Trends of Women In the 18th Century

Fashion Trends took a whole new change in the 18th Century. The dressing style of people changed a lot during this time. The time was categorized into three eras. The first era is the Regency era. The mid-era, also known as the Victorian era, is popular among young people. The last era was the late 1800s or late Victorian era. In this feed, you will get to know how women’s fashion trends evolved in this Century.

Regency Era Trends:

The Regency era spanned from 1811 and continued till 1820. It was named after the regency act, which made King George IV, who ruled as a prince reagent for his father, King George III.

The fashion of this period was highly influenced by the neoclassical styles of ancient Greece and Rome. It moved from the complicated and organized Trends of the previous period.

Women’s dresses

It highlighted high waistlines just below the bust, creating a long and loose silhouette. This style was often known as the “Empire” or “Regency” silhouette.

Lightweight, sheer fabrics like muslin and silk were popular choices for dresses. White was the favorite color for evening gowns as it represents purity and simplicity.

Dresses had a columnar shape that dwelled on the natural waist, with a weightage on grace and fluidity rather than exorbitant corseting or underpinnings.

Gowns often had delicate embroidery, lace, and decorative pattern encouraged by classical architecture and nature.

Accessories like shawls, gloves, and small bonnets or turbans, are often made with feathers or other delicate beautifications. The materials used in clothing in the Regency era varied depending on the social class of the women. The rich women often wore silk, satin, and velvet. The middle class wore cotton and wool, While the lower class often wore linen and hemp.

Hairstyles:

It also varied depending on the social class and the fashion trends of the time. In the early Regency era, women’s hairstyle was often simple and elegant, with curls describing the face and the hair gathered at the back in a bun or loose knot.

Fashion was highly influenced by the Napoleonic wars, French Empires style, and the Romantic movement. The French Empire style prioritized simplicity and sophistication, which was returned to the fashion of the Regency era.

The Napoleonic Wars also had a great impression on fashion. The civilians started to dress in a military style. The Romantic movement, also influenced by nature and simplicity led to a trend of flowing and nature-looking outfits.

Victorian Era Trends:

The Victorian Era started from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century ( 1837 to 1901). It was a period of remarkable social, political, and industrial growth. This era was named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who ruled during this time. It is distinguished into three styles.

Early Victorian (1830s-1850s):

The early Victorian period continued some of the elements of the Regency Era while introducing new trends.

Women’s dresses had highlighted a narrow waistline and a full, bell-shaped skirt. Skirts had a layer of petticoats, sometimes to make it look preferably, a crinoline frame made of horsehair or steel hoops.

Bodices were fitted and showed low necklines and short puffed sleeves. The bonnet became a usual headwear, often made with ribbons, flowers, and lace beautifications. Fabrics like silk, satin, and velvet were popularly used in formal dresses, while cotton was used for everyday wear.

Neckties and bowties were also usual, and top hats were often worn.

Mid-Victorian (1860s-1880s):

The mid-Victorian period saw significant changes in fashion. The establishment of new silhouettes and fabrics. Women’s fashion also highlighted the establishment of the “cuirass” bodice, which created a more elongated and slim Silhouette. Skirts were still full but slightly less voluminous than in the previous decades.

The cage crinoline replaced the earlier hoop skirt, creating a more natural bell-shaped silhouette. Fabrics like silk taffeta and silk brocade were popular for formal wear, While patterns such as plaids and stripes became more fashionable. The frock coat, a less formal substitute to the tailcoat, gained popularity.

Late Victorian or late era Trends(1890s-1900s):

Late 1800s fashion was distinguished by a mix of styles that evolved over the flow of the century. This period often pointed to as the “fin de siècle,” noticed notable changes in fashion influenced by social, economic, and technological shifts. Here’s an overview of the key fashion trends during the late 1800s.

Women’s dress

The “S-curve” silhouette was a principal hallmark of late 1800s women’s fashion. This silhouette was achieved by wearing a corset that pushed the bust forward and the hips back, creating a distinct hourglass shape. Dresses had a slender waist and a fitted bodice, with a full, flowing skirt that dropped to the floor. The bodice often highlighted decorative trim, lace, and embroidery.

The “leg of mutton” sleeve style gained popularity, characterized by a voluminous puff at the upper arm that tapered down to a fitted forearm. Fabrics like silk, satin, and velvet were usually used for formal celebrations. While lighter fabrics like cotton and muslin were worn for everyday dresses.

Trains and bustles were often comprised of evening gowns and formal wear, creating a dramatic and elegant transformation. Tailor-made suits for women, also known as “tailor-made,” emerged as a practical and stylish option for those engaging in activities in the domestic world.

Accessories:

Gloves, parasols, and elaborate hats were usual accessories for women, often beautified with ribbons, feathers, and flowers. Hairstyles also differed on the social classes of the person and the fashion trends of the time. In the late 1800s, women commonly wore their hair up in a complicated style, such as the Gibson Girl look.

The fashion in the late 1800s led to several revolutions. With the introduction of sewing machines, mass production became possible. And made it affordable to all classes of people. The rise of fashion and styling started to increase with the advance of the demand of the middle class. The fashion styles of the late 1800s are still popular and can be seen in parties and historical dramas.