Victorian Fashion for Women
Fashion is one thing that keeps on changing constantly. The fashion trend which is seen in every fashion magazine today, is replaced by some other tomorrow! It is actually a cycle, a fashion which becomes old today, is not completely gone, it reappears again after some years. Fashion designers, fashion police and fashion conscious people give a modern look to that old fashion, and then that fashion again becomes a hit! Victorian fashion is one such style. This style was obviously first seen during the Victorian period, during the 19th century. Let us take a look at original Victorian fashion for women first and then how to dress in Victorian style, but with a modern twist!
Victorian Fashion
Victorian fashion refers to the trends of the British culture that existed during the time of queen Victoria, commonly known as the Victorian era. This era lasted for almost two-thirds of the 19th century, which is why we see many different Victorian styles. Clothes were made by hand at the start of the era, however by the end of the Victorian age, they were made only by machines. This change is also seen in the fashion clothing of that time. Though the method of sewing the clothes changed, a few styles remained the same. Men of the Victorian age wore stiff ankle length or full length clothing whereas the women wore flowery, flowing gowns or dresses. Women's clothing changed as per the occasion, however the length remained the same. Victorian women had to wear full length dresses, they were not allowed to show even their ankles, it was regarded almost a crime. Ironically, bare shoulders or cleavage showing gowns were allowed.
Talking about fashion jewelry, like women of any other age, Victorian women also loved jewelry! Art Nouveau and pearls were the commonly used jewelry. One interesting fact about Victorian jewelry is that mourning jewelry was the most popular jewelry! It started with Queen Victoria itself, she wore jet jewelry after Prince Albert's death. Almost everything that was black in color would be used to make mourning jewelry, sometimes it also included the deceased person's hair! This was a little about Victorian jewelry, below are some tips to style as Victorian lady.
Modern Victorian Fashion for Women
Costume
Costume is obviously the first thing that needs to be considered while dressing like a Victorian lady.
- Shirts/Blouses: Free-flowing skirts can obviously not be worn on an everyday basis now. So instead opt for Victorian style shirts. Choose blouses made of lace, velvet or silk; remember, the more the dress is feminine the more it is Victorian. Go for colors like pale yellow, light blue, black, royal blue, rose pink, ivory etc. You could get pearl-style buttons stitched to attain a perfect Victorian look.
- Jackets: Jackets were very popular during the start of the Victorian era. To give a modern look to these old-fashioned jackets, choose wool or velvet jackets. Blazers with a feminine cut will also do. In winter, you can opt for cashmere sweaters which have elegant buttons and delicate embroidery. Choose colors like green, deep purple, brown etc.
- Jeans: You do not need to wear long gowns to be Victorian. You can even wear jeans to dress like a Victorian lady. For it, buy jeans which have delicate designs or pearls, lace, velvet trim etc.
- Skirts: Victorian styles skirts with hoops and laces should be worn. Velvet tier skirts also have a Victorian touch to them. Wear woolen stockings and black fishnets with your grand skirts.
Now that you know what kind of dress you should wear, let's see how to complete the look with the right accessories.
- Necklaces: Chokers are the first choice when it comes to Victorian style jewelry, you can opt for lace or velvet chokers. A single diamond pendant necklace or a locket can also be worn. For a party, wear only pearls!
- Earrings: Studs were more popular than earrings during the Victorian times. So buy rhinestone studs. However if studs do not go well with your dress, go for chandelier earrings, of the same color as that of the blouse.
- Bracelets and Rings: Silver or gold plated bracelets with rhinestone elegant pearls will look good on a Victorian dress. As you must have observed, Victorian rings are big. Choose rings with big stones and good shine to complete your Victorian look.
Try thigh-high boots or lace-up shoes in colors like brown or black. High heels also look good on any Victorian dress.
This was all about Victorian fashion for women. These were just some fashion tips, add your creativity to these tips to achieve that perfect modern Victorian look!
