What is chemisette clothing?

Chemisette clothing, also known as a chemisette or a fake shirt front, is a piece of clothing worn specifically by women in the 19th century. It is essentially a collared, detachable shirt front that is placed over the neckline of a dress or blouse. It was usually made of white linen or cotton and had ruffles or lace trimmings. The chemisette was designed to provide modesty and a more complete look to a woman's outfit without having to wear a full shirt or blouse underneath. It was popular during the Victorian era but eventually fell out of fashion in the early 20th century.