Romance and elegance have been two words that go hand-in-hand when it comes to Victorian fashion. From the lady’s delicate lace gowns, to the gentleman’s sophisticated suits and top hats—Victorian fashion was all about expressing a sense of poise and refinement. Drawing inspiration from newly-emerging industrial advances and traditional customs, the Victorian era saw fashion evolve into a style that has had a lasting influence on trends today. In this article, we’ll delve into the hallmarks of Victorian fashion—capturing the era’s romantic allure and timeless elegance.
1. What Was Victorian Fashion?
The Victorian era saw a shift in the fashion world. Women sought to express themselves through clothing and the ever-evolving style of the time. But just
Romantic Silhouettes
Victorian fashion was all about romance and elegance. Women wore sweeping and voluminous dresses with full skirts, often accompanied by fitted corsets. The look of the era was very much inspired by the amazing art and literature of the time.
Layers and Bonnets
Women of the Victorian era would often layer their clothing, wearing multiple skirts and oversized outer garments. The bonnets were also popular and were often decorated with plumes and lace. These were a way for women to show their personal style and express themselves.
Aristocratic Influences
Another aspect of Victorian fashion was the aristocracy and wealth it represented. Women were expected to dress in the latest fashionable styles, which were oftentimes inspired by the aristocracy. The clothes of the wealthy set the tone for the era, often influencing the way other people would dress.
Accessories: Jewellery, Gloves and Fans
Victorian fashion was all about the details. Women would accessorize their outfits with jewellery, gloves and ornately fan themselves with delicate fans. These accessories would often feature intricate patterns and designs, making them the perfect way for women to show off their unique style.
Victorian fashion is still very much admired today for its romance and elegance. Many modern interpretations of Victorian style continue to be seen in fashion both on and off the runway. No matter the era, the timeless look of Victorian fashion always brings a timeless sense of sophistication.
2. Adding Romance to Victorian Fashion
Victorian fashion was all about romance and elegance, characterized by high-necked bodices and long-skirted dresses. Here are some of the ways you can add a romantic look to your Victorian wardrobe:
- Lace & Sheer Fabrics: Combine sheer fabrics with lacy embroidery and patterns to give the garments a romantic touch. Lace overlays, lace collars, and lace cuffs are all popular looks in Victorian fashion.
- Flowers: Add some floral accents to your clothing for an extra-romantic touch. Embroidered roses, garlanding ribbons, floral appliqué, and petal-like adornments are all classic Victorian flourishes.
- Ruching & Pleating: Use ruching, pleating, and gathering to add texture and hint of romance to necklines, bustles, and skirts. It was a popular look in Victorian fashion.
- Butterfly Sleeves: If you’re looking for a softer, more ethereal look, consider butterfly sleeves in sheer, delicate fabrics.
Ultimately, emphasise the romance and elegance of the period by using feminine, delicate silhouettes and soft, muted colors. If you want to make a romantic fashion statement, the Victorian era has plenty of inspiration to offer.
3. Creating an Elegant Look
Achieving Romance and Elegance with Victorian Fashion:
The Victorian era saw a massive surge in fashion and style. This style, inspired by the Queen of England, Victoria I, was iconic for its intricate elegance and romance. Here are some of the key aspects of Victorian fashion that will help you recreate a romantic and elegant look:
- Tiny Waistlines: During the Victorian era, the emphasis on a woman’s hourglass figure was magnified. Women were expected to reach unrealistic expectations of beauty, and dresses were tailored to fit the shape with tiny corsets, boning, and careful tailoring of the waistline.
- High Necklines: Queen Victoria herself started the trend for high necklines, with stiff, white blouses under most dresses. It was all about covering up and looking pristine and proper, so lots of variation on turtlenecks, collars, and lace were showcased during this time.
- Long Skirts: To replace the mini trend seen in the later Georgian era, skirts were regulated to become ankle- or floor-length. This was seen as a symbol of modesty and refinement during the Victorian era, and more opulent versions were sometimes made with layers of endless ruffles and petticoats.
- Lace and Ruffles: Lace, sometimes made of cotton, silk, or even pricier velvet, was used with aplomb as a decoration on sleeves, hems, necks, and ruffled collars. It was also used as a decoration on hats, shawls, and dresses. Trims, ruffles, and ornamental bows were also commonly used to reach the desired Victorian elegance.
