The end of 1808 marked the beginning of the transition into longer waisted styles of fashion. During this year, dresses were still divided into the same three main categories: day, walking, and evening dresses.

At the start of 1808, day dresses were long sleeved and high waisted, with lozenges in front and back. Bosoms were rounded with deep gores and short sashes, then topped by Elizabethan or scalloped ruffs. The dress sleeves were full at the shoulder, with the hem of the skirt usually vandyked or embroidered. As in previous years, no trains were attached.

Walking dresses had bodices with center buttons, the style often referred to as "waistcoat bosoms". Again, white was usually seen in summer, but not very often. The usual materials used for walking dresses were various colored muslins.

For evening dresses, shaped bodices were in vogue. Sleeves were of either long transparent netting or designed in the short Spanish style. Popular also were tunic dresses, which were attached to the body over one shoulder only. Colors used for evening wear were white muslin over colored slips or vice versa - colored muslin over white slips. Also popular were sarcenets of brocade or shaded design, as well as beautiful Chinese silks.

For outerwear, spencers, pelisses, shawls and cloaks were still used. Plain spencers had slashed sleeves, while Chinese style spencers came to two long points at the front. The pelisse was usually of painted or printed muslin. The ever popular cloak was usually either three-quarter or full length, often trimmed in swansdown. The three-quarter length mantle usually was open over the left arm, and the hem cut into four parts, often with tassles at each point. New to the scene was the curricle coat, which had lapels and fastened at the bodice, sloped at the back, and was made of Chinese silk.

Shoes of this period were colored kid or velvet for walking, often cut high and fastening with straps or buttons, and for evening, white satin, kid or silk shoes with chenille trimmings.

Still popular accessories were parasols of all colors in deep shades edged with fringe, reticules (to carry fans, money, etc.) made of satin or sarcenet with tassles and strings, and for jewelry, necklaces and brooches of pebbles.

---on to 1809