Victorian fashion
Victorian fashion refers to the various fashions and trends of Europe during the Victorian Era, which lasted from 1837 to 1901, and is named after the reigning queen of England at the time, Queen Victoria. The period saw many changes in fashion, including changes in clothing, architecture, literature, and visual arts.
During this period, fashion changed a lot. In the 1800s, you could see small silhouettes and pastel colors. In the 1830s, there was very exaggerated fashion. This was also the trend from the 1860s to the 1890s, and this type of fashion is something that this time is known for. Then, changing the tone, fashion in the early 20th century was toned down in the sense of exaggeration and playfulness.
The main woman who inspired was the Queen of England and Empress of India, Victoria. She was at the peak of royalty and ruled for many years, therefore influencing many trends during the century.
By 1907, clothing was increasingly factory-made and often sold in large, fixed price department stores. Custom sewing and home sewing were still significant, but on the decline. New machinery and materials developed clothing in many ways.
The introduction of the lock-stitch sewing machine in mid-century simplified home and boutique dressmaking. It made it easy to add trimmings which would be costly if done by hand. Lace machinery made lace at a fraction of the cost of the old hand-made lace. Inventors developed new, cheap, bright dyes like mauveine which replaced the old animal or vegetable dyes.
Victorian Fashion Media
1844 fashion plate depicting fashionable clothing for men and women, including illustrations of a glove, a fanchon, and bonnets
Bermudian sisters Rosalie, Helen & Ellesif Darrell in 1846
Picture of 1850s evening dress with a bertha neckline
Engageants would be worn to fill open sleeves.
An undressed woman In 1837, featuring a fashionable hairstyle, busked corset, and layers of petticoats.
English day dress of around the time of Victoria's ascendancy, with bow details and puffed sleeves.
English silk day dress of the second half of the 1840s, with dropped shoulder seams, tight sleeves, and a pointed waist.
A day ensemble ca. 1855, featuring tiers of ruffles and pagoda style sleeves.
A print displaying the fashionable silhouette of the 1850s and then the cage crinoline needed to support it.
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