Dressed initially in calico, lace and denim (4)
I believe the answer is:
clad
'dressed' is the definition.
(to be clad in something is to be dressed in it)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for clad that I've seen before include "Clothed, covered" , "Wearing" , "Cover with insulation" , "Provided with covering" , "Dressed" .)