Early Victorian (1837-1850):
- Dresses were characterized by a fitted bodice with a low, décolletage neckline.
- Sleeves were often puffed and the skirts were full and ankle-length.
- Crinolines, which were hoop skirts made of horsehair or steel, began to be worn to create a bell-shaped silhouette.
- Elaborate trimmings, lace, and ribbons were commonly used for decoration.
- Bonnets were the prevalent headwear, often trimmed with flowers, feathers, or ribbons.
- Shawls and capes were popular outer layers for warmth and modesty.
Mid-Victorian (1850-1870):
- The crinoline reached its peak of popularity, creating an exaggerated bell-shaped silhouette.
- Skirts became even fuller, and the bodices were tightly fitted to accentuate the waist.
- Over-the-elbow sleeves were common, and elaborate ornamentation continued.
- Mantles and jackets replaced shawls as the primary outer layers.
- Bustles, which were pads or structures worn under the skirt, began to replace the crinoline to add fullness to the back of the dress.
Late Victorian (1870-1900):
- The bustle became a defining feature of women's fashion. Different types of bustles were used to create various silhouettes.
- Dresses featured more tailored bodices and skirts that gradually became less full.
- Trains, which were long extensions of the skirt, became a common feature in formal attire.
- Sleeves varied in style, from bell-shaped to leg-of-mutton sleeves.
- Hats replaced bonnets as the dominant headwear, with a variety of styles including poke bonnets, Gainsborough hats, and toque hats.
- Outerwear options included fur-trimmed coats, capes, and cloaks.
Throughout the Victorian era, women's fashion was influenced by social and cultural factors, including etiquette, class distinctions, and technological advancements in garment construction and fabric production.
