It was also a revolutionary year in fashion, and the 1850s saw incredible evolutions that paved the way to the unconventional fashions by the end of the Victorian era. An era that could be characterized as both luxurious and functional, the 1850s fashion used to be not only about appearing good, but also relating to social statuses and following the cultural standards. This article explores the most prominent aspects of fashion in the 1850s, presenting examples of how fashion, materials, and shapes characterized the appearance of men and women of that era.
Evolution of Fashion in the 1850s for females.
In the 1850s, there was a radical change in fashion among women. The best decade was the one that had the huge crinoline skirts that became symbolic of femininity and grace. Crinolines, or a sort of petticoat, of steel or horse hair, which formed a bell shape and was all the fashion, held these skirts up. It was an era when dresses were expected to be full and beautiful.
Besides the crinoline, women adopted complex bodices that molded their torsos. These bodices were highly corseted to emphasize the hourglass shape, which was the ideal of beauty during the period. Sleeves also started to evolve, and puffed and full sleeves started to gain prominence. The full skirt and fitted bodice resulted in a distinct appearance that would be characteristic of much of the mid-19th century.
Basic fabrics and designs of the 1850s.
The choice of fabrics was significant to the 1850s fashion scene. Gowns of rich ladies were generally of silk, satin and velvet, and those of moderate means, of cotton, wool, and linen. Patterns were also critical to the fashion of this period. Floral prints were extremely popular as well, especially the spring-summer dresses, but the darker coloring and more serious materials were not put on until the colder weather.
Dresses of wealthier women were frequently vivid, particularly in deep reds, greens and blues, whereas light, daytime dresses were often in pastel. Gowns were often designed with stripes, checks and flower patterns and were more frequently embellished in ample and splendid detail to add to the overall beauty of the garments.
Male Fashion of the 1850s: The Age of the Gentleman.
Men in the 1850s wore clothes according to the elegance of earlier decades. The long, tailored jacket, cut away in the front, of the morning coat was typical of the period. It was worn with trousers, waistcoats, and neck ties, which gave an appearance of formality and sophistication. Even now, men, mostly those who went out to formal gatherings, wore the frock coat though this was the same one that had been the fashion a few years earlier.
The waistcoat or vest was an element of clothing worn by men as well. This was normally crafted of and adorned with expensive materials such as silk or brocade and in the 1850s was worn as a statement piece beneath the coat. At this time, pants were tailored and frequently had a crease down the front to give them a sharp, smooth appearance.
The Fashion Effect of Social Position.
This was not only the style in the 1850s but their social status as well. The higher classes were able to indulge themselves extravagantly in their fashions and frequently determined the fashions of the other classes of society. Dresses worn by women, in particular, were highly embroidered with lace and jewels, which signified their high social status.
Although the middle class had the same interest in preserving a sense of decorum and propriety, their styles were more practical and modest. This was manifested through their use of cheaper materials and simpler styles. The working population at the time, on the other hand, dressed more simply, with an emphasis on the longevity and utility of their garments, as opposed to fancy design.
Fashion in the 1850s and the influence of technology.
The 1850s saw tremendous growth in textile and fashion manufacturing. The industrial revolution had witnessed the mass production of fabrics, making them cheaper and affordable to more people. This gave individuals in the middle and working classes access to clothes that they would not have had before.
The construction of clothing became easier and more precise with the invention of the new sewing machines. It made more elaborate designs and better quality of garments to be made even by the owners of rather small fortunes. This shift in mode of production played an important role in the volume and diversity of fashions across the decade.
The Role of Accessories in the Fashion of the 1850s
Accessories had been a necessary element in the fashionable look of the 1850s. Hats were one of the big accessories for women and could sometimes be decorated with feathers, ribbons and flowers. Jewelry could also be considered as a necessary item of a female outfit, including necklaces, earrings and bracelets, yet gold and silver traveled.
Men, their part, adorned with pocket watches, cravats and gloves. Precisely, the cravat was an important part of a male’s wardrobe, which helped add a certain degree of sophistication and style to his clothes. The walking canes and the top hats that were so prevalent in this period were also made by men and this only added to their status and class.
1850s Fashion in Popular Culture
It was also during the 1850s that fashion started to make greater inroads into popular culture. The increasing popularity of photography could enable to preserve the fashion tendencies and portraits of the rich and powerful people could serve as a way of showing the new fashion to others who could follow it. Fashion magazines started to be introduced which further promoted the trends of the decade to a wider audience.
It was also a time of great iconic personalities in fashion, such as a designer, tailor who would in turn become influential in fashion over the decades. The work of the 1850s set the foundation of future fashion trends, and the style of the age still majestically resonates in the following generations.
The role of 1850s fashion in later decades.
The clothing styles of the 1850s were very influential on the taste of the later decades especially the late Victorian era. The popular hourglass shape that was in high demand in the 1850s remained a major influence on fashion up to the 1860s. The crinoline skirt, too, was improved upon, becoming larger and more exaggerated during the course of the century.
The styles varied with time although, 1850s stand as a landmark in the history of fashion, which predetermined the dramatic and even fanciful tendencies of the next decades. Their influence remains apparent today in the current obsession with retro-fashion and the revival of some of its components, including the crinoline, in modern dress.
FAQ’s
What was the most emblematic aspect of women of the 1850s?
The crinoline skirt was the most well-known element of womens fashion in the 1850s and was secured by a steel or horsehair petticoat. This gigantic structure created a bell-shaped shape that was to be equated with the period.
What did men wear in the 1850s compared to the previous period?
Fashion in the 1850s, men grew more formal and sophisticated. The morning coat and the frock coat were fashionable, and garments were cut on longer, more fitted lines than those of the past decades.
What were the fashions of the 1850s?
The high and mighty wore silk, velvet and satin, the middle and working classes cotton, wool and linen. Floral patterns and solid colors were prevalent as well.
What effects did the Industrial Revolution have on fashion in the 1850s?
The Industrial Revolution enabled textiles to become cheaper and accessible to all people in all social classes allowing fashionable clothes to be bought by any person. It also introduced a new technology for constructing the garments, such as the use of sewing machines.
Did the fashion of the 1850s shape fashion in modern times?
Yes, it is true that the 1850s did not go without effect on the future fashion particularly on the hourglass figure and full skirts. Elements of the 1850s style continue to be adored and adapted into contemporary vintage-based design.
Conclusion
The 1850s were the era of change and development in fashion. The decade was to be remembered in the history of fashion with the launching of the crinoline skirt and the growing presence of fashion within popular culture. Men’s and women’s fashion of this era started the flamboyant and lavish fashion of the late Victorian era. The contribution to the history of fashion was the knowledge about 1850s Fashion, which is split into social, technological, and cultural factors that found their reflection in clothes.