aillebotte's Rue de Paris; temps de pluie has two great examples of French fashion in the late nineteenth century. The flâneur in the front wears square-cut dresscoat evening suit with revers that stretch to the middle of his chest. The skirts of the coat reach almost to his knees and a hint of cuff fasteners can be seen on his left sleeve. His vest has a deep V-shape front with several buttons in front and his trousers are not creased, as that would not be fashionable until the 1890s. His shirt with a white, choker-type starched collar is fastened with a wide knotted tie. On top of his head is a very common black top hat made most likely with silk, however the flâneur doesn't have any gloves, which would normally be worn with this outfit. This mustache, slim and downward pointing is very characteristic however. It was also very common to carry a walking stick or umbrella outside (Cassin-Scott 182). This outfit was usually worn at night. Another common outfit would have been a similar shirt with a frock coat or the chesterfield overcoat, made of materials such as "miltons, worsteds and cheviots in subdued colors such as black, brown or grey. It usually had silk facings and was edged with braid" (Laver 205).
he woman by his side wears a close-fitting jacket bodice that widens near the bottom to make room for the hips. The sleeves have turn-back cuffs fastened most likely with buttons. Her double-breasted coat also comes with very small revers, perhaps made of fur, and is buttoned from neck to hem on the left side. She wears frilled ruffle around the neck and there is a hint of a light blue bow as well. Her overskirt is the same color as her coat and is straight in the front and was often draped towards the back. She carries the extra length in her hand because of the rain but usually it would hang to the ground. On her head is a large black bonnet (Cassin-Scott 184). There was a great variety of women's clothing in France in the late nineteenth century but the two kinds of outfits were either a jacket bodice and overcoat or what was known as "the Princess style" where everything was in one piece (Laver 192). Corsets were often needed for both types of dress. Dresses were often made of "wool, alpaca, velveteen and foulard" (Cassin-Scott 176). Also, linen and muslin were favorite fabrics as well. Dresses that appeared "full" came in and out of style, giving way to more straightened fronts and close fitting sleeves. Trains that were long became popular. Boots with high heels made with soft black leather also appeared on women, and they were usually buttoned or laced up at the sides (Cassin-Scott 178).
hrough these two people, Caillebotte shows a good slice of upper-class fashion in French society from 1870 - 1890.