Victorian London was a time of great transformation, and fashion was no exception. During this era, the clothing that people wore became more elaborate and complex than ever before.
Many different factors contributed to the evolution of Victorian London fashion, including the rise of industrialization and the influence of the royal family. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what people wore during this period.
The Basics
During the Victorian era, men and women dressed very differently from one another. Men typically wore three-piece suits with waistcoats, jackets, and trousers made from wool or tweed. They also wore top hats and carried walking sticks as accessories.
Women’s fashion during this time was much more varied and complex. The Silhouette was typically very narrow at the waist with a full skirt that fell to the ankles or slightly above. Women also wore corsets to achieve an hourglass figure beneath their dresses.
Women’s Clothing
Victorian London women’s clothing was characterized by its elaborate detailing and intricate construction. Dresses were often made from silk or satin and featured ruffles, lace, bows, and embroidery. The sleeves could be long or short depending on the occasion.
One popular style for women during this period was the bustle dress, which featured a large fabric structure at the back of the skirt designed to accentuate a woman’s curves. Another popular style was the tea gown, which was typically worn in private settings and featured delicate fabrics like chiffon or lace.
Accessories
Accessories were an important part of any Victorian London outfit – especially for women. Jewelry like brooches, necklaces, and earrings were worn in abundance along with gloves and hats.
One accessory that stood out in particular during this time was the fan. Fans were used both as practical tools for keeping cool in hot weather as well as fashion statements in their own right. They were often made from delicate materials like lace or silk and decorated with intricate designs.
Men’s Clothing
Men’s clothing during the Victorian era was much more straightforward than women’s. Suits were typically made from wool or tweed and consisted of a jacket, waistcoat, and trousers. The jackets were typically single-breasted and featured narrow lapels, while the trousers were straight-legged and often featured a crease down the front.
One accessory that was essential for any fashionable Victorian London man was the top hat. Top hats were typically made from silk or felt and came in a variety of colors. Men also carried walking sticks as accessories, which were often decorated with ornate handles.
Children’s Clothing
Children’s clothing during the Victorian era was also quite elaborate. Girls wore dresses that mimicked their mother’s styles, while boys wore suits that imitated their father’s styles. Both boys and girls wore hats as well as gloves for formal occasions.
Conclusion
The clothing worn by people in Victorian London reflected not only their social status but also the cultural changes taking place during this period. From elaborate women’s dresses to men’s top hats, every aspect of fashion during this time was carefully considered and designed to convey a certain image. Today, we can still appreciate the beauty and complexity of Victorian London fashion through museums and historical reenactments.