This is a jaunty, sensible woman’s outfit of the early 1870s designed for boating or seaside walking. A hemline just at the ankle indicates a garment intended for walking outdoors. The style of the dress has been inspired by the colours and stripes of sailors' uniforms. It is made of cotton, so it is easily washed and dried. Despite its practical use, the ensemble still incorporates the details of fashionable dress, with an overskirt in front and a bustle worn underneath at the back.The dress is inspired by the sailor suit, and the jacket, which is hip-length, has a square collar with scarf ends. There are no patch pockets on the pleated basque. The skirt is gored with a straight panel at the back, gathered at the waist. The over-skirt is pointed with patch pockets and a pocket in the seam. There is also a belt trimmed with a stitched bow with long ends. The outfit is unlined. This is a jaunty, sensible and comfortable though decorative seaside outfit of a kind which rarely survives.