During the Victorian Era, 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.
Men’s clothes of the Victorian period have survived in far less quantity than women’s. Throughout the period, the dress of men was generally a suit composed of coat, waistcoat and trousers, not always of matching material. A coat or cloak was added for outdoor wear.
At any time, two or three variations of each garment would be in general use for each occasion of wear. Then one variety would become dominant, the others continuing for some time as old-fashioned wear, or being relegated to a definite and more limited use.
Here below is a set of amazing photos that shows portraits of Victorian couples in the 1840s and 1850s.
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories
35 Amazing Photos Capture Portraits of Victorian Couples in the Mid-19th Century_Au Memories