Hair vs. Hats As the Victorian era neared its end, hair was as reined in as the clothing. Small hats complemented the fashion of the day. But, as the 1890s drew to a close, hair grew larger (rock bands of the 1980s had nothing on these ladies) and hats followed suit. We may have Charles [...]
1870 was the year of the train, and it was not the one that runs on tracks. Ball gowns sported long beautiful trains and within three years only walking dresses remained floor-length. The soft bustle was also riding high in 1870. While there was some fullness at the front of the skirt, most of it was [...]
Skirt Hems Widen through Creative Use of Petticoats As the Romantic era in fashion came to a close in the 1830s and evolved into what we consider Victorian era, emphasis returned to the natural waistline. Corsets were back in fashion and the ankle-length skirt took on a bell shape, becoming so full that numerous petticoats [...]
by Donna Klein Bodice defines the Waistline 1870s to 1890s At the beginning of the 1870s, most bodices extended to the natural waistline. A tunic (overskirt) was often fitted over the bodice using a belt featuring a large bow in the back. It was during this time that a detachable basque, or very [...]
by Donna Klein Defining the Waistline 1830s to 1860s The transition to what we consider Victorian era fashion occurred during the 1830s with lowering of the waistline from under the breasts to its natural position. It was during this decade that necklines widened and the bodice evolved into the V-shape we associate with [...]
by Donna Klein Real or Illusion? With the help of a straight front corset, the S-curve silhouette was the style of the day from 1901-1910. This silhouette reached its most extreme in 1904 and 1905. This is the silhouette that Charles Gibson used when creating his 'Gibson Girls.' But, illustrations appear to be [...]
by Donna Klein Modesty and Menswear Although the romanticism of the Regency period was still evident in fashion at the beginning of her reign, Queen Victoria soon imprinted her attitude on the culture of the era that would bear her name. The rule of the day was modesty and propriety, and fashion took [...]
by Donna Klein Long and Short of Sleeves during the Victorian Era Whether they were short or long or somewhere in between, sleeve styles of the Victorian era created an interesting canvas upon which fashion designers could make a statement. Here are a few examples. Fashions of 1861 from Godey's Lady's [...]
by Donna Klein How Charles Gibson created the Ideal Woman Women were in the forefront of societal change during the last decade of the 19th century. The woman of the 1890s was athletic, independent, and educated (thanks to recent access to higher education). She was on the cusp; coming into her own. Some women [...]