I’ve got an outfit challenge for you: How to dress Victorian-era style without looking costumey?
If you think it’s a mission impossible, well, think again.
All you need to gather some signature elements of Victorian outfits and incorporate them with your existing casual wardrobe and you are good to go.
Whether you pair a fancy Victorian-inspired top with casual jeans or make it a statement with a corset dress, the looks are truly versatile for the modern days.
If you are ready to level up your fashion game, I’ve gathered 10 outfit tips if you wonder how to dress in Victorian fashion in a modern way.
Enjoy!
1. WEAR HIGH COLLARED LACE TOP WITH JEANS
Speaking of one of the elements of Victorian fashion, it’s the high-collared peasant blouse that is made from luxe and feminine fabric like lace and satin.
While it’s modest, distinguished, and effortlessly classy, some Victorian-style newbies may find this intimidating to wear.
That said, team it with a casual pair of mom jeans that just look way more wearable.
If you want a classy take on Victorian vibes, I’d say the black and dark blue jeans work wonders.
And for the girls who want to spice things up, denim hot pants can work as well.
So feel free to mix and match and who knows what chic looks you unblock?
2. LAYER UP YOUR CONTEMPORARY VICTORIAN STYLE
If you want to look dressier but not mature with a Victorian-inspired blouse, layering is key.
To shed away the sophisticated vibes of the high-collared blouse, team it with a cute little black dress or jumpsuit that just appears to be cute and stylish.
To instill a dash of youthfulness, swap the traditional dark hues for neutral shades like beige just to freshen up the style.
For an extra pop of fun, you can always introduce some bright hues to your classic black-and-white look.
A Victorian blouse with a tasteful purple satin scarf? Girl you just look like a regal.
3. MAKE A STATEMENT WITH CORSET TOPS
Another statement piece of Victorian style – the corsets.
I personally love corset tops so much as they just put all my curves in the right place and sculpt an hourglass busty silhouette for me.
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a dreamy body?
So ladies, get experimental with all kinds of corsets. Whether that’s corset belts or tops, they just add a dash of darling to your ensemble.
That said, to embody the Victorian style, go for the one with lace or embellishment and dark hues will do the trick.
4. A DASH OF EDWARDIAN VINTAGE VIBES WITH A VELVET DRESS
For an Edwardian-inspired Victorian look, how can we not mention velvet?
As a closely woven and complicated fabric, it just looks so poised and sumptuous. As for the hues, the Victorian style is all about dark high saturation hues to create an elegant yet mysterious vibe.
Think wine red, black, and dark blue.
Added to this, the Victorian look is never too revealing so keep your velvet dress structured with a statement belt but not too body-hugging.
Together with a pair of high heels, trust me this look will steal the show at the party.
5. PULL OFF THE CLASSIC BAROQUE PRINTS
If you never thought of baroque print, you are missing out HUGE.
Seriously, this is the easiest way to pull off a modern Victorian look. Featuring rich and dynamic patterns, many high fashion brands like Balmain (and even high street brands) are obsessed with this print.
You can easily find this with all kinds of garments – leggings, pants, one-piece dresses – you name it.
I am not kidding but if you want to look like a million dollars, team a black knit top with baroque print pencil pants and you’ll never feel anything missing from your look.
6. STAY COOL WITH A MODERN VICTORIAN STYLE
While some people always thought Victorian style was all about the classy, mature style, well, who said you can’t give the look a cool update?
Instead of pairing your embellished lace blouse with a fancy midi skirt, team it with black faux leather pants, sheer tights, and combat boots just give a subtle touch of rebelliousness.
For all the edgy girls out there, well, perhaps it’s time to dig out your studded shoes and biker jacket!
7. GET A HEAVY LAYERED MAXI DRESS
Alright, let’s talk about the easiest way to embrace Victorian fashion – a nicely crafted one-piece dress.
Specifically, you want to pick the one with a maxi or floor-length dress that is A-line and flares out from the high waist to the bottom.
If that’s a formal occasion, get bold and wear the heavy-layer dress for a breathtaking look.
Together with a pearl necklace and embellished clutch, you’ll be bound to feel fabulous.
After all, life is too short to wear a fancy dress once in a while!
8. STAY ALL BLACK IN A GOTHIC VICTORIAN LOOK
If you love wearing all-black, congrats as you’ll be the best candidate to pull off the gothic Victorian look.
To bring the antiquated flare to the fullest, it’s crucial to accessory your look.
Whether that’s a black felt hat, arm-length Gloves, or fishnet tights, they are all helpful in creating a dark, homogeneous temperament.
Of course, to really take this killer look to another level, a resting bitch face always help! Brutal but true.
9. PAIR UP LACE SOCKS WITH YOUR MODERN SHOES
If you don’t want to invest in the vintage granny heels, no worries as you can always wear your existing shoes, only with some creative pairings.
A Mary Jane shoes look too boring to match your floor-length dress? What about teaming it with black sheer lace socks that boost the aesthetic tenfold?
Instead of buying new shoes, I suggest you collect unique socks instead – isn’t that more budget-friendly?
Alternately, oxford heels and dark heels are perfect to wear as well so you actually have plenty of choices!
10. VICTORIAN-INSPIRED MAKEUP IS KEY
Last but not least, you’ll need Victorian-inspired makeup to keep your style united from head to toe.
In Victorian times, a pale face, rosy cheeks, and big dark eye were their beauty standard.
I would say dark lips are optional but if you want to really add a dash of attitude, a dark purple lip can truly enhance that.
Of course, you may want to style your hair a bit to complete your poised modern Victorian look.
If you just want to style it in 10 minutes, an easy updo is more than enough to embody the elegant spirit.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
So ladies, here you are – 10 outfit ideas if you wonder how to dress in Victorian fashion in a modern way.
See, it’s not as complicated as you thought, isn’t it?
As the quote said, “There is no exquisite beauty without some strangeness in the proportion“.
Victorian style is not everyone cup’s of tea, but guess what, this is why it looks irresistibly aesthetic and attractive to some of us.
If this is what you adore, do me a favor, and rock this modern Victorian look like nobody is watching!
If you think this guide is useful, please pin it or share it so more Victorian fashion girls will utilize these tips ♥♥♥
By the way, if you are interested in more styling tips, I’m sure you will find the articles below useful!
See you there ladies!
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