Mary Lincoln's Fashions

[RJNorton]

As for the low necklines, Elizabeth Keckley repeats a comment she heard the president make. He wasn't that thrilled with them. I'll try to find the quote from her book when I get home, unless someone wants to beat me to it.

Gene, I think this may be the quote you are thinking of. Mary was wearing a dress that had a long train and was low cut. Abraham saw her and remarked, "Whew, our cat has a long tale tonight…it is my opinion that if some of that tail were nearer the head, it would be in better style.”

I once read somewhere that Mary preferred low cut gowns with short sleeves that displayed her smooth arms and neck.