The following text accompanied the print:  
 
"A blue crape dress over a white satin slip; the dress trimmed round the skirt with a deep blond lace, which is headed with a light and novel trimming, composed of white floss silk and small pearl beads; this trimming is surmounted with a beautiful deep embroidery of lilies, surrounded by leaves. The body and sleeves of this dress, as our readers will perceive by our print, are extremely novel. Head-dress, tocque à la Berri; it is a crown of a novel form, tastefully ornamented round th etop with lilies to correspond with the trimming of th e skirt, and a plume of white feathers, which droop over the face. Earrings, necklace, and bracelets mixed with pearl. The hair dressed in loose light ringlets on the forehead, and disposed in full curls in the back of the neck. White kid gloves, and white satin slippers."
 
The Repository of Arts was an illustrated periodical which focused on art, literature, commerce, manufactures, fashions and politics. It was published by Rudolph Ackermann from 1809-1828. The Repository influenced fashion, architecture and literature during the Regency and late Georgian period. It included plates showing paintings, furniture and objects as well as two or more anonymous fashion plates such as the one here per number, sometimes with with one or two figures and occasionally a piece of fine furniture. 
 
Opera Dress
 
No. 15 of R. Ackermann's Repository of Arts etc. Pub. Mar 1, 1817.