Events of world history of the 19th century could not but affect the development of fashion. In any era, whether it be the Middle Ages or modernity, fashion becomes a mirror, showing society new trends and reforms. It is assigned the status of “international”. Thanks to the development of industry in Russia and in the world, more and more identical clothing is being produced in mass quantities from fabrics created not manually but mechanically.
Obviously, fashion has evolved and changed for the sake of industry. Fabrics became more universal, styles became simple. New styles appear, such as eclecticism, modern, Biedermeier, the second Rococo.
Drawing an analogy with historical facts and events, 19th-century fashion demonstrates the revolutionary feelings of the masses. Conservatism of colors and fabrics, exaggeration of small details is demonstrated. Fancy, prim clothes from the 18th century are a thing of the past, letting simple and convenient things to the fore. Republican convictions penetrate both women and men. Ladies refuse velvet and silk, and dresses of uncomfortable styles, gentlemen, in turn, refuse wigs and uncomfortable tailcoats. However, mods do not neglect shawls, boas and other accessories.
Russian fashion of the 19th century (its second half) changes its direction in accordance with the international. The first beauty salons and hairdressers in St. Petersburg are opening. A mandatory part of a men's wardrobe is a business visiting suit. In 1853, foreign brands began to cooperate with Russian statesmen and merchants. Louis Vuitton supplies clothes to the imperial court.
In addition to industrial production , individual development is also developing. Fashion houses and sewing workshops open. St. Petersburg is becoming a fashionable capital that sets the tone for other cities. The first shoe store opens here. The first fashion magazines of Russian production are published.
Fashion of the 19th century in Russia differs from the world one in that it supports the national flavor. Pavlovian scarves, dresses with traditional folk embroidery are produced.
Men's fashion of the 19th century is developing as actively as women's. Tastes are still dictated mainly by the bourgeoisie, but luxury is fading into the background, giving way to modernity. Costumes are the most important part of men's wardrobe. In the closet of a real dandy was not a dozen different costumes from home to ballroom. The most fashionable and new trend has become a business card - a street suit intended for high-speed holidays. The colors that metropolitan mods chose remained traditional: black and gray. A tuxedo came from England to Russia, which they wore when leaving for a men's club. Later, a tuxedo became an integral part of the men's wardrobe, and wore it both in theaters and restaurants.
Particular attention was paid to trousers. In the fifties trousers with pants were in fashion, and after 10 years they were similar without pants. Fashion of the 19th century was famous for the fact that special attention was paid to accents. For example, stripes were an indicator of the style and status of a man. The cut of the trousers was diverse: from baggy to narrowed.
Men have never forgotten about headaches. A variety of hats, panamas, bowlers were in the wardrobes of young and old fashionistas in status. The most common headgear in the 19th century was the cylinder. The felt hat was not inferior to him in popularity either.
Shoes in the second half of the 19th century were distinguished by their diversity. Both sharp-pointed and blunt-toed heeled shoes were in fashion. Young people wore ankle boots, shoes and boots with buttons and lacing. Later, practical rubber shoes appeared, designed for work and trips out of town.