19th c. dress

[helwen]

Found this site of late 19th century women's clothing

Ignoring the ridiculously tiny waist, I adore this waistcoat

Some of the sleeves are too poufy for me, but I do kind of like this, this (nice hat!), and more lace than I like, but I am fond of a nice mantle/short cloak

Then there's this impractical evening dress, (when would I wear such a thing?)

I'm not a fan of corsets, so I guess it's a good thing I don't do 19th c. re-enactment... I think I'd be in a tennis or biking outfit most of the time!

***
This is an interesting site, which talks about the 'rational dress' movement during the 19th c.: http://www.costumes.org/classes/fashiondress/dress_reformblip.htm

Another interesting site: http://www.fashion-era.com/the_victorian_era.htm (including things like the Aesthetic Dress Reform, etc.). This happens to be the Victorian page, but this site as a bunch of stuff from Regency (late 18th/early 19th) through to the 1990s.

Comments

19th C Fashion

[islenskr.livejournal.com]

Ah, this time period is near and dear to my heart!
I've thought for a few years now that the fashion from the Aesthetic Dress Reform could certainly make a comeback. Perhaps not looking fully Victorian, but using a lot of the same principles. Plus, fashion these days could certainly use some help in terms of modesty, elegance and practicality. In my opinion, at least.

There was a Reform Dress at the costume museum at Kent State that I saw (and photographed!) a couple of years ago. I should really post some of those.

Re: 19th C Fashion

[helwen.livejournal.com]

I agree, fashion these days is pretty sad. Although I do prefer wearing pants most of the time for work around the farm, I used to wear long skirts at work when I did office work. And if I ever get the walkways in the apartment clear enough I might go back to them again... it was interesting reading about how recent pants are for women (for every day wear).

If I had the patience (and a good pattern) I'd make the kind of slacks I like, too. I like them at my proper waist most of the time, with pleats at the front. Although I did have one pair of wool slacks that didn't have pleats but fit my hips perfectly... wore them constantly in the winter -- they were fully lined and were perfect. sigh. Some of the gentlemen's slacks of the period look comfortable, but I'm also a fan of the kind dancers like Gene Kelly wore.

I do like the Aesthetic Dress Reform styles, and I'm even an artist -- although I try not to have loose morals! That was interesting to read about.

Re: 19th C Fashion

[islenskr.livejournal.com]

although I try not to have loose morals!

Yes, do keep those morals tied up. It such a drag when they get out and dig holes in the garden.

*snicker*

Re: 19th C Fashion

[helwen.livejournal.com]

No, wait, really? Can I train them to dig to specific depths for my veggies?

Re: 19th C Fashion

[islenskr.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. Rototilling morals.

There are so many ways to look at that.

:)

Re: 19th C Fashion

[fitzw.livejournal.com]

When you learn that we found a leak in the spring-fed pipeline that runs under the western end of the garden (when the water bubbled up to the service in the newly tilled dirt), it makes the image all that more interesting...

[bytchearse.livejournal.com]

Would this be a good time to point out that Himself would not be the only one to appreciate such garments worn by you? ;-)

I too am looking for occasions to wear such things! Maybe it's time for a Sherlock Holmes Banquet!

[danabren.livejournal.com]

Seconded!

Which?

[bytchearse.livejournal.com]

The scenery or the banquet? ;-)

Re: Which?

[danabren.livejournal.com]

The banquet, of course ;)

[helwen.livejournal.com]

*blush* A banquet does sound lovely though!

[danabren.livejournal.com]

Then there's this impractical evening dress, (when would I wear such a thing?)

I'm making a costume for D*C which will then become my "going to a wedding" dress - I can't put all that work into this outfit and then wear it only once ;)

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Absolutely, need to be able to wear things more than once! Or, why my wedding dress isn't white...