This illustration is dated March 1st 1902. It is taken from 'The Queen', a magazine for ladies that existed around the turn of that century. The two dresses shown here give the readers a preview of fashion trends for the coming Spring Season.

Even the border of the picture is fashionable, showing a typical Art Nouveau decoration which was all the rage at this time.

The dress on the left is a complicated design in pink taffeta, with bands of ribbon and lace, finished off with a large chiffon bow at the neck. A pretty straw hat decorated with roses and a frilly lace parasol compliment the costume perfectly.

The lady on the right is wearing a charming moss green outfit in brocade with a wonderful lace bodice. The skirt is decorated with intricate embroidery and panels cut out to show the underskirt.

Both ladies have the tiniest waists, which would have been enhanced by tight corsets. The dresses must have been quite uncomfortable to wear even though they do look very beautiful. 

People always tell me how wonderful it must have been to live in those times, with all these exquisite costumes, but personally I imagine that I would probably have been one of the maids living in a tiny attic bedroom and having to take care of the costumes, rather than one of these elegant ladies wearing them!