The
Victorian Era was a time period between 1837 (the year Victoria
became Queen) to the year of her death in 1901.
Victorian Era was a
lively style of ornamentation. Clothes during the period were very
elaborated and restrictived on the bodies of those who wore them.
Their dresses affected the way they walked, sat or moved her arms.
Dresses during the
Victorian era were cut in a style to show off the
figure in a modest way. In general, the Victorian era clothing was
considered very elegant, very stylish. Lots of layers, extremely full
skirts, lots of ruffles and decorative features. Numerous heavy
petticoats, layers of underclothes, metal hoops, tight corsets under
bodices of whalebone and steel were hidden by an array of ornately
accented undersleeves, collars, pelerines, fans, gloves, hats, and
parasols. The finished look was of elegance and grace.
Development of Women's Dress during Victorian Era:
In the 1840s and 1850s, women's gowns developed wide puffed sleeves.
Dresses were simple and pale. Realistic flower trimming were on dresses.
Petticoats, corsets, chemises were worn under gowns. By the 1850s the
number of petticoats was reduced and the crinoline was worn; as such the
size of the skirts expanded. Day dresses had a solid bodice and evening
gowns had a very low neckline and were worn off the shoulder with
shawls.
In the 1860s, the skirts became flatter at the front and projected out
more behind the woman. Day dresses had wide pagoda sleeves and high
necklines with lace or tatted collars. Evening dresses had low necklines
and short sleeves, and were worn with short gloves or fingerless lace
or crocheted mitts.
In the 1870s, uncorseted tea gowns were introduced for informal
entertaining at home and steadily grew in popularity. Bustles were used
to replace the crinoline to hold the skirts up behind the woman, even
for "seaside dresses".
In the 1880s, riding habits had a matching jacket and skirt (without a
bustle), a high-collared shirt or chemisette, and a top hat with a veil.
Hunting costumes had draped ankle-length skirts worn with boots or
gaiters. Clothing worn when out walking had a long jacket and skirt,
worn with the bustle, and a small hat or bonnet. Travelers wore long
coats like dusters.
In the 1890s, Women's wear in the last decade of the
Victorian Era was
characterised by high collars, held in place by collar stays, and stiff
steel boning in long line bodices. By this time, there were neither
crinolines nor bustles. Women opted for the tiny wasp waist instead.
In the past few years, Salelolita was devoted to design
Victorian Dresses. Bellow are our recommend victorian style dress.
