In the mid-19th century, significant changes took place in England. The country was started by the young Queen Victoria, who had to endure difficult trials as a child. But she was a very determined person, and under her leadership, English society began to change. The changes also affected the clothes of the British.
Victorian clothing style
This style, above all, sought to show the beauty of women from the upper layers of English society. But men's clothing also had characteristic features. Victorian clothing dominated from 1830 to 1900, until the distribution of clothing produced in factories began. But this style is popular now.
Victorian style in the 19th century
What was the Victorian style of dress for a woman? If before that the British were dressed in tightly closed clothes, now they have the opportunity to show their shoulders and décolleté.
In the 1840s and 1850s, wide fluffy sleeves dominated women's dresses . Under the long skirt there were many others who were supposed to visually increase the volume. In the 1850s, their number decreased, but under the upper skirt appeared crinoline from hoops.
Mandatory to wear in a day dress was a corset that made the waist aspen and lifted the chest. In evening dresses there was a neckline, a shawl draped over their shoulders was combined with them.
The ladies were ready to endure any hardships in order to seem slimmer. The comic magazine Punch at that time published many cartoons depicting ladies who could neither sit down nor walk normally in uncomfortable dresses. Curly hair and small hats were combined with the outfit.
In the 1880s, the widespread riding habit led to the fact that shirts with a high collar, as well as high hats with a veil and boots, came into fashion.
Hat and other hats in the Victorian era
Victorian style of clothing provided for the presence of a hat. This fashion accessory in women's clothing deserves special attention. In the 19th century, a hat was considered a mandatory attribute of a lady from high society.
In 1810, hoods made of cardboard or straw came into fashion. They came from Napoleonic Italy, they were decorated with flowers and feathers. By the 1830s, hoods became larger in size. They performed important functions - they protected the face of the wearer from sunlight, completely covered it from the side. So the lady could be recognized only by looking directly into her face.
Closer to 1840, the hoods became smaller in size, now you could see both the hair and the face of the girl.
In 1860, hats appeared on the scene. These were Tyrolean-style hats and doll-sized hats. Often they were decorated with large bouquets of feathers.
Hoods and hats coexisted for a long time. Women who wore hoods were considered old matrons.
In 1890, women's fashion adopted many elements from the men's wardrobe due to the spread of an active lifestyle. Therefore, the size of the hat has decreased.
Victorian style: men
What was the Victorian style of clothing for men? Most urban men in those days wore shirts with cuffs and a vest over them. The vest could have pockets on it for wearing handkerchiefs and watches. A belt could appear on top of it, thanks to which the figure of the young man seemed more slender.
As accessories, gloves were used, black or brown. Gloves designed for winter had a fur trim.
Men's coats of that time were very elegant. These included Ulster, Chesterfield and a tuxedo. Sherlock Holmes wore one of these coats.
Victorian and Edwardian clothing
Edwardian style reigned in 1900. Then Edward the Seventh became king of England. Art Nouveau reigns supreme - a bizarre style.
By this time, the role of women in society is beginning to change. Higher education and participation in elections become available to her, now women and girls can ride bicycles and go in for sports.
But for a short period, fashion again becomes very feminine. These are long dresses in pastel colors, S-shaped corset. Reigned "Edwardian style", which requires the lady to have a whole army of outfits. These are dresses for an evening walk, dresses for going out, outfits for hunting and hiking with relatives ... Accessories were attached to this: gloves, a hat, an umbrella, boots. Hats are becoming very unusual and prominent. Riding on a hat can be flowers, feathers of tropical birds, fruits. The outfits are sewn of beautiful and expensive materials: organza, velvet, cambric, silk.
Fashion houses in Paris now show dresses with a narrow silhouette with a flat chest, with the likeness of a corset under them. Working women in this era preferred to wear almost the same clothes as men. I must say that during these years a large number of new magazines appeared that showed how to dress correctly.
Victorian style kidswear
Victorian clothing was also present. In that era, they copied outfits of adults. Girls wore knee-length dresses and black boots. Their hair was curly. They also wore hoods and hats.
The boys felt quite comfortable in Russian-style blouses. In the course were suits of sailors and shirts with long collars.
Victorian style in the modern era
And in our time, the Victorian era often reminds of itself . Queen Victoria's clothing style is still popular. So, many modern designers prefer to use its elements in their collections. These are magnificent skirts, crinolines, corsets, high collars. Victorian style in honor with representatives of different subcultures, such as emo and Goths. These people like to combine clothes of different styles, for example, a leather jacket and a fluffy chiffon skirt.
Any girl will not refuse to dress for a holiday in the Victorian style. This is a magnificent dress with a corset and long sleeves, a hat with flowers, jewelry made of gold and silver, a beautiful belt. Using a little imagination and turning on the imagination, you can create such an outfit yourself.