2000s or 1800s? Why Fashion Is Revisiting the Victorian Era

There is a certain level of decadence associated with clothing from the Victorian era. Think: lace day dresses and crinolines with intricate lattice-like work, heeled boots that are pointed at the toe, the dramatic push and pull of a corset, and blood-colored lips and hair in tightly wound buns. Once again, fashion has become enamored with this period of time. The Mulleavy sisters over at Rodarte did white blouses with puffed sleeves that touched the heavens at their Fall 2019 show. At Alexander McQueen, Victorian aesthetics mingled with gothic sensibility in the form of a suit with a train and slits in the sleeves. (Let’s not forget the frilled necklines at Brock Collection and the winsome quality of all things Batsheva.)

Victorian style has also appeared on the streets. During fashion month, we saw billowy coats out in London and high-necked dresses in Paris that unfolded in waves of shimmering lace. This spring, why not try a midi-length cream-colored crochet dress to create a moment worthy of a Brontë novel? Or perhaps a pair of two-toned leather boots, paired with black driving gloves for a chic update on steampunk? Ultimately, this trend is all about dreaminess and looking dramatically comfortable. Don’t forget the fainting couch.

Here, 15 ways to dress like it’s the 1800s.