Demi-toilet (or demi-toilette) refers to a style of dress that is somewhat elaborate but less formal than the full dress style expected at evening parties. It is a historical style of semi-formal wear or morning dress popular in the 19th century.
The etiquette was for women to wear the demi-toilet style, with or without bonnets, at an afternoon party, such as five o'clock tea or coffee; morning receptions, which were parties held from four to seven o'clock in the afternoon; kettle drums, which were parties where the guests were only expected to stay for around half an hour. Women were advised not to wear low-necked dresses or short sleeves, and to reserve their most elegant jewelry and laces for the evening.
The name comes from the 18th- and 19th-century , where a wealthy woman would entertain guests in her dressing room or boudoir to help her get ready and allow her to demonstrate her taste and finery.
Quotes about demi-toilet fashion
Examples of demi-toilet dress
References