Victorian Era Fashion: Go back in time to the 19th century and discover.
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Victorian Era Fashion: Go back in time to the 19th century and discover the elaborate and corseted fashion of the Victorian era, with its bustles and crinolines
The Victorian era, which spanned from the early 19th century
to the beginning of the 20th century, was characterized by its elaborate and
highly structured fashion. This period, named after Queen Victoria of England,
witnessed a range of distinct fashion styles and innovations. From the tightly
corseted waistlines to the voluminous skirts and intricate accessories,
Victorian fashion was a reflection of the social, cultural, and technological
influences of the time. Let's explore the world of Victorian era fashion, known
for its bustles, crinolines, and attention to detail.
Early Victorian Fashion (1837-1860): The Romantic Era
The early Victorian era, also known as the Romantic era, was
marked by a focus on femininity, modesty, and a return to the classicism of
ancient Greece and Rome. Key elements of early Victorian fashion included:
1. Full Skirts: Women's skirts were wide and
bell-shaped, achieved through layers of petticoats. The use of crinoline cages
or hoop skirts became popular, allowing for an exaggerated hourglass
silhouette.
2. Corsets: The waist was tightly corseted,
emphasizing a small and delicate waistline. Corsets were made from whalebone or
steel, and they were worn to achieve the desired hourglass shape.
3. High Necklines: Dresses featured high necklines
and long sleeves, often with lace or ruffles. Collars, known as
"bertha" collars, were popular, adding a touch of elegance to
dresses.
4. Puffed Sleeves: Sleeves were often puffed and
gathered at the shoulders, creating a softer and more romantic look.
5. Bonnets: Women wore bonnets made of straw, lace,
or silk, often adorned with ribbons and flowers. Bonnets were an essential
accessory, providing both sun protection and a fashionable touch.
Mid-Victorian Fashion (1860-1880): The Crinoline Period
The mid-Victorian period, sometimes called the Crinoline
period, saw the continued use of crinolines but with some modifications. Key
elements of mid-Victorian fashion included:
1. Elaborate Skirts: Skirts remained voluminous, but
crinolines evolved to become flatter in front while extending behind, creating
a distinctive "bustle" effect at the back. The bustle was often
draped with fabric and trimmed with frills.
2. Rich Fabrics: Dresses were made from luxurious
fabrics like silk, satin, and velvet. Patterns and designs included floral
prints, paisley, and stripes.
3. Bodice Emphasis: Attention shifted to the bodice,
which featured intricate designs, pleating, and decorative buttons. Dresses
often had a pointed, elongated bodice that elongated the torso.
4. Accessories: Accessories such as lace collars,
gloves, and parasols remained important. Women also wore jewelry, including
lockets and brooches.
5. Hairstyles: Hair was often worn in intricate
updos, adorned with combs, ribbons, and flowers. Hats and bonnets continued to
be essential.
Late Victorian Fashion (1880-1901): The Belle Époque
The late Victorian period, often referred to as the Belle
Époque, marked a shift towards a more tailored and structured style. Key
elements of late Victorian fashion included:
1. Tailored Suits: Tailored suits became fashionable
for women, consisting of a jacket and skirt. These suits were often made from
wool or tweed and featured a tailored, fitted silhouette.
2. Gigot Sleeves: Sleeves were exaggerated with the
use of gigot sleeves, which were large at the shoulders and tapered towards the
wrists.
3. High Necklines and Collars: High necklines with
lace collars and ruffles were common. Neckties and bows added a touch of
sophistication.
4. Hourglass Shape: The hourglass figure was still
desirable, but it was achieved through tailored clothing rather than corsets
and crinolines. S-bend corsets, which pushed the bust forward and the hips
back, were popular.
5. Bustles: While the bustle had diminished from its peak
in the mid-Victorian era, a small bustle pad was still worn to create a rounded
posterior.
6. Trains: Some dresses featured long trains,
especially for formal occasions. Trains added a sense of elegance and grandeur
to the garments.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Victorian Era Fashion
Victorian era fashion was characterized by its adherence to
modesty, formality, and a focus on intricate detailing. The use of corsets,
crinolines, and bustles emphasized the hourglass silhouette and was central to
the fashion of the time.
Today, Victorian fashion continues to inspire designers and enthusiasts. Elements such as high necklines, lace, and romantic silhouettes are often revisited in modern fashion. The influence of Victorian fashion can be seen in period dramas and historical reenactments, reminding us of the enduring fascination with this bygone era of elaborate style and strict etiquette.
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