Early Mid Victorian Fashion

Mid Victorian Fashion Dates from the late 1850s to 1880s. We are discussing the early Mid years from 1857 to 1865. Fashion changes drastically during the Mid Victorian period so I have broken it down into two segments. This way we will get to view more beautiful photos!

courtesy of metmuseum.org

In the Early-Mid Period dresses became more and more daring in their pattern and color. During these years women wore both dark and light shades of color such as silvery grays, lavender and magenta. These are just a few among the many popular colors worn. We also find plaids in women's wear begin to emerge.

 Popular fabrics included: silk, taffeta, cashmere, muslin, tulle, mink, seal, beaver and countless other fabrics.

               (left) courtesy of blog.historicalfashions.com                    

(right) courtesy of fashionismymuse.blogspot.com

Corsets with lacing in the back are introduced. The steel cage crinoline was introduced in 1856. On top a petticoat was worn with an elaborate design at the hem.

courtesy of uhist.com

Skirts were made fuller by using more tiers which are commonly known as flounce.  Hooks and eyes are now introduced into fashion. 

Dresses for day typically had what is called a Fan Front. Which has a typical tight narrow waist. A wider bell shape sleeve does starts to appear toward the early 1860s.

courtesy of metmuseum.org

Evening dresses were very low-necked, falling off the shoulders, and had short sleeves.

courtesy of www.osu.edu

In the Mid Victorian period we start to see white gloves and colored hosiery. The Indian Shaw becomes another fashionable garment. Hair styles become much simpler. It becomes a simple part down the middle with a bun or braid in the back.  Earrings go from simple dangles to tassel-like in form.

courtesy of yourwardrobeunlockd.wordpress.com

Tomorrow we will discuss dresses from the Late-Mid Victorian period and the bustle.

Early Victorian Fashion

photo courtesy of  www.thepelisse.blogspot.com

 Early Victorian fashion dates from 1837 to late 1856. In this time women's fashion was very modest.

Dresses from this period include:

Narrow shoulders and bodice.

Very small waists.

Exceptionally full skirts in the hip.

Hoops needed to support the petticoats and fullness of the skirt.

Long skirts completely covering the body.

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The goal of dresses from this time period were to give the appearance of a weak and dainty upper body with extremely full hips and large lower body.

photo courtesy of www.timelytresses.com

Deep set bonnets were worn to hide the face and neck of the wearer. Mostly commonly  the face of the wearer was only seen when they looked directly at you.

courtesy of www.cwrl.utexas.edu

Evening gowns covered literally every bit of skin minus the face. This is also the first period in time we see protesters against wearing such garments. The protesters were fighting against the health issues the came from wearing such restrictive garments.

Towards the end of Early Victorian fashion going into Mid Victorian fashion fullness of skirts begin to look asymmetrical and full in the back which is commonly referred to as bustle or bustling. Geometric shapes and stripes become more popular in garments.

Popular accessories worn  or used in this period were necklaces, wraps, shawls and parasols. During the early Victorian period earrings went from flat and round to short dangle style.

 Neck ribbons were popular and usually had a cameo place in the front of the neck. Under sleeves were similar to today's layering. It was a shirt that had sleeves that extended out past the dress being worn.

We can't forget the best part! Here are some examples of Early Victorian Handbags and shoes. The handbag is a silver mesh handbag. Many mesh handbags were made of actual gun metal.

 In this period of fashion history we meet the first couture designer. Charles Frederick Worth is the first real fashion designer. Not to be confused with a tailor. Meaning:  he designed gowns from his own inspiration and not from his client telling him how to fit a garment for their needs.

Victorian Era Clothing

This week we will be discussing Victorian Fashion. To understand fashion and its evolving and revolving phases you must start with the original trendsetter in women's fashion.  Victorian fashion was one of longest lasting periods in the fashion timeline. The Victorian period was from 1837 to 1901. These are also the years Queen Victoria held her position.

Victorian fashion was actually modeled after Queen Victoria and her reign. Hence, Victorian Fashion. Before Queen Victoria  women's fashion was considered unimportant. In fact, men's fashion was considered more important than a women's garb. In pre-Victorian fashion men dressed to reflect their status and positions in society. If a woman dressed to reflect a status it was considered taboo. In fact it was just plain NOT done.

It all changed when Queen Victoria came into her position. She was a woman of power. More importantly she was a woman. Very quickly society reconsidered it's view on status and dress. It soon became more important to show a man's status and position by how his wife was dressed. A well dressed and poised wife was considered the key to a mans success. Or at least visually to the public eye.

Queen Victoria was a trendsetter in a huge way! Women's fashion really didn't exist before her. Yes women got dressed before this but; not to impress. Not to make a statement and surely not to gain attention. There are different phases within this timeline known as Early Victorian, Mid Victorian and Late Victorian.

We will be discussing the key changes and style markers in each Victorian phase thru the remainder of this week. Have something to add? We'd love to hear from you.

Photos courtesy of wikipedia.