The Victorian era, which spanned from 1837 to 1901, marked the reign of Queen Victoria in the United Kingdom. This period is known for its significant social, political and industrial developments. In terms of fashion, it was particularly influential and left a legacy that is still celebrated today.
Victorian Fashion: Clothes of Elegance and Refinement
Victorian women's fashion is known for its elegance and sophistication. Dresses were often adorned with lace, embroidery, and ribbons, and featured intricate detailing and structure. Corsets, petticoats, and crinolines were essential elements in creating the signature silhouette of the era. Wearing a Victorian dress today is a way to pay homage to this rich historical period, while also standing out with an elegant and unique outfit.
The different models and styles of Victorian dresses

The ball gown
The Victorian ball gown is characterized by its great elegance and opulence. It is distinguished by a fitted waist, a voluminous skirt shape supported by crinolines or a petticoat, and short sleeves. Details such as lace, ribbons and embroidery are often present.
The day dress
The Victorian day dress is more modest and practical than the ball gown. It often features long sleeves, a fitted bodice, and a full skirt, but is less voluminous than the ball gown. It is usually made of more sober and durable fabrics.
The evening dress
The Victorian evening dress is a more elegant and formal option than the day dress, but less extravagant than the ball gown. It can have short or long sleeves, and is often adorned with delicate details like lace or embroidery.
Choosing materials and colours wisely
The choice of colours and materials is crucial to the authenticity of a Victorian dress. Popular fabrics of the time include silk, satin, velvet and lace. However, for added comfort and durability, modern materials can be used.
Victorian colors were generally quite subdued, with a preference for dark hues like black, navy blue, and dark green. Florals, stripes, and paisley patterns were also popular colors. For an authentic look, it is recommended to stick to these color and pattern palettes.
Know the Victorian Period Dress
The corset: a key element
The corset is a central element of Victorian dress, designed to cinch the waist and enhance the feminine silhouette of the time. It was usually worn over a chemise and under the bodice of the dress. Choosing a good quality and well-fitting corset is important, to achieve the desired effect of the product while maintaining its comfort.
Petticoats and crinolines
Petticoats and crinolines are also essential elements of the Victorian dress. They are worn under the skirt to give it its characteristic volume. The choice of petticoat or crinoline depends on the style of dress chosen and the degree of volume desired.
Sleeves: Styles and Variations
Victorian dress sleeves vary by style and period. Ball gowns often featured short, puffed sleeves, while day dresses typically had long sleeves. Sleeve styles include "pagoda" sleeves, which widen toward the bottom, and "mutton leg" sleeves, which are puffed at the shoulder and then tapered at the wrist. Sleeve choice depends on your personal preference and the look you want to achieve.
Essential accessories for the dress
Vintage jewelry
Jewelry plays an important role in completing your Victorian outfit. Layered necklaces, ornate brooches, cuff bracelets, and dangling earrings were all popular during this era. Gold, silver, and pearl and gemstone jewelry are authentic choices.
Victorian Style Hats and Headdresses
An elegant hat or a well-arranged hairstyle can add the perfect finishing touch to your outfit. Victorian hats were often adorned with flowers, ribbons, feathers, and veils. For hairstyles, hair was usually pulled up and adorned with curls and braids.
Gloves, fans and umbrellas
Gloves were an essential clothing accessory for Victorian women, often worn during outings and social events. Fans were also a popular accessory, both for cooling off and as a subtle means of communication. Finally, an umbrella can add a touch of elegance and class to your outfit, while also protecting you from the sun.
Inspiration: Victorian fashion, historical films and series
For inspiration, it can be helpful to look to Victorian fashion icons. Queen Victoria herself was a major role model, and her taste for dark dresses and ostentatious jewelry greatly influenced the trends of the time. Other iconic figures include actress Lillie Langtry and author and stylist Lady Duff-Gordon.
Another great source of inspiration is historical films and series. Productions like "The Young Victoria", "Penny Dreadful" and "Crimson Peak" offer beautiful representations of Victorian fashion. It can be a good idea to take notes on outfits that you like to discuss with your tailor or to research online.
After exploring the styles, materials, structures, and essential accessories for wearing a Victorian dress, we hope you feel ready to embrace the elegance and sophistication of this iconic era. To delve even deeper, discover the history of the Victorian Dress in detail.
Every detail counts, from choosing the type of corset to selecting the right clothes and jewelry to adopting the manners of the time. Wearing a Victorian dress is more than a clothing choice; it is an immersion in a period in history where elegance and refinement were at the heart of women's fashion.
Of course, authenticity is important, but don’t forget to get creative and make the style your own. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you feel beautiful and confident in your dress. So whether you’re attending a costume ball, a wedding, or simply deciding to step out of the ordinary, embrace the opulence of Victorian fashion and let your natural elegance shine.