There are young ladies today that long for the dignity and structure of the beautiful garments of the Victorian period. This way of dressing is actually quite youthful, as the styles encourage better posture, which contributes to optimism. Tiny floral prints and pretty cotton fabrics for "day" dresses worn in the home were as important to a lady as a going-to-town dress.
The hair was swept up from the neck and pinned in various fashionable twists and tucks. Hats and head coverings were not always worn, as evidenced by the many photographs and portraits available for us to view still today.
Today there are plenty of little girls items to make a girl look adorable and sweet, but the grown up ladies clothing that makes a woman feel and look really appropriate and dignified, is harder to find. So that is what I am addressing today.
There are ways to adopt elements of the Victorian into modern dress today. The main thing you need is a dress that is above the ankle, and not mid calf like some designers advise. I say this because if you are trying to look more slender, having the hem in the middle of your calf, at the knee or mid-thigh, emphasizes the widest part of your legs, and is not at all elegant or slenderizing. So, the first consideration in a style is length on the skirt.
The next thing to look for is the slenderness at the waist. That would mean avoiding poufiness and thickness at the waistline. What is called "princess seaming" or a-line and darts, is a better shape if you are looking to create blouses and skirts or dresses that have a slender look. There are blouses and skirts you can buy today that have elements of Victorian style. Some Victorian skirts have a dip at the waist, as seen in many of the western clothes at places like Cattle Kate, which is very slimming and comfortable.
If you are shopping, here are some ideas:
With this pattern you can raise the neckline by following my "How to raise a neckline on a sewing pattern" article on the sewing section of the sidebar on this blog. You can also add an insert in a coordinating fabric pattern or lace to the front bodice or you can substitute a bodice pattern piece that fits you more perfectly.
This is my friend, who is in a tea room. She wore a long skirt and with her outfit a pair of gloves. It was a nice tea room and she was complimenting the owners by showing up dressed up. On a side note, my friend is 70 years old! She has such a nice complexion and countenance, and is very happy, partly due to the appropriate way she dresses. Dressing grown-up will not make you look old; it just makes you look feminine and elegant.
Now compare, at the same tea room while she was taking tea, the view from her table, in the picture below. My friend was trying to show more of the tea room, with the shelf full of teas, but could not help noticing something else that is quite depressing. These women do not know what kind of impression they give and how ultra casual they look, especially from behind! A hundred years ago, anyone who looked like this was a man! Although they are covered from neck to ankle, the garments do not have beauty and modesty, and their clothing shows what the clothing stores are selling in mass amounts, heedless of what really looks good on a woman.
I know as Christians we do not insist that ladies all dress up, but I think we should keep in mind that we represent our husbands, and families and the churches where we attend, and when we go out, it is also a reflection on our upbringing. I solved this problem by not even wearing jeans at home. That way, I always had on a pretty dress, and if I had to go on a quick trip to the grocery store or post office, could just remove my apron and add a dressy looking short jacket. It is not good that foreign visitors say that Americans are an eyesore when they travel, largely due to the casual dress of jeans and t-shirts, especially unflattering on grown-up women.
I think it shows self-respect and honors the people we do business with or come in contact with when we wear something pretty and avoid wearing jeans in public. Most of all, the way we dress must show that we are ladies and not men! If there is some reason women must wear jeans or pants, it would be good if they would wear a feminine top that also was long enough to cover the rear end. Also before going out in public, check in the mirror from behind to see if you are presentable.
Dressing in sweats, sports pants, shorts or short skirts is just not as ladylike as long skirts, dresses and feminine tops. Whe you get older it is shocking how fast life seemed to pass, and you realize how important it is to dress in a lovely way. It is a way that a Christian can present themselves to represent their Lord, Christ.
Think also about the memories you are making by what you wear, and the pictures that are taken throughout your life. It is sad to think of photo albums with not one picture of a woman in a dress, and there are little children who have never seen their mother in anything but jeans.
I have known people who are employed in various places where they come in contact with the public, and they have often said that it is not uncommon never to see a woman in a dress come through their store or their business. Ladies I think even a few people can change this situation just by wearing pretty clothes at home. When I suggest skirts and blouses, I do not mean looking drab and dowdy and colorless. Show the world the way you would like it to be by the way you dress, and if you cling to those good habits, you will see changes for the better.
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
In dressing for the home, consider the effect it may have on the family members. When the lady of the house looks nice and dresses in a special way for her family, it boosts their morale.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Wearing the styles like jeans and mini skirts and immodest t-shirts is conforming to the prevailing culture. Christian women should stand out as happy people who love life and wear things that imitate the beauty of The Creation. Dressing grown-up does not mean you must wear exactly what the Victorians wore, but since a lot of the elements of Victorian style were feminine and beautiful, you can find ways to Victorianize your clothing with length and sleeves and slimness.