During the late 1800s, ladies fashion was characterized by a wide variety of styles. Some women’s styles emphasized waists, while others placed emphasis on the bottom portion of the skirt. There were also different types of sleeves. Some gowns had full sleeves with narrowed cuffs, while others had shortened sleeves. Some wore long shawls, while others wore capes.
Women’s outfits were made from soft fabrics, like silk, wool, and muslin. The dresses were fitted smoothly over the hips, and were fastened in the front with buttons or drawstrings. In the late 1860s, skirts became longer and fuller. The skirts also became more tapered at the ankles. Several skirts had hidden hooks and strings to pull the bottom portion of the skirt in. These were called overskirts. They remained popular through the 1890s.
The 1870s women’s fashion also featured long trains, flat-fronted skirts, and decorative combs. In the 1880s, dresses became more streamlined. Women often had small bonnets or hats. They were fashionable in both formal and informal occasions. There were several styles of hairstyles, including chignons, curls, and combs.
Evening attire became more casual, with skirts and shirts being bared. Stockings were also common. They were often made of white silk, with tiny designs. Shoes were often made of white leather, or cream-colored leather. Usually, they had flat heels.
Cloaks became popular in the 1850s, as well. They were long and semi-fitted. They were trimmed with fur and jet beading. They were often worn over large sleeves. They also were frequently trimmed with braid. They were not as fancy as capes. The 1890s introduced a new style of clothing: a mono-bosom shape.
The 1820s fashion featured collars with lace or white lace. Collars were often trimmed with braid, and they were often attached to the jackets. They were usually high-necked and supported by whale bone. Some dresses were made from calico textiles. These fabrics were usually floral or patterned. They were often imported from India.
The 1880s women’s fashion also featured tight-fitting bodices with narrow, plain sleeves. The sleeves were narrowed at the wrist, and the lower portion was basted for cooler weather. They were sometimes made into a conical shape. They were also worn with low-necked gowns. Some dresses had two-part sleeves.
During the late 1800s, women’s fashion also featured ruching, long trains, and flat fronted skirts. There were also different types of collars. Some dresses had high-collars, while others had square yoke lines. Often, the yoke lines were made into fringe. These were especially popular for day wear, and were trimmed with braid.
In the 1880s, a princess line was popular. The bodice did not have a waistseam, and the back was decorated with ribbon bows. It was also a popular fashion trend to wear stockings decorated with embroidery. These stockings were usually made of silk and were held up by a garter. They were also used to hold a handkerchief. They were commonly made of white silk, but darker colors were also popular.