This is an example of a 'pelisse robe', or a dress in the style of a coat. It was often worn for walking or visiting during the day. Unlike most other dresses of the period, the pelisse robe opens down the front and has a wide collar. This particular dress is very elaborately decorated with piping (very thin rolls of fabric) and interlaced rolls made of the same silk. The skirt of the dress is cut in an A-line shape, and the hem padded to accentuate this shape.