Victoria period fashion trend

For the reason that my concept is inspired by Victoria fashion, I had to research what the fashion trend and what the major characteristic of the clothing at that period, how can these influence with the whole UK history.

Victoria style which refers to between 1837 to 1901, it's named for the influential English queen of that time. This style was the most memorable period in history and also had a huge impact on the whole fashion and trend in British culture. Various movements of architecture, literature, decorative and visual arts had affected the transform of the Victoria period, including the style, technique, and distribution.

Under the rule of Queen Victoria, economic growth and technological progress had been developed well at that period, hence for that reason, there’re mass production of sewing machines and the advent of synthetic dyes which enabled more women to participate in the fashion trends. 

Due to the concept of social class, there’re more wealthy women of the time following Victoria's lead in dress and leisure pursuits. The type and layers of the fabric were used as symbols of wealth and represent themselves, also they didn’t have to work, therefore they just needed to focus on how to dress as an upper class. 

What is the identity of typical vogue?

The upper and the lower part of the waist are bulky in shape. Those females thought that the sloping shoulders, rounded bust, narrow waist, and full hips can present a stylish and fashionable image, so they would emphasize the cut and the gown in various ways.

Boning Corset and Bertha

 Lamb Shank Sleeves and Cage crinoline

Here is some usual dress-up design look:

• Wearing a boning corset, with lots of embroidery and embellishment of the skirt. The corset can function as underwear and accentuate the small waist of the female body.
• A Bertha which is a low-shouldered neckline design, the cutting can show off women’s shoulders, also there was some lace flounces added around the design.
• Lamb shank sleeves, the sleeve part is like the leg of a lamb, the upper part is puffed open and the wrist is tightened. 
• Crinolines, which are for supporting the layers of petticoats. This design allows women to be able to move their legs freely under the heavy and burden skirt, later on, this 14lb cage had been replaced by polonaise.

other characterized details with that period :

the extensive use of lace/ yarn/ ruffles/  ribbons/ bows/ multi-layered cake cutting/ wrinkles/ stand-up collar/ high waist/ princess shape sleeves

Lace is the best representative of Victoria style, women liked to show off the lace design at the neckline, cuffs, and hem of skirts. The extra flounces and petticoat layers had also highlighted the elegance of the Victorian aristocracy

In the early 1900s, with the end of the Victorian period, the women's clothing style had been dramatically changed. Women no longer wear the wide hoop skirt anymore, they started to wear a slimmer and more elongated dress.

Reference :

Victorian fashion. (2018) [Online] HISOUR - Hi So You Are. Available from : https://www.hisour.com/victorian-fashion-32796/ [Accessed 02/03/21].

Sandeen, D. Victorian Fashion History. [Online] LoveToKnow. Available from : https://womens-fashion.lovetoknow.com/victorian-fashion-history [Accessed 07/03/21].

Victorian Fashion and Clothing. [Online] Historic UK. Available from : https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Victorian-Fashion/ [Accessed 07/03/21].

Monet, D. Victorian Era Women’s Fashions: From Hoop Skirts to Bustles. [Online] Bellatory - Fashion and Beauty. Available from : https://bellatory.com/fashion-industry/Fashion-History-Victorian-Costume-and-Design-Trends-1837-1900-With-Pictures [Accessed 07/03/21].