How to Dress Victorian

The Victorian Era was an age of class and beauty. Because of this, many people like to dress up in Victorian clothes for parties and other such costume events. Dressing Victorian is quite simple. However, because of this, it is easy to accidentally cross over into pioneer or medieval dress. Clothes from these different eras are quite similar, but there are simple steps you can take to avoid dressing like a character from the wrong time period.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Modest clothes
• Hair pins
• Simple jewelry

1. Wear clothes that cover practically every inch of your body. If female, wear a long-sleeved shirt with a high neckline and a skirt that is at least ankle-length. If male, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.

2. Dress it up as much as possible. If female, wear clothes with ruffles. If male, wear a suit coat and vest.

3. Maintain the proper silhouette. If female, wear a Victorian-style corset that will give you an hourglass shape. If male, make sure that your pants are high-waisted and hemmed properly so that they do not drag on the ground.

4. Wear your hair simply. If female, wear it in a simple bun at the back of your head. If male, wear it short and nicely trimmed.

5. Add simple embellishments. If female, put on some simple jewelry, such as a brooch or pearl stud earrings. If male, a pocket watch adds a nice touch.

References

• Victorian Clothing
• What Victorians Wore

[miskat]

on 11/8/2009 this is true, also in late 1880's to 1890 for some reason the bustle became unpopular giving away to the slimmer Victorian figure

[akumaxkami]

on 9/18/2009 Fashion in the Victorian era changed drastically. In the early 1800's wide skirts with petticoats were very popular but nearly the later 1800's the silhouette became slimmer and skirts became tighter and featured the famous "bustle" on the back.