Queen Victoria’s reign between 1837 -1901 represented a new era for regal fashion, which inspired everyone from the court to commoners. So, during the Victorian period, clothes were very much a symbol of the status and represented the standard of living of the person wearing them.
Today, fashion has become enamoured with the Victorian era once again and so clothing designs often return to this time, to add a dose of Victorian flair to outfits.
While it was often Victorian women who were the focal point of fashion, the period’s fashion trends work well for young ladies too — after all, it doesn’t hurt to start them on the style classics early!
What Clothes Did Victorian Children Wear?
Back in the 19th Century, it was easy to determine a child’s social class based on what they were wearing. A typical Victorian schoolgirl would wear a black, knee-length dress with a white cotton apron over the top (often trimmed with lace) and long black stockings. Her shoes would have been flat and boot-like, and she may have worn a bonnet on special occasions. More often, though, she would wear white ribbons in her hair.
At the other end of the spectrum, wealthy and middle-class young ladies wore luxury dresses for children designed by a dressmaker. These girls would have worn at least one petticoat under their dresses as well as stockings, drawers and high button shoes.
Today’s Victorian Fashion Trends
While we’re not dressing our little girls in exactly the clothing nowadays, the Victorian era has had a significant influence on long-lasting fashion choices over the years. Below, we take a look at five modern Victorian fashion trends for children.
1. Lace Dress
Queen Victoria and the Royal Family today adore wearing lace, so a gorgeous lace dress is needed to fit this trend. There are extra points if it has puffed sleeves! Browse lace dresses here.
2. Petticoat
Add a bit of oomph to your child’s beautiful dress by adding a fluffy petticoat underneath, to enhance the shape and make the skirt look fuller. Bonus — with it peaking out at the bottom, it exudes Victorian charm.
3. Bolero Jacket
A bolero jacket was — and still is — an elegant way to stay warm at formal events. As well as being functional, it’s a smart and timeless addition to any well-rounded little girl’s wardrobe.
4. Cross-Body Bag
Chatelaine bags were on-trend from 1860 to 1900 and hung from the waist by a ribbon or cord. They were used to carry handkerchiefs, letters and notebooks. So a cross-body bag for your little one is a stylish option to keep her trinkets safe. Browse luxury children’s bags here.
5. Ribbons In Her Hair
A quick and easy way to add a Victorian twist to your little lady’s style is to add some ribbons to her hair. You could tie them to her ponytail, plaits or add an embellished hairband with a bow on the side to add a touch of elegance.
Have a go at capturing the Victoria fashion trend and watch your little one win all the compliments.
Browse our luxury range of stylish formal, semi-formal and everyday dresses, which are perfect for any special occasion.