In the portrait, the partlet appears to be one of the more
simple types, similar to a scarf, placed around the neck and tucked into the
front of the neckline. The inner edge is trimmed with a gold gimp. The fabric
is very sheer, white, with gold stripes about two inches apart. A bit of extra
fabric from the partlet spills over the dress’ shoulders.
I
have some very fine silk gauze with metallic stripes. The stripes are less than
an inch apart, but it still has the feel of the partlet fabric in the portrait.
I also have gold gimp, cotton from an older collection, which will do nicely.
The fabric is only a 1/3 of a yard, so I may not be able to get the exact way
the stripes run in the painting, but they should look right from the front, and
since we can’t see the back, the issue is moot. 
I
used waxed cotton thread to trim the partlet and roll the hem. The fineness of
the fabric is a bit scary! While very soft, the silk has a bit of tooth, nice
as it stays in place.
It looks good, but I won’t know if it works until I finish
the dress.
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