Awaiting the public in the 19th century, British Victorian-era fashion involved intricate and beautiful designs that are still celebrated and remembered today. Trends such as corsets and crinolines created a unique femininity that was hardly seen before. Women were portrayed as statuesque and delicate figures, and corsets and crinolines helped to create the perfect silhouette. Learn more about the intricacies of these period-defining pieces of clothing in this article on Victorian fashion: corsets and crinolines.
1. Desiring the Tight-Laced Look: The Victorian Corset
Two words have come to symbolize the age of mid-Victorian fashion: corsets and tightlacing. Corsets of the 19th century had a number of uses beyond simply shaping the waist. They also:
- Supported the bust: Early Victorian corsets had a point over the bust which was tightly laced and had the purpose of supporting the weight of heavy clothing.
- Provided posture support: The support of the corsets also improved posture, accommodating and modestly enclosing the body while promoting the ideal of a slender figure.
- Achieved shapely silhouettes: The corset’s ability to shape the silhouette of a figure provided women with an ideal way to bring out a desired structure.
Tightlacing during the Victorian period was dangerous to one’s health. It involved reducing the waist size of the corset by several inches, and often left many suffocated and barely able to breathe. Despite the risks, tightlacing highlighted the desired beauty of the hourglass silhouette. Women began to exchange stories on how tightly they laced their corsets in order to achieve an ever-thinning waistline. This was seen as a mark of femininity and beauty.
Despite its dangers, we can also view the Victorian corset as a symbol of social strength. As a sign of rebelliousness and a sharp contrast to the conventional society, the corset was a physical manifestation of women forging their own paths.
2. A Sudden Swish of Skirts: The Rise of the Crinoline
The crinoline was a true revolutionary in the fashion industry. Defined by a full-skirted silhouette, this trend swept through Europe and the United States in the 19th century. Every lady of high society wanted to get her hands on the latest styles and would have it ready for special events.
- Origins
The crinoline’s sudden rise in popularity was largely due to the introduction of the fabric, crin. Developed in France, this lightweight fabric was much softer than the stiff materials previously used to craft petticoats and skirts. As a result, they could now be designed with fullness and shape.
- What it Entailed
The crinoline featured a curved hoop with hanging ruffles. They were also supported by metal wires to help shape the skirt. Filling the skirt was layers of fabric or horsehair, called crinolines. The shape of these skirts could be as grand as you like, with some reaching up to 10 feet in circumference!
- The Decline
In the 1860s, the crinoline began to fall out of fashion. People were more conscious of their safety as the skirts were often seen as accidental fire hazards. Crinoline materials also became more difficult to find during wartime and the design was quickly replaced with the tighter fitting skirt silhouette. After this, the crinoline disappeared from the public leaving an incredible legacy behind.
3. Corsets and Crinolines Transcend Class Boundaries
Corsets and crinolines were an essential part of fashion in the nineteenth century. Contrary to popular belief, women of all classes in society were known to wear them. They were worn by both the aristocracy and working classes during the Victorian period.
Corsets allowed women to achieve an ideal hourglass silhouette as well as providing support to the body. They were available in a wide range of sizes, styles and fabrics, ranging from shining silk to practical cotton. Crinolines were worn on the outside to add volume and structure to women’s dresses. They came in a variety of sizes and styles, often made of multiple layers of material, depending on the wearer’s budget.
Both corsets and crinolines also had practical applications. From servants to aristocrats, women wore these garments for everyday chores such as gardening and housekeeping. They were an indispensable article of clothing in the nineteenth century.
The versatility of corsets and crinolines ensured that they transcended class boundaries. While there may have been slight variations in style and fabric, they were essential for women of all social backgrounds in the nineteenth century.
4. Creative Designers Reimagining Victorian Fashion
Victorian fashion is no longer limited to corsets and hoop skirts. Creative designers have been reimagining this era for years; giving it an innovative twist that borrows from both classic silhouettes and modern trends. Here are some of the best ways they’re bringing Victorian fashion into the 21st century.
New Takes on Victorian essentials
The hallmark pieces of Victorian fashion are being reimagined with an unforgettable modern take. Think of the traditional corset turned into an evening dress; made with airy, flowing layers of chiffon or a classic blouse made playful with polka dots and sheer fabric. The possibilities are endlessly inspiring for what some designers have done and continue to do.
Unconventional Colors
Victorian fashion has historically relied on somber colors and monochromatic palettes. But today’s creative designers are breaking the trend. Tropical colors like cobalt, magenta, and saffron are being used to add contour and dimension to skirts while muted shades of yellow, taupe, and navy bring balance to designs.
Mixing Materials
Designers are also playing with mixing materials such as; velvet with fur, lace with denim, and embroidery with tulle. Each combination has its own flair and charm and bring something unexpected to the world of Victorian fashion.
Relaxed Tailoring
Relaxed tailoring is also a key element in modern day Victorian fashion. Voluminous sleeves, loosey-goosey smock tops, and cinched waist smocks create a look that’s classically Victorian with a playful vibe.
5. Modernizing a Classic: How Victorian Dress Lives On
The Victorian era was a period of sweeping changes throughout the Western world: advances in technology, science, and the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution. But one element of this era has remained throughout the years—Victorian fashion. While traditional Victorian dresses with their intricate lacework, high-collars, and long skirts are no longer in fashion, modern designers have found ways to keep this classic style alive and well.
For starters, there’s the Little Black Dress, or LBD. This is probably the most famous example of modernizing a classic Victorian dress, and its impact is undeniable. The LBD goes hand-in-hand with glamour and sophistication, and it is an instant classic thanks to its long lasting appeal.
Below are Some Examples of How You Can Make a Classic Victorian Piece Look modern:
- Choose simple, clean fabrics and designs. Off-the-shoulder necklines, ruffle hems, and bold prints are all-timeless while keeping the Victorian look intact.
- Play with textures and fabrics. Try adding a little ruffled lace trim to a modern dress or pairing an embroidered velvet coat with a modern skirt.
- Modernize classic silhouettes with fun accessories. Add a funky hat, bright gloves, or a statement necklace to a traditional dress for a modern twist.
By combining the timeless elegance of Victorian fashion with a modern sensibility, the possibilities are endless. So, if you’re interested in taking a classic Victorian look and bringing it into the modern age, you can easily do so with a few creative touches.
The era of the Victorian corset and crinoline remains full of distinction and elegance that is echoed in modern day fashion. With a little creativity and appreciation of history, you too can embrace these remarkable pieces of clothing and enjoy its timelessness and beauty.
