Elegant and practical, the pelisse was a staple of fashionable outerwear throughout the early 19th century, particularly during the Regency and Romantic eras. Originally modeled after military-style greatcoats, these garments evolved into refined overgarments worn by women, often cut to mirror the high-waisted silhouette of the period. Pelisses were typically made of wool, silk, or velvet and could be richly trimmed with fur, braid, or decorative buttons.
Worn over day dresses, the pelisse offered both warmth and style, making it ideal for travel or promenade. Some featured capes or collars, while others included intricate sleeves or empire-line shaping that flattered the fashionable figure. Whether plain or elaborately adorned, the pelisse reflected the graceful aesthetics and shifting trends of early 19th-century fashion.