@georgedvore - I'm not sure how long; I understand they had to have servants to help them get dresses; sometimes the were sewn into the clothing; also that once dressed, they might stay in that outfit for 2-3 days -- that would have been for a social event (formal ball, ...) that was more than one day long. And I know that your next question will be what's the name of the book ... I don't have a specific reference ... many different sources, verbal, classes w/o a handout, etc. MGD