During the Victorian Era, women generally worked in the private, domestic sphere. Dress reflected this new, increasingly sedentary lifestyle, and was not intended to be utilitarian.
Clothes were seen as an expression of women's place in society, hence were differentiated in terms of social class. Upper-class women, who did not need to work, often wore a tightly laced corset over a bodice or chemisette, and paired them with a skirt adorned with numerous embroideries and trims; over layers of petticoats.
Middle-class women exhibited similar dress styles; however, the decorations were not as extravagant. The layering of these garments make them very heavy. Corsets were also stiff and restricted movement. Although the clothes were not comfortable, the type of fabrics and the numerous layers were worn as a symbol of wealth.
Overall, Victorian fashion emphasized a structured silhouette and elaborate detailing. Here below is a set of elegant photos that shows fashion styles of young women in the 1840s and 1850s.
One of the most diabolical periods in fashion.
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