Dress like a Victorian

Fashion and clothing were a very important part of Victorian culture, particularly for the wealthy. What a person wore told others a great deal about them. Clothing was not simply about style; it signalled someone’s age, gender, occupation, wealth, and even their moral character. Clean, well-fitted clothing suggested respectability and discipline, while worn or patched garments often indicated poverty or hard physical labour.

As you might expect, there were significant differences between the clothing of working-class people and that of the middle and upper classes. Fashion also changed over time. Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years (1837–1901), and styles evolved considerably during this period, from the early Victorian era through to the end of the nineteenth century.

Men

Men’s fashion in the Victorian era was characterised by formality, structure, and practicality. Over the course of the century, clothing shifted away from the more decorative court dress of earlier periods towards tailored suits that reflected professionalism and respectability.

Formal outerwear included the frock coat, which was knee-length and closely fitted, and the morning coat, recognisable by its curved front and long tails at the back. These coats were worn with a waistcoat and trousers, usually made from wool, although silk might be used for more formal occasions.

During the Victorian period, trousers became high-waisted and more fitted, replacing the breeches and stockings worn in earlier centuries. Waistcoats were an essential layer and were often made from contrasting fabrics, adding both warmth and formality. They were typically buttoned right up.

Shirts were usually made from cotton or linen and were most often white or pale in colour. The stiff, high collars so closely associated with Victorian men’s fashion gave a sharp, upright appearance. Neckwear such as cravats or bow ties completed the look, with cravats generally being the more formal option.

Headwear was also important. The top hat became a symbol of respectability and was worn by gentlemen on many occasions. In colder weather, men wore long overcoats made from heavy wool, often tailored closely at the waist with wide lapels and large collars.

Victorian man wearing a hat and showing the style of shirt and coat.

Women

Women’s fashion during the Victorian era balanced elegance, modesty, and social status. Clothing was carefully constructed to create the fashionable silhouette of the time, and styles changed noticeably as the century progressed.

A key element of women’s clothing was the corset, which shaped the body into the desired hourglass figure. Corsets were commonly worn by middle- and upper-class women and were made using materials such as steel or whalebone. While not all women wore corsets, they were a strong symbol of Victorian ideals of femininity and respectability.

Skirts and dresses were made voluminous through layers of petticoats, crinolines, or later bustles. In the early Victorian period, skirts were wide and bell-shaped. By the 1870s and 1880s, fullness shifted towards the back of the dress with the introduction of the bustle. By the 1890s, skirts became narrower and more streamlined.

Dresses were often made from fine fabrics such as silk, satin, or velvet and decorated with lace, ribbons, and pleats. Sleeve styles also changed over time, from wide, puffed sleeves earlier in the century to more fitted and structured designs later on.

Necklines varied depending on the time of day. Day dresses usually had high necklines and long sleeves, reflecting ideals of modesty, while evening dresses could feature lower necklines and shorter sleeves, allowing for more decorative detail.

Accessories completed the outfit. Bonnets were worn outdoors to cover the hair, while gloves were considered an essential mark of refinement. Jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, and rings was worn particularly for formal occasions.

Victorian lady wearing a day dress with long sleeves and a high collar.

Children

Children in the Victorian era were often dressed as miniature versions of adults, especially in the early part of the period. Practicality gradually became more important as the century progressed.

Babies and very young children of both sexes wore dresses, which were practical and easy to clean. Victorians often liked to dress up their children in outfits such as military uniformas and sailor suits. As children grew older, their clothing began to reflect adult fashions, though usually in simpler forms.

Young boy dressed in a Sailor Suit

Victorian girl wearing a formal dress

Rich versus Poor

The differences between rich and poor Victorians were immediately visible in their clothing. Wealthy and middle-class people wore fine fabrics with careful tailoring, owned several outfits for different occasions, and accessorised with gloves, hats, or jewellery. Their clothes were clean, well-fitted, and often reflected the latest fashions. In contrast, working-class Victorians relied on coarse, hard-wearing materials and usually had only one or two main outfits, often patched and repaired over time. Accessories were minimal or non-existent, and practicality and durability were far more important than style.

How to dress like a Victorian for your Experience Day

For our Victorian school adventure we are focusing on the clothing of children from working and middle class families, as very wealthy children would have been educated at home or in private schools.

Victorian Outfit Ideas for Boys

Victorian boys typically wore shirts, trousers, and sometimes a waistcoat.

Easy:

• White or pale-coloured shirt

• Dark trousers (cord, wool, or cotton; avoid jeans)

• Black or brown school shoes

• Optional flat cap

Medium:

• White or light-coloured shirt with collar

• Dark trousers with braces (suspenders)

• Waistcoat

• Optional: necktie or cravat

• Flat cap or straw boater hat

• School shoes or boots

Complex:

• High-collared shirt (cotton or linen)

• Waistcoat (contrasting fabric if possible)

• Trousers, tailored if possible

• Jacket or blazer-style coat

• Cravat or bow tie

• Flat cap or bowler hat

• Polished school shoes or boots

Victorian Outfit Ideas for Girls

Girls wore dresses or skirts with blouses, often with an apron or pinafore. Hair was tied back in plaits or a bun.

Easy:

• Long skirt or simple dress (below the knee if possible)

• Plain blouse or long-sleeved top

• Flat black or brown shoes

• Hair tied back in a bun or simple plaits

Medium:

• Dress or skirt with blouse

• Apron or pinafore over dress

• Cardigan or shawl

• Flat shoes or boots

• Hair in neat plaits or bun

• Optional: simple ribbon for hair

Complex:

• Full-length dress or skirt with blouse

• Pinafore or apron over dress

• Shawl, fitted jacket, or bodice

• Bonnet or hair ribbon

• Gloves (thin leather or cloth)

• Flat shoes or lace-up boots

• Hair in neat plaits or bun

• Optional: small accessories like a brooch or necklace

What to Avoid

• Logos or visible branding

• Bright synthetic colours

• Trainers

• Modern hairstyles or accessories