directoire

name

1. (alt-of, alternative)Alternative form of Directoire.
2. (historical)The ruling executive of revolutionary France, from 1795–1799, or the period governed by this body.

adj

1. Pertaining to a style of dress common during this period, characterised by extravagant, Classically-inspired designs.

   “My great-grandmother wore a brief empire bodice, and close-fitting Directoire skirt made of cream silk with a golden stripe running through it.”

   “Leafing through them now, I notice how orderly the early ones are: drawings of boxy Jasper Conran Chanel-esque jackets and gauzy Galliano directoire dresses, annotations on how "Patsy Kensit showed her bum!" at a Westwood show […].”

2. Pertaining to a style of furniture, decoration etc. prevalent during this period.

   “They prefer concerts and auctions to canasta and golf, are likely to spend the time their mothers relegated to ladies' luncheons to tracking down a Directoire commode for the foyer, just the right bronze for the living-room mantle.”

   “The only change was in his hair which he was now wearing in the Directoire style, the points coming down over his forehead.”

noun

1. An item of clothing in this style.