Harden Elkington
It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed and stressed in today’s world. However, you could feel better by reflecting on the beauty of the past.
This blog post is about the clothes people wore during Victorian times. We will look at the special dress from this time period and learn more about it.
If we explore Victorian fashion with an open mind, we may discover inspiration to adopt a more positive attitude towards life, appreciating its beauty and complexity.
What is a Victorian era dress called?
The Victorian era was a time in history between 1837 and 1901.
During this time, fashion changed a lot and new styles were created.
During this period, the crinoline was the most iconic dress which had a wide, bell-shaped skirt supported by a cage-like structure known as a crinoline or hoop skirt.
Women from all social classes wore this style of dress between the late 1850s and the mid-1860s.
These dresses were often made from bright colors and rich fabrics, such as silk, velvet, chiffon, and lace.
They usually featured a scoop neckline, long sleeves with puffed shoulder detailing, and a wide skirt that had layers of underskirts or petticoats for extra volume.
Necklines were high to protect women’s modesty, and lace collars were also popular.
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What did the people wear in Victorian times?
Victorian fashion was very fancy and detailed. People wore lots of beautiful clothes during this time period.
Let’s take a look at some of the things people wore!
Women’s fashion
Women’s fashion during the Victorian era was quite detailed and intricate.
Dresses were typically made from heavy fabrics such as wool, silk or velvet and often featured high collars, long sleeves, and a nipped in waist with full skirts.
Women also wore corsets to create an hourglass figure.
Bonnets with wide brims were popular, as well as gloves and parasols.
In addition to the crinoline, women’s fashion during the Victorian era included a variety of other styles, such as the bustle dress, which featured a prominent, padded bustle at the back of the skirt.
Men’s fashion
Men’s fashion during the Victorian era was more structured than women’s fashion.
Men wore trousers with waistcoats and coats that went to the knees. They also often wore cravats and hats, such as top hats and bowlers.
Men’s fashion was also characterized by the use of fabrics such as wool, linen, velvet, and tweed.
In addition to these traditional styles, men also wore frock coats and vests during this time period. These garments often featured bold colors and detailed embroidery.
Children’s fashion
Children’s fashion during the Victorian era was quite similar to adult fashion.
Girls typically wore smocked dresses or pinafores, with a blouse and a skirt underneath. Boys often wore sailor suits with knee pants, white shirts, and ties.
Both boys and girls also wore hats such as bonnets or caps, and lace-up leather boots.
In addition to these traditional styles, children also wore dresses with short sleeves and a sash at the waist.
Common fabrics used for children’s clothing during this time period included cotton, linen, velvet, and wool.
Working-class fashion
Working-class people during the Victorian era typically wore simpler clothing than their wealthy counterparts.
Men and women in the working class tended to wear practical, comfortable clothing made from wool or cotton fabrics.
Women often wore long skirts with a plain blouse, while men tended to wear trousers with a vest or jacket.
Shoes were usually made of leather and hats were common as well.
In addition to these traditional styles, working-class people often wore garments such as smocks and aprons while performing manual labor.
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Conclusion
The Victorian era was a time of great change in fashion. Women, men, children and even the working class all had their own distinct styles of clothing.
The crinoline was a popular dress during this time period for women from all social classes, while other garments such as frock coats and vests were popular among men.
Children typically wore smocked dresses or sailor suits, while the working class wore practical clothing such as trousers and vests.
Exploring Victorian fashion can be a great way to reflect on the beauty of the past and appreciate its complexity.
