The detail above is taken from the Vittore Carpaccio painting The Departure of Ceyx. While the painting is assumed to be dated 1502-1507, the styles of dresses worn by the women within this painting are clearly of the 1490s decade.
A complete outfit at this time included body linen, an underdress, sleeves, and an overdress. Additional items could be added such as an apron, a mantle, or a variety of hair accessories.
The hallmarks of this style of dress are the empire waistline, supportive bodice with a wide-rounded boat neckline, tied-on sleeves that are fitted to the arm closely– but still allow for many variations on that theme, and full skirts, simply pleated, that fall to often stiffened and decorated hemlines.
Why do we consider this style to be Pretty, Practical, and Infinitely Adaptable?
The empire waistline is flattering to a wide variety of figures and body types. The wide, open necklines are sensuous without being overly revealing and are canvases for embellishments. The variety of fitted sleeve styles available to choose from with various cuts, slashes, and openings allow for many forms of ornamentation. The simply pleated skirt, falling from the higher empire waist, lends an air of grace to the wearer and allows for yet another opportunity for enhancement.
The high waistline removes the necessity for stays or any constriction of the torso. It is akin to wearing a comfortable and supportive sports bra with a skirt. A properly fitted bodice will allow you to bend, twist, and move in any manner without the risk of exposing yourself. The close-fitted sleeves do not drag through your food or your surroundings, and the tied-on construction of the sleeves allows for a full range of motion. A properly stiffened hem pushes the hemline out from the feet–allowing you to safely walk, dance, or move without the danger of tripping.
The same patterns can be made in a variety of fabrics and embellishments that can take the dress from a practical work garment for around camp to a sumptuous gown befitting a queen. With the layering of overdress on top of underdress and the tie-on sleeves, one is able to produce multiple looks by simply changing one or more of these pieces. This allows for a robust wardrobe comprised of only a couple of each of these pieces.