In the Victorian era, there really wasn't any such thing as "ready-to-wear" for outer clothing. Any lady of note would go to a high-end dress shop or respectable department store (nobility and royalty patronized court dressmakers) and choose out a pattern, and fabric and trim to go with it. The design would be the latest style from Paris, as much the center of fashion that it is now, and only the best and finest of materials would do for milady. Dresses were built to last, and even among the wealthy, it wasn't uncommon for a single garment to undergo several modifications to keep up with fashion and body changes over its wearable life.
At the cusp of the 1890's, the massive crinolines and bustles of previous decades had given way to a slimmer "A" silhouette. Hair was generally worn up and close to the head; the bouffant "Gibson girl" style was still more than a decade into the future. Hats were bought on much the same basis as the dresses, with ribbons and other trim routinely swapped out for newer decorations. Parasols were a must to keep the sun at bay on bright summer days. The upper classes had "wrappers" or "tea dresses" for around the house, day dresses for going about town and evening gowns showing a modest but pleasing amount of decolletage, with a glamorous fan to complete the look. Accessories such as handbags and stoles were also essential items to the "it girl" of the late Victorian age.
The less well-to-do also had access to pattern and style books, and sewed their own or had a local seamstress do it up. It might look similar at first glance, except for cheaper materials and less frippery.
As for gentlemen… they had the tailored suit for general about-town and business wear, which was often a three-piece affair. Over this, a frock coat might be worn. For formal occasions, a tuxedo with tails and a white tie would be de rigeur. The bowler and the top hat were also indispensable to a proper man of class. Facial hair, some amount of it, tended to be the rule rather than the exception. Mustache wax was a big seller at that time. The fellow at the bottom looks a little miffed and put-upon. Maybe this poor devil is the one ultimately footing the bill for all the female finery up top!
Comments
Please login to comment.
Login or Register${ comment.author }} at
${ comment.author }} at