(Here's a simple 1890s costume that's perfect for anyone who wants to clean out their ribbon stash! While it suggests a dress made from ribbon, a similar effect could be obtained by using an ordinary dress and ornamenting it with ribbon as described.)
Dress of wide cream-colored chiné ribbon joined perpendicularly. Shoulder knots and flowing ends from the waist. Ribbon aigrette in hair; ribbon necklet and bracelets.
Source:
Holt, Ardern. Fancy Dresses Described, Sixth Edition. London: Debenham & Freebody, 1896.
The 1896 edition of Holt may be found online at the University of Wisconsin Digital Collections.