In the middle of the 19th century, significant changes took place in England. The young Queen Victoria began to rule the country, 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
This style, above all, sought to show the beauty of women from the upper strata of English society. But men's clothing also had characteristic features. The Victorian style of clothing dominated from 1830 to 1900, until the spread of clothing produced in factories began. But this style is still popular today.
Victorian in the 19th century
What was the Victorian style of women's clothing? If before the British dressed in tightly closed clothes, now they have the opportunity to show their shoulders and neckline.
In the 1840s and 1850s women's dresses were dominated bywide puffy sleeves. There were many others under the long skirt, which were supposed to visually increase the volume. In the 1850s, their number decreased, but a crinoline made of hoops appeared under the overskirt.
Mandatory to wear in a day dress was a corset that made the waist aspen and lifted the chest. The evening gowns had a decollete, they were combined with a shawl draped over the shoulders.
Ladies were willing to endure any hardship to appear slimmer. The comic magazine Punch at that time published many cartoons depicting ladies who could neither sit nor move normally in uncomfortable dresses. Curly hair and small hats were paired with the outfit.
In the 1880s, the widespread use of horseback riding brought high-collared shirts into fashion, as well as tall veiled hats and boots.
A hat and other headwear in the Victorian era
Victorian style of clothing included 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, bonnets made of cardboard or straw came into fashion. They came from Napoleonic Italy, they were decorated with flowers and feathers. By the 1830s, bonnets had become larger in size. They performed important functions - they protected the face of the person wearing them from the sun's rays, covering it completely from the side. So the only way to recognize a lady was to look her straight in the face.
Closer toIn 1840, the hoods became smaller in size, now you could see both the girl's hair and face.
In the 1860s, hats entered the scene. These were Tyrolean-style headdresses and doll-sized hats. Often they were decorated with large bouquets of feathers.
Hoots and hats have coexisted for a long time. Women who wore bonnets were considered old matrons.
In the 1890s, 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 Men
What was the Victorian style of men's clothing? Most urban men in those days wore shirts with cuffs and a vest over them. The vest could have pockets on it, designed to carry handkerchiefs and watches. A belt could appear over it, making the young man's figure appear more slender.
Gloves, black or brown, were used as accessories. Winter gloves had a fur trim.
Men's coats of that time were very elegant. They included Ulster, Chesterfield and Tuxedo. Sherlock Holmes wore one of these coats.
Victorian and Edwardian clothing
Edwardian style reigned in the 1900s. Then Edward the Seventh became king of England. Art Nouveau reigns supreme - a whimsical style.
By this time, the role of women in society beginschange. Higher education and participation in elections become available to her, now women and girls can ride bicycles and play sports.
But for a short period, fashion becomes very feminine again. These are long dresses in pastel colors, S-shaped corset. The “Edwardian style” reigns, 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 trips to relatives … Accessories were attached to this: gloves, a hat, an umbrella, boots. Hats become very unusual and outstanding. Astride the hat can be flowers, feathers of tropical birds, fruits. Dresses are made from beautiful and expensive materials: organza, velvet, batiste, silk.
Fashion houses in Paris are now showing flat-chested, tight-fitting dresses with a sort of corset underneath. Working women in this era preferred to wear almost the same clothes as men. I must say that in these years a large number of new magazines appeared that showed how to dress properly.
Victorian kidswear
Victorian style in children's clothes was also present. In that era, they copied the outfits of adults. The girls wore knee-length dresses and black boots. Their hair was curly. They also wore bonnets and hats.
The boys felt quite comfortable in Russian-style blouses. Sailor suits and shirts with long collars were in use.
Victorian in the Modern Age
And in our time, the Victorian era often reminds of itself. Queen Victoria's style of dress is still popular. So, many modern designers prefer to use its elements in their collections. These are fluffy skirts, crinolines, corsets, high collars. Victorian style is honored by representatives of different subcultures, such as emo and goths. These people like to combine different styles of clothing, such as a leather jacket and a full chiffon skirt.
Any girl wouldn't mind dressing up for the holidays in Victorian style. This is a puffy dress with a corset and long sleeves, a hat with flowers, jewelry made of gold and silver, a beautiful belt. With a little imagination and turning on the imagination, you can create such an outfit yourself.
