In the 1840s and 1850s, women's gowns developed wide puffed sleeves. Dresses were simple and pale. Realistic flower trimming were on dresses. Petticoats, corsets, chemises were worn under gowns. By the 1850s the number of petticoats was reduced and the crinoline was worn; as such the size of the skirts expanded. Day dresses had a solid bodice and evening gowns had a very low neckline and were worn off the shoulder with shawls.
In the 1860s, the skirts became flatter at the front and projected out more behind the woman. Day dresses had wide pagoda sleeves and high necklines with lace or tatted collars. Evening dresses had low necklines and short sleeves, and were worn with short gloves or fingerless lace or crocheted mitts.
In the 1870s, uncorseted tea gowns were introduced for informal entertaining at home and steadily grew in popularity. Bustles were used to replace the crinoline to hold the skirts up behind the woman, even for "seaside dresses".
In the 1880s, riding habits had a matching jacket and skirt (without a bustle), a high-collared shirt or chemisette, and a top hat with a veil. Hunting costumes had draped ankle-length skirts worn with boots or gaiters. Clothing worn when out walking had a long jacket and skirt, worn with the bustle, and a small hat or bonnet. Travelers wore long coats like dusters.
In the 1890s, Women's wear in the last decade of the Victorian Era was characterised by high collars, held in place by collar stays, and stiff steel boning in long line bodices. By this time, there were neither crinolines nor bustles. Women opted for the tiny wasp waist instead.
In the 1870s, the fad of hoop skirts had faded and women strived for a slimmer style. The dresses were extremely tight around the corseted torso and the waist and upper legs; Punch ran many cartoons showing women who could neither sit nor climb stairs in their tight dresses. The crinoline was replaced by the bustle in the rear. Small hats were perched towards the front of the head, over the forehead. To complement the small hat, women wore their hair in elaborate curls. Some women wore hairpieces called "scalpettes" and "frizzettes" to add to the volume of their hair.
Retro clothing remains popular for a variety of reasons. For most people, wearing retro clothes is a fun way to experience the style and culture of another time.
Retro dresses from the 1950s allow women to experience the classic feminine styles from a time when women were graceful and beautiful and men noticed and appreciated their beauty.
Retro clothing will make you stand apart from the crowd at any event. There are retro clothes for dressy and casual occasions in the Bettie Page Clothing collection. Our retro dresses are vintage inspired designs from the 1950s in designs that include big circle skirts, slim pencil skirts, shirtwaist dresses and many other styles from the same era.
Our unique collection of t shirts for men and women is a fun way to enjoy the style and humor of a bygone era. Don't forget to add some accessories to complete your look.
Pin up dresses are flirty, sexy and feminine, but the modern girl needs more in her closet. We carry retro clothes that are suitable for a dressy event, retro dresses that work well for the office and casual attire to wear just for fun.
A fantastic collection of ladies country clothing from some world renowned brands such as Barbour, Aigle and Musto.
Best In The Country stock a wide range of women's countrywear including jackets, gilets, knitwear, blouses as well as country style fleeces and trousers.
Browse the subcategories below to see some of the stunning country lifestyle garments that are now available in our ladies country clothing section.
Trousers and breeks for women in classic country styles - includes moleskins and corduroys
