If you’re infatuated with the Victorian Age, chances are that one of your favorite aspects of the era is the beautiful clothes. But how can you transform your boring wardrobe into one imbued with the drama and romance of an Emily Dickinson poem? Without looking like a ten-year old girl around Halloween time, you can incorporate the mystery of the Victorian era into your daily outfits by taking a fresh, modern approach to make the fashions from Little Women and A Tale of Two Cities comfortable and easy to wear. Here are some guidelines for how to dress like a modern Victorian:
*Blouses/Shirts: Search for tops in berry and jewel tones. Burgundy, rose pink, ivory, pale yellow, light blue, black, and navy were all popular colors during the Victorian era and should make appearances in your wardrobe, as well. Also look for blouses made of lace, velvet, silk, or pretty polyester. Pearl-style buttons and delicate embroidery are some excellent details, too, as are high, dramatic collars. For a lower-cost option, look for baby-Ts with Victorian themes, like prints featuring tea parties, croquet games, or rose gardens.
*Sweaters: Cardigans with elegant buttons or solid-colored cashmere sweaters attractive pieces that can easily be dressed up or down with smart accessories. Embroidered sweaters, shawls, or ponchos are also pretty alternatives. Search for sophisticated colors, like chocolate, deep purple, and forest green.
*Jackets: Velvet jackets and blazers are the most luxurious, but femininely-cut wool jackets or blazers can be equally stylish if they fit properly and are paired well with appropriate jewelry and undergarments. Medium and dark colors are the best choices, as they are also slimming.
*Earrings: Chandelier earrings are lovely when worn with blouses in the same color family. Also try wearing rhinestone studs in discreet colors like royal blue and mauve. Earrings featuring fantasy creatures, like fairies and unicorns, or flowers and other vegetation are other solid buys.
*Necklaces: Wearing a locket is an easy way to capture the Victorian feel. Velvet or lace chokers have an equally Victorian air to them. Also try cameo necklaces, pearls, and anything containing garden fairies, flowers, butterflies, dragonflies, ladybugs, ballerinas, or ivy.
*Rings: Look for elegantly designed rings with garden or Gothic themes, like roses or little Christian crosses. Rhinestones or any kind of large jewels are great, but smaller stones are appropriate, too, if the band has interesting stylization.
*Bracelets: Search for rhinestones and other jewels encrusted in gold-colored or silver-colored metals. Charm bracelets are quaint enough to work, too. Also try solid-colored bangles for a more burlesque feel.
*Hosiery: Fishnets in black and subtle colors, like beige, with discreet holes will punch up any outfit. Also buy thick wool stockings or tights with quaint patterns, like butterfly cut-outs or painted-on tulips.
*Pants: Jeans in sophisticated colors or with delicate details, like pearls, tiny rhinestones, or lace or velvet trim are other great choices. Man-cut trouser pants can be equally alluring so long as they fit properly and are not too big.
*Skirts: Shop for tier skirts made of silk, velvet, or polyester. Also look for skirts with Victorian-like patterns and themes. Keep in mind that skirts should never be higher than about knee-length and, when shorter, should be worn with fun hosiery.
*Shoes: Buy shoes in dark colors like black, brown, and navy. Try Victorian-style lace-up boots, Mary Janes, or simple high heels. Shoes with velvet or silk shoes are comely, too.
You can find beautiful clothes like these at stores such as April Showers®, Anthropology®, or at your local thrift shop or flea market. See what you can do to incorporate the romance of the Victorian clothes into your wardrobe today.