These are just a few of the signature elements that you can incorporate to create a romantic and elegant look inspired by the Victorian era. With a few fabric choices, these timeless pieces of fashion will always remain in vogue.
4. Embellishing Victorian Outfits
Victorian fashion was all about romance, elegance, and femininity. Whether you prefer bolder or more subtle looks, there are so many ways to add beautiful embellishments that will make your Victorian outfit truly special.
- Embellish with Lace: Lace is a staple item in the Victorian wardrobe, and can be used in numerous ways. Drape it over a skirt or layer it on top of a blouse to create an understated yet sophisticated look.
- Accessorize with Floral: Victorian women always add a delicate feminine touch with items in floral prints. Think of a petticoat, scarf, or bow tie for your outfit—these will make your entire look unique.
- Include a Fun Hat: Hats are essential to the Victorian fashion. Choose a stylish hat that complements the colors and style of your outfit. Whether it’s a Tyrolean topper or sophisticated flower-adorned chapeau, a hat will help you elevate your look and make a statement.
- Embrace Accessories: Accessories can make a world of difference in a Victorian outfit. Think of Gloves, jewelry, belts, purses and shawls to add that special touch that will turn heads.
From bold to subtle, there is no shortage of ways to embellish and perfect your Victorian look. Try different combinations and have fun with it—choose the elements that will make you stand out from the crowd.
5. How to Dress in Victorian-inspired Fashion Today?
1. Find Pre-Made Victorian-Inspired Clothing – There are numerous brands today that create vintage-style pieces such as dresses, blouses, blazers, hats, skirts, etc. Music festivals and other events may also feature merchants selling Victorian-inspired apparel at reasonable prices. Check out vintage stores, eco-friendly stores, high-end designers, or specialty stores to find one-of-a-kind vintage clothing.
2. Get Creative With Accessories - Putting together a Victorian-inspired look doesn’t have to be expensive. Start by collecting some classic accessories such as top hats, gloves, cravats, and pocket watches. For a complete look, add stylish belts, jewelry and shoes. When it comes to selecting fabrics, look for high-quality materials like linen, cotton and velvet.
3. Know What Makes a Good Fit – Victorian-inspired clothing requires a good fit. To emphasize your curves, it’s important to wear pieces that are tailored to your shape. Select pieces with the right length and silhouette, and select clothing with the right waist size to ensure a perfect fit.
4. Embrace the Drama and Romance -When it comes to styling, it’s all about drama and romance. Wear lots of lace, bows, and frills to embrace the Victorian-style look. Look for ruffles, tiers, and dazzling details to elevate your look. For inspiration, look to photos of wealthy Victorians from the 19th century.
5. Balance Between Modern and Vintage Style – Victorian-inspired fashion is all about balance. Look for pieces that blend classic vintage looks with modern trends. Incorporate modern pieces, such as denim, layered turtlenecks, and bomber jackets to create a unique, eclectic style. With some creativity, you can create an amazing Victorian-inspired look that is timeless.
6. Conclusion: Reviving the Victorian Aesthetic
The Victorian era is often remembered for its romantic, feminine fashion. Puffed sleeves, corseted waists and elaborate bustles all had an unmistakable elegance to them. Today, the Victorian aesthetic continues to capture the hearts of fashion enthusiasts around the world. With the right touches, you too can bring a bit of Northern charm into your wardrobe. Here’s how:
- Embrace the Drama: Victorian fashion was known for its dramatic look and bold silhouettes. Look for rich fabrics and dramatic details to add a touch of drama to your ensemble.
- Dress in Layers: Layer various pieces of clothing to mimic the effect of wearing an elaborate dress. Just make sure to stick to long, slightly bell-shaped clothing pieces to bring out the Victorian look.
- Find Your Accessories: Complement your Victorian-influenced look with authentic accessories such as lace gloves or a top hat. These items are the perfect way to finish off your look and will inject a bit of old-fashioned finesse into your wardrobe.
The Victorian aesthetic is timeless and elegant. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of romance into your wardrobe. Whether you embrace the full look or just a few pieces, you’ll be sure to make an impression.
The brilliance of Victorian fashion continues to captivate us today, as we look back fondly at the romance and elegance of the era. A Victorian woman’s wardrobe could convey wealth, status, and femininity – values that remain timeless to this day.
