VictorianFashion
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we are primarily concerned with that period of the 19th Century affiliated with the reign
of good Queen Victoria, (1837- 1901), I hereby offer an exceedingly brief
preliminary fashion overview illustrating that which was prevelant during the era from
fashion magazines. The "General Public" did NOT dress this well
to do -- much as very few of us today can afford to dress like Glamour or Vogue
Magazine models! Such "high fashion" was reserved strictly for the wealthy;
those able to be "trendy". In other words, this is what everyone wished
they wore! |
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Fashion Plate depicting
the stylish family of 1837 |
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Ladies and Gentleman of 1844
Note that the
Gentleman's clothing
has not
changed much at all, much
less his stance! |
Fashionable
Ladies of 1858
The "Era of the Hoop" began in 1856 |
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"Meet Mr. Godey"...
His Magazine and
His World |
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Stylish Ladies of 1864
Unfortunately, few Southern
Ladies had much
chance to
be "fashionable" in the
lean Civil War years |
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Ladies of the PostWar era of 1867
Note the emphasis of the
elliptical
hoop in the sweeping train |
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Note that by 1873, the dress-
train has evolved into the
bustle |
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By 1887, the dress bodice was
extremely
form-fitting while
the bustle
itself grew to
immense
size as both this
reception
and dinner dress
reveal |
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These stylish ladies of 1895
are no longer encumbered by
bustles although they have
the revival of the fashionable
"Gigo" or "Leg O'Mutton"
sleeve of the 1830's |
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By 1901, her tight draperies
have
given way to airy "tea
gowns", and the era of the
"Gibson
Girl" is born!
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| What They
REALLY Wore |
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A Stylish Couple
Photographed in 1842
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This
fashionable young lady
wears an elaborate evening
gown straight from a fashion
plate - this one circa 1859 |
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However everyday dresses
were rather plain with very
little trim, like this one,
circa 1862 |
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By
the end of the 1860's, the
elliptical hoop is moving
further to the back to form a
bustle-like effect to the
skirt. |
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By 1874, the bustle has
finally begun to fully
evolve. |
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By 1884, the bodice was
becoming more form
fitting with the skirt
tightly draped across the
bustle. |
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1889, the bustle in "Full Bloom".
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| The era of the "Gilded Age" or the 1890's brought
the revival of the 1830's Gigot sleeve. The bustle had disappeared completely.
Dresses evolved into suits and the "skirt and blouse" look was born
with the fashion of the "shirtwaist". Lots of braid
and trims were utilized in the '90's. |
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