Fashion in 1890: Exploring the Elegance of Women’s Outfits

As you can see from the many illustrations on this site, I’m a big fan of Steampunk and Victorian 19th-century outfits. Naturally, the fashion of that era fascinates me (more posts on Fashion here)! With the help of Meta Sama, the AI aboard the Sama Airship, I’m diving into this period to share some historical insights and photos.

As you may already know, the 1890s marked the final decade of the Victorian era, a time characterized by rapid industrialization, societal change, and artistic innovation. Women’s fashion during this period embodied the elegance and formality expected of the time, while also beginning to reflect the subtle shifts toward more practical and independent lifestyles that would define the 20th century.

Let’s delve into the details of a typical 1890 woman’s outfit and the broader fashion trends of the era!

The Silhouette: A Triumph of Structure

The hallmark of 1890s women’s fashion was the hourglass silhouette, achieved through a combination of corsetry, tailored bodices, and voluminous skirts. The emphasis on a nipped-in waist created a dramatic contrast with the full bust and hips, showcasing the idealized feminine form of the time.

1890's day dress
Walking dress, 19th-century fashion | Getty Images Royalty Free

Bodices and Sleeves: Lavish and Structured

Bodices in the 1890s were fitted to perfection, often tailored with darts and seams that accentuated the natural curves of the body. High necklines were common for daytime wear, typically adorned with lace collars or jabots for an added touch of refinement. A defining feature of 1890s fashion was the leg-of-mutton sleeve, with its dramatic puff from the shoulder to the elbow.

Accessories and Hats
The New Woman of the 1890s | Lily Absinthe

Skirts: Full and Flowing

Skirts during the 1890s evolved from the heavy bustles of previous decades into more streamlined, bell-shaped designs. Early in the decade, skirts retained some fullness at the back, but by the mid-1890s, the silhouette became more evenly distributed, with fabric flowing gracefully from the waist to the floor.

Walking dress
1890’s fashion in photographs | Jaana Seppälä

Fabrics and Colors: An Embellished Palette

Luxury fabrics dominated women’s fashion in the 1890s. Silk, satin, taffeta, and velvet were favored for evening wear, while wool and cotton were practical choices for daytime. Color palettes often included rich, jewel-toned hues, as well as more subdued earth tones and pastels.

Victorian Women’s Fashion
The Changing Silhouette of Victorian Women’s Fashions -1890s | Hagen History

Accessories: The Finishing Touch

No 1890s outfit was complete without a selection of accessories. Hats, gloves, parasols, and fans added sophistication, serving both practical and decorative purposes. Jewelry, such as brooches and chokers, often featured motifs inspired by nature, echoing the Art Nouveau movement.

Hairstyles and Fashion Accessories for 1890’s Evening Attire | Vintage Victorian

This combination of detailed descriptions and visual aids captures the intricate elegance of 1890s fashion while providing a glimpse into the artistry and societal changes of the time!

Willem Dafoe and others wearing Steampunk clothes

Prada got inspired by the Steampunk world with this new line. And I never thought Willem Dafoe would wear Steampunk clothes so well.

Tor.com posted about it and was also pleasantly surprised:

High end fashion line Prada has just unveiled photos and video of actors Willem “Green Goblin” Dafoe, Gary “Commissioner Sirius Black” Oldman, Garrett “Sam Flynn” Hedlund, and Jamie “TinTin Billy Elliot” Bell wearing their heavily steampunk-influenced fall/winter menswear line.

And I totally agree with their last sentence: ‘Somehow, watching Willem Dafoe psych himself up for his evil glare is even scarier than his actual glare…‘. Howesome!

Beautiful corsets made by LaBelleFairy

Corsets are sexy, and classy. You can choose your style: Burlesque, Victorian or Steampunk, you are sure to catch everyone’s attention.

While I was browsing Etsy, I saw La Belle Fairy’s store: she has been creating corsets for over 9 years. Her real name is Jenny (but her clients like to call her ‘Labelle‘) and she is a corset maker living in the rural BC Rocky mountains in Canada. Jenny is inspired by Coco Chanel (who died the same day she was born) and she loves Jean-Paul Gaultier.

The corset pictured below is a classic underbust corset in red satin with black overlay. You can find more of her handmade corsets and gowns here.