The Victorian Era was a period of great beauty and fashion. Victorian fashion was unique for its time and especially known for corsets and crinolines. This article breaks down the evolution of these two infamous styles, from how they were worn, to the impact they had on the fashion of the time. Read on to learn more about the most iconic elements of Victorian fashion!

1. The Grace of the Victorian Era: Corsets and Crinolines

One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the Victorian era is the dramatic silhouettes created by its clothing. Though times have changed, these styles remain widely iconic. From corsets, to ballgowns, the grace of Victorian fashion is still celebrated today.

Corsets

The corset was by far the most ubiquitous and transformative piece of the era. Spandex and Lycra had yet to be invented, so corsets were built and shaped onto the individual form. They were designed to enhance the waist and hip, as well as slimming the torso and flattening the bust. This style was highlighted as an essential component of femininity, as women were expected to be slim and shapely.

Crinolines

The crinoline was another important form of fashion during the era. These billowing skirts, often made of taffeta or tulle, were typically worn over several layers of petticoats to achieve the traditional bell shape. While some crinolines were so wide in circumference that a person could barely walk through a doorway, they were highly desirable, as they created a playful, young look that held a special place in Victorian society.

2. Sumptuous Silhouettes and the Victorian Shape

The Victorian Era is recognized for its eternal style – which continues to make its presence felt in the styles of today. Representing the height of a new age of industry and rising fortunes, it was during this time that the Gold Standard for eveningwear was established. Sumptuous fabrics, intricate embellishments, and sumptuous silhouettes – encasing a cinched-in waist – formed the base for the dresses of the era.

The iconic look of Victorian women was centered around the elegant hourglass figure, accentuating the narrow waist in all it’s glory. A structured corset was worn as an undergarment to create the distinct silhouette. Women of the era would further refine the look with ample amounts of accessories, made from the latest ribbons, bows, and jewelry.

The look was finished off with a series of items such as skirts, dresses, wraps, and jackets, in a plethora of styles. Polonaises, mermaid, pagoda, layered skirts, tee-lengths – the style catalogue was full of imaginative and unique combinations. It was not uncommon to use two or three layers of material in different lengths and cuts in the same outfit.

These silhouettes of yesterday naturally left an imprint upon the dresses of today. Elegant fabrics, flowy pleats, and a feminine silhouette – each of these components owes its inception to the .

3. Corsets: Beautifully Restrictive

Corsets are one of those fashion statements that can be considered both sexy and intimidating. But there’s more to them than just looks–corsets are unique for their practicality and ability to shape the wearer’s figure. They can be an amazing fashion accessory or an essential component of a necessary costume, or simply a practical way to modify a garment for a specific fit.

A well-made corset can do a few magical things. Firstly, it can compress the torso inwards creating an hourglass shape and allowing the wearer to fit their clothes better. Secondly, it can raise and give external shape to the bust by pushing it upwards and out. Thirdly, they can provide much-needed support when needed.

Well-crafted corsets are timeless and form-fitting–they can be either laced to the desired tightness or left open if desired. There is a large selection of fabric options to choose from, such as:

• Brocade and damask, which feel luxurious to the touch;
• Leather and latex, which is perfect for the darker wardrobe pieces;
• Taffeta and sateen, which is ideal for more formal styles;
• Cotton and velvet, which are preferred by those who prefer Matt for their garments.

Different construction styles can be used to enhance the differentiators of each design. From the modern corset tops to the traditional Victorian-style corsets, they are all a form of lingerie and can bring out the beauty of the wearer in whatever scene it may be.

4. The Crinoline as an Extension of One’s Self

The crinoline was more than a fashion statement – it was an extension of the woman wearing it, a body of support that provided her with confidence and a commanding presence. With their large, wide skirts, crinolines created a grand and billowing figure, as if announcing the wearer’s entrance into the room.

The crinoline was symbolic of a social status and ideal, enabling the wearer to make a statement without having to say a word. It gave its wearer the power to look tall, regal, and proud – something especially important in a time when women were only beginning to gain autonomy and ownership of their lives. Through the beauty of its design and the majesty of movement, the crinoline allowed its wearer to stand erect against expectations of what was considered appropriate feminine behavior.

To those wearing a crinoline, it was an accessory that provided assurance and poise. This idea of covering with dignity was even imbued in the lingo associated with the crinoline – covering referred to how the accessory fit around the waist, hanging replaced the term “skirts”, while crumb catcher referred to the shape of the basque.

For many, the crinoline represented liberation within a repressive society dying for reform. By wearing the crinoline, women could show the world that they refused to be restricted by the biases and social limits upon them in the mid-1800s. With the support it gave them, women could confidently express themselves in whatever manner they chose.

• The Crinoline represented freedom and autonomy for its wearers
• Through the power of its design and elegance of movement, it allowed women to “stand erect” with opposing expectations of societal norms in the 1800s
• It was seen as a physical representation of their beauty and status, assisting them to feel regal and powerful

5. An Age of Etiquette and Elegance: Victorian Fashion

The ability to express your personality through clothing was a new concept that flourished during the Victorian Era. The popular style of the period was based on functionality and etiquette. Due to the combination of masculine and feminine influences, a unique blend of sophistication and femininity came to define the characteristics of fashion during this time.

Victorian fashion drew strongly from two primary sources. Firstly, classic styles from the Elizabethan and Georgian eras developed through the 19th century. The second was the Industrial Revolution which caused a proliferation of fabrics, dyes, and sophisticated sewing machines.

• Men’s Clothing: Men usually wore suits made of wool in a variety of colors such as gray and black. Popular accessories included watch chains, pocket watches, pocket squares, and lapel pins. Hats, typically a tall sombrero or a flat cap, were also popular.
• Ladies’ Clothing: Women’s clothing included a variety of styles such as bustled dresses with raised hems and long sleeves, shawls, bonnets, and gloves. Skirts were typically ankle length with little decoration, and were accessorized with tall hats or plumes. Corsets were also popular and served to shape ladies’ garments.

Overall, the etiquette and attention to detail of Victorian fashion made it an elegant and timeless era of dress. This is why it has become one of the most beloved styles in history. Old-school beauties like Marilyn Monroe continue to draw inspiration from the look of the era.

The Victorian period has provided us with timeless fashion looks that have inspired generations of stylish dressers. From the extravagant corsets and crinolines to the beautiful bustles and mysterious mantillas, these styles have transcended the boundaries of time and influence what we wear today. Victorian fashion gives us lasting looks to do justice to a bygone era.