Victorian Party Clothes

Queen Victoria's excellent taste in clothing inspired over 90 years of fashion from 1810 to 1900. The party dress then as today was an essential in every fashionable wardrobe.  Differing from work clothes or everyday attire, the tea party, wedding or semi-formal dress could make any woman the belle of the ball.

• Undergarments - Even today, fashion is built from the inside out. 
  
  
  
  
  • Pantaloons or bloomers were an essential to keep the legs dry from perspiration.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • A camisole was worn under the corset. It came in many styles from modest to flirtatious. It not only kept your feminine wiles secret, but protected your ribs from being stuck by the corset bone ribbing.
  
  
  • A petticoat is the first layer of volume to your skirt. If you are wearing a bone hoop skirt, this layer is essential for modesty and protection against the metal or whale baleen structure of the hoop.
  
  
  
  

• Shapers
  
  
  
  
  • Corsets gave that wasp waist line that was so coveted in the 19th century. It was considered quite fashionable to have a waistline so small your beau could put his hands around your waist just touching thumbs and middle finger, about 18 inches. Made of whale baleen and cotton, it could poke through the fabric and stick your ribs.
  
  
  • Skirts had several ways of acquiring their shape. Until the 1880's, layers and layers of muslin petticoats were used. When netting was invented, it was also worn in layers to add volume to the outer skirt. The bone hoop skirt and cage crinoline became popular in the 1850s, allowing air flow under the layers of fabric adding a little comfort to the wearer.  
  
  
  • Bustles began to appear in the fashion magazines and onto the streets of Europe and the U.S. in the 1880s. These were wire or baleen frame inserts worn behind the skirt. The corsets at this time not only narrowed the waist, but flattened the abdomen, giving a tall, regal appearance.
  
  
  
  


• Outergarments
  
  
  
  
  • Dresses were made from silk, cotton, wool and many times woven varieties of fabric. They were embellished with ribbons, tatted lace, interwoven threads of gold, silver or shimmering embroidery. The blouse portion of the dress was often off shoulder and V-cut. They also could button high on the neckline. They were adorned with tatted lace, embroidery and ribbons. The chemisettes were button-down or laced in the back. Sleeves ranged from wide pagoda bell shaped sleeves, to balloon or "mutton chop" at the shoulder and fitting tight on the lower arm.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • Dresses often used as much as six yards of fabric. They were bell shaped, narrow at the waist widening at the hem. In the later part of the 18th century, the skirts became less dramatic, narrow and gently sloping, focusing the fabric on the bustle and train.
  
  
  • Trains were long flowing lengths of fabric that were usually attached to the bustle, adding elegance to the dress. Trains came with a loop to pull them up off the floor to prevent tripping.
  
  
  
  


• Accessories
  
  
  
  
  • Hats were as much a part of the outfit as the dress. They were often large and adorned with ribbons and flowers. Colors were as varied as the rainbow. Some were simple pioneer style sun bonnets to protect the eyes from the sun. 
  
  
  • Parasols were light lace or silk umbrellas to offer shade while walking.
  
  
  • Purses were crocheted, made of silk, knitted and often beaded into intricate designs to add elegance.
  
  
  • Shoes were usually high topped and featured side laces with eyelets. Made from leather, with a two inch heel. Flat slippers were often worn for dancing.
  
  
  • Shawls were made from knit lace, silk trimmed in tatted lace and ribbons. The shawls could be as large as 11 feet and were an essential part of the attire.