Guidelines for 1890's Style Evening Attire

A quick guide to vintage clothing appropriate to an 1890's evening
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The following descriptions are given for those who wish to indulge in the period flavor of an 1890's evening event. Please don't feel obliged to wear a Victorian outfit. For the ladies a modern gown, as long and as full as possible, and dress suit for the gentlemen is perfectly fine.

Gown From Paris ca. 1892-93

1890's Evening Gowns Ladies' evening dress of the 1890's usually consists of a fitted bodice with scooped or square cut neckline, most recognizably with extravagantly large puffed sleeves, the size of which expands and contracts throughout the decade. The skirt is full length cut in gores for an A-line shape. Gowns were made up in a wide range of fabrics from heavy brocade and velvet to lightweight silk chiffon. A skirt with a train, although elegant, is not very practical for dancing. The gown can be ornamented with elaborate lace, contrasting trim, colored ribbon bows or fancy beadwork.

Gowns From Paris ca. 1892-93

Hairstyles

Hair should be worn up, in a bun often fairly high on the head or pulled softly to the back of the head. Hair is usually wavy and the volume of the hairstyle increases throughout the decade. In the early 90's it is fairly close to the head and by the late decade it is approaching the Gibson Girl puff. and was usually dressed with small ornaments, ribbon bows and feathers; there was usually a strong vertical emphasis in the headdress.

A variety of 1890's hairstyles, showing the hair softly gathered into a bun both high and low at the back of the head.

Evening Accessories

Earrings should be dangles, and short bead necklaces are appropriate. A large fan also makes a good summertime accessory. Full length white gloves would complete the outfit splendidly.

Shoes should be in a color to compliment the gown; those with a fairly low heel of 1-2 inches (such as Capezio character shoes), are comfortable for late Victorian dancing.

Gentlemen

Gentlemen's evening dress of the 1890's is fairly similar to modern formal wear: black tail coat (the "recently" invented tuxedo jacket is also an acceptable, though less formal, alternative); white formal shirts with stand up or wing tip collar; vest (ideally with lapels and scooped-front -- cummerbunds are not period); bow tie which can be either white or black. White gloves are de rigeur for ballroom wear. Flexible soled shoes such as Capezio black jazz oxfords are suitable for dancing.

Patterns

Folkwear Vest pattern number #222 view B (also contains a bow tie pattern), or Simplicity pattern #5436, views C or D, done in black or white are suitable for this period.

Past Patterns ball gown #206, with the addition of full puffed sleeves and skirt patterns numbers #208 and #1097 are appropriate for 1890's evening gowns. Patterns of Fashion by Janet Arnold also has accurate ball gown patterns. Fitted day gown bodices such as Past Patterns #207 and #903 can be easily altered by cutting it with a lower neckline and shorter puffed sleeves. Laughing Moon Enterprises has good 1890's evening bodice and skirt patterns as well.

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