19th century clothing

The clothing style of the 19th century was divided between two main stylistic trends: Biedermeier and the “fashionable period”. The style of the 19th century was greatly influenced by the French bourgeois revolution, which was reflected in European outfits. Fashionistas of that time changed their outfits so rapidly that to some extent they themselves became revolutionaries.

19th century men’s fashion

Men’s fashion was dictated by Emperor Napoleon. In this case, everything is more than clear and concise. White linen, minimal jewelry. If a man of that time adorned himself with jewelry, it was considered a sign of bad taste. High-quality, but simple materials and a strict straight cut — for men this was quite enough. The main task of the male population of that time was to fight and liberate. Wars and revolutions were everywhere, there was no time for fashion.

19th century women’s fashion

But the women’s dress of the 19th century played a very important role — it spoke about many things. Looking at a young lady passing by, one could easily determine to which class she belongs. The wife was a kind of visiting card for her husband. A chic dress, a small handbag, an umbrella to protect white skin from the sun, gloves at any time of the year and, of course, a fan (because a noble lady can sleep), brooches and bracelets — all this was a must for the wealthy class. On the street without these attributes, not a foot.

The presence of an apron or cap in a 19th century dress indicated that its mistress belonged to the working or peasant class. A 19th-century style dress, characterized as an empire (from French — «empire»), originally appeared in France. And if Napoleon had his imperial influence on the men’s clothing style of the 19th century, then the beautiful Josephine and her tailor Leroir tried here. Dress with a cropped bodice trimmed with ribbon, high waist and soft flowing fabric that defines the body with every movement. The ribbon from the chest is tied on the back into a beautiful bow, the ends of which should lie in the waves. The bodice was sheathed with complex patterns, gold and silver threads and precious stones. Empire is an antique style, respectively, and the patterns were made in natural and ethnic motifs. It was in such outfits that Leroir first dressed the Louvre, and then the whole of Europe.

The history of dresses of the 19th century remembers many changes in fashion — more than once new styles appeared, outfits were supplemented with various accessories, gloves and shawls (which, by the way, were very popular). The most daring ladies made cuts on the side of the dress, and while walking they showed off their beautiful legs. Corset was not worn at the beginning of the century before last, everything had to be free and graceful.

But years passed, and the styles of dresses of the 19th century changed — they began to wear corsets again, but already under clothes.

Wedding dresses of the first half of the 19th century were different in style and color. But they became white only in the middle of the century, thanks to the English princess Victoria. Delicate white color, pearls decorating the outfit, and, of course, a veil covering the bride’s head as a symbol of purity and purity — all this appeared in the second half of the 19th century.

Ball gowns of the 19th century were distinguished by luxury and wealth. Expensive fabrics and silks, deeper necklines that drive gentlemen crazy, and a long train. Sleeves «lanterns» for young girls and open shoulders for the older generation, although everything depended on the taste of the owner. Beautiful dresses of the 19th century must have complemented the decorations around the neck. Their absence is a sign of bad taste, and their presence spoke of wealth. Years have passed, our outfits have become much simpler due to many factors, but one thing has remained almost unchanged — as before, the dress says a lot, creating the first impression of a person and helping us express ourselves.