During the mid-nineteenth century a woman was an image of sophistication and elegance in gorgeous gowns generously spruced with frills, flounces, lace, plait, tassel, ruche and ribbons. The fashion cognizant Victorian lady formed this look with a mystifying blend of the "tight and tiresome" with the "frolicsome and ornamental". Bounteous weighty petticoats, layers of underclothes, metal hoops, and rigid corsets were cloaked by a range of opulently drawling under sleeves, collars, fans, gloves, hats, and parasols. The complete look was of poise and elegance with a delusion of easiness and comfort.

The phrase "Victorian fashion" refers to fashion in clothing in the Victorian era, or the sovereignty of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). It is sternly used only with regard to the United Kingdom and its settlements, but is frequently used slackly to refer to Western fashion trends of the period.

Victorian Fashion Era

In the early phase of the Victorian Era, the profile for the woman was more of the decorous kind. Women wore sharp bodice, which were extended and had fitting waists. The bodice was intended to augment the waist. In the early era, Victorian clothing for women was about constraints of arm movements. Another appealing trait was the removable collars! Victorian Patterns were fragile and stylish, all designed to preserve the femininity of the woman.

Lets undisclose some aspects of Victorian Fashion Trends:

• Beehive shaped skirts was a prime trait facet of Victorian fashion. Clothing was congealed to give a meticulous look. Crin also termed as horsehair, was used for a special part of a garment so that it hardens in that particular area.
• Even though cloth was produced in the mills, Victorian clothing in 1837 was normally designed and accumulated by tailors and other such dedicated people who designed clothes and hats.
• Bell shaped skirts also gained immense popularity in 1830s. As these skirts became larger and blazed out, they also required support from within. Victorian costumes thus needed to be worn with a lot of petticoats.
• The cashmere shawl was also a prime attribute of Victorian fashion. Women also wore weighty fabrics such as satins and silks. In fact there was a time when a cloth signified the grade of the person in the society as well.
• Gradually the bulky puffy Victorian skirts paved way for hobble skirts. Hobble skirts set the trends for slender skirts, where in knee length corsets were joined with the complete ensemble. Today, the lean pencil skirt can still be seen in the fashion picture in many customized ways.
• Besides horsehair, bustles were also used to augment the richness of the skirts. Bustles were used to make the waist look slimmer. The bustle thus, can be said to be an archetypal trait of Victorian fashion.
• Today there are a lot of women who wear make-up all the time but in the 19th century make up was regarded as a non-respectable way. Thus many women didn't pursue it much.
• Fans were also a very essential element of the accessories for Victorian Fashion. Many women would just carry a fan in their hands as a part of a fashion statement.