The Victorian era began in 1837 and graced the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until 1901. This era marked the period of time when Queen Victoria ascended the throne and reigned until her death in 1901. It was a period of elegance and refinement in fashion. For those seeking to immerse themselves in the grandeur of this bygone era, creating authentic Victorian costumes can transport them to a time of grace and opulence. In this article, we will explore the essential elements of Victorian fashion and guide you in crafting exquisite costumes for both women and men.
Silhouette and Fabrics
The hallmark of Vicotrian women’s fashion was a defined hourglass shilhouette, achieved throught the use of corsets and crinolines. Start by selecting a well-fitted corset to create the desired waistline. Although corsets could be quite uncomfortable and almost torturous due to a practice called tight-lacing, your choice in a corset should be based on comfort. An authentic Victorian corset didn’t stop at the waist, rather it went down past the hips and flared out with ruffles to the knee. However, the hourglass figure can be achieved with many other corsets available these days.
While corsets molded the waistline, the cage crinoline or hoop skirt was worn underneath the dress to give volume and support to the skirt. Always keeping comfort in mind, a hoop skirt is the most practicle choice for mobility. An authentic cage crinoline would make sitting or dancing at your event extremely uncomfortable.
Look for gowns with high necklines, long sleeves, and fitted bodices. Opt for fabrics such as silk, satin, velvet or lace, which were popular during this era. Consider intricate details like ruffles, pleats or lace trimmings. Accessorize with gloves, a wide-brimmed hat, and a parasol to complete the ensemble. Don’t forget to add jewelry such as cameo brooches or delicate necklaces for that finishing touch.
Victorian era women often wore their hair up in elaborate styles. Experiment with braids, buns, and curls to recreate these intricate hairstyles. As for makeup, keep it mininal and natural-looking, with emphasis on rosy cheeks and a hint of color on the lips. Avoid heavy eye makeup or bold colors, as Victorian beauty ideals favored a more sublte appearance.
Authentic Victorian Era Costumes for Men
Voctorian men typically wore three-piece suits consisting of a coat, waistcoat (vest), and trousers. Look for tailored jackets with high collars and broad lapels. Pair them with waistcoats in contrasting colors or patterns for added authenticity. Opt for trousers thar are high-wasted and slightly flared, preferably made of wool or tweed fabric.
Choose a white or off-white shirt with a high collar and pleated front. Add a cravat or ascot tie for a sophisticated touch. Complete the look with a top hat, leather gloves, and a pocket watch. Consider wearing suspenders to hold up your trousers instead of modern belts.
Facial hair was a common feature among Victorian men. Grow a beard, mustache, or both to complete your authentic look. Maintain the facial hair by trimming it neatly and applying beard oil for a polished appearance. Ensure that your hair is well-groomed and neatly styled, avoiding modern hairstyles or excessive use of products as they weren’t part of that era.
Recreating authentic Victorian era costumes offers a unique opportunity to experience the fashion and aesthetics of a bygone era. Whether for historical reenactments, costume parties, or simply indulging in nostalgia, attention to detail in silhouette, fabrics, accessories, hairstyles, and grooming will bring these iconic fashion trends back to life, enabling you to step back in time with grace and authenticity.
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