" women wore velvets, I was speaking of women who were either (1) married, or (2) at least 20-something. I did not intend to imply that only old bats like Lady Catherine would be caught dead wearing velvet!!!

Here are just a few examples of full velvet dresses from the fashion plate descriptions, starting with outerwear. I culled these descriptions in just a quick review of my Opus; they are all from La Belle Assemblee, but I assure you, there are plenty more occurrences in the other ladies' journals such as Lady's Magazine, Lady's Monthly Museum and Ackermann's.

LBA, 1806:
"The most prevalent pelisses are made of black velvet, with a flounce of deep rich black lace; this last walking dress is worn by all kinds of fashionables, which renders it common, and is abandoned by those who pretend to real taste and novelty."

"Velvet mantles grace the shoulders of the London Fashionables, and when elegantly drapered on the back, are very tasteful and striking."

"A gown of velvet or satin, with a fine train, covered with gold embroidery, and a head-dress to correspond, [...]"

LBA, 1807
"A Morning Walking Dress of twill sarsnet, cambric, or velvet, embroidered round the bottom and up the right side, where it confines the front which wraps under it, [...]"

LBA, 1807, describing the dress of a famous opera singer:
"Madame Catalani.
A long flowing veste and drapery of crimson velvet, lined with white sarsnet, and richly ornamented with a Turkish border, in gold [...]"

LBA, 1807
"The African robe, of grey velvet, trimmed with silver, in Vandykes, is a most elegant habiliment; with this most attractive robe is worn a tiara of silver frost-work, finished at the edge with Trafalgar trimming in silver."

Moving into the winter, LBA, 1807 states:
"Grecian drapery of airy texture, gives place to the pliant and graceful folds of satin, kerseymere, and velvet, more appropriate for the season. "

Again for the winter:
"Velvet and superfine cloth (i.e., wool) dresses, richly embroidered, and formed in the Calpyso robe, or Diana vest, stand high in richness and beauty."

Speaking of dinner dresses in 1810:
"Bombazeen, lustres, cloth velvets, and Spanish bombazeen chiefly compose them; the sleeves are worn long, the trains moderately short; the cuffs and ruffs described above are worn in every degree of dress when the gowns are made sufficiently high to admit of them."

Evening dress in 1812:
"A velvet, or gossamer satin gown, of bright amaranth, ruby, or cinnebar brown, with a demi- train, trimmed round the bottom, bosom, and sleeves with a light tassels fringe, of the frivolité kind, [...]"

Again in 1812:
"For dinner dresses velvets are most prevalent; next to them is India muslin, let in and trimmed richly with lace; white and coloured satins, merino cloth, kerseymere, twilled sarsnet, and tissue satin cloth, are worn. "

As I mentioned above, this is just a smattering and sampling of the velvet dresses I found. Hope this convinces you that a velvet dress was an exceedingly popular and fashionable item!

Louisa
Mistress of the Garderobe