Getting Dressed in Edwardian Working Class Clothes

Getting dressed in two different working class Edwardian era outfits that I wore this summer for The Edwardian Project! The skirts and undergarments were all patterned and sewn by me, the corset was also sewn by me and the blouses were reproductions I altered to fit me (I forget the brand :( sorry) and the petticoat is vintage.
Other items:
Shoes - Oak Tree Farms and American Duchess
Corset Pattern - Ref W by Atelier Sylphe on Etsy
If you liked this video please give it a like, and feel free to subscribe! And if old clothes and sewing sound like your cup of tea, perhaps you'd also like to follow my Instagram for updates and more costuming shenanigans.
Instagram: / isabellasaintonge
( @Isabella SaintOnge )

[@IzzySaintOnge]

Getting dressed in two different working class Edwardian era outfits that I wore this summer for The Edwardian Project! The skirts and undergarments were all patterned and sewn by me, the corset was also sewn by me and the blouses were reproductions I altered to fit me (I forget the brand :( sorry) and the petticoat is vintage. Other items: Shoes - Oak Tree Farms and American Duchess Corset Pattern - Ref W by Atelier Sylphe on Etsy

[@monyagosh7593]

Could you please do a video on how you made the pattern for the skirt. Thanks xx

[@ValentineBaby21490]

it gets really hot here in Texas. The 1800s is my favorite time period of women clothing. I really want to know how women dressed in the summer without getting so hot.

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

Those skirts are timeless fabulous.

[@IzzySaintOnge]

Thank you! I really love the length and silhouette!

[@sofiagarrahan395]

I loooooove them😍

[@kreatywnanazwa1913]

Bring them back!

[@Quinntheeskimo99]

My late grandmother ( 1892 - 1974) lost her left arm just below the elbow whilst working in a cotton mill in Bolton, Lancashire UK at the age of fourteen. She said that the biggest problem was dressing and undressing using only one hand and welcomed the arrival of more simple clothing in the post Edwardian era.

[@helenchapman3639]

And you remembered the hat pin. The most important part of a lady's wardrobe. Useful for holding on your hat, and for holding a masher at bay

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

And for testing the doneness of cakes. My mom used a family heirloom hat pin for that. And I think she learned it from her grandma.

[@scottgauley7207]

This is like the anti-fast fashion, which we need more of today! My wife dresses similar to this, and I likewise like to wear Victorian era inspired suits! My wife ditched bras and now only wears corsets. She said they also offer great back support (which she needs) and feels much better for it, and I think she's never looked better!

[@indiaaycox5330]

I dress like this on a regular basis just with african print clothing instead but same edwardian style.

[@IzzySaintOnge]

That sounds gorgeous!

[@mspennywhistle]

That’s so cooooool!!!!

[@naly202]

You should post some videos of you wearing those clothes. It'd be interesting

[@ArwenUndomiel406]

You go queen!

[@PandaGuillou]

Do you have an Instagram account so we could take a look? It sounds awesome

[@haliku9705]

Lovely! The simple Edwardian look seems so graceful and timeless to me, although part of that might be because I dress pretty similarly nowadays. Petticoats are just so nice during the winter!

[@IzzySaintOnge]

I have to agree about the petticoats! I love the way long skirts trap in the warmth in the winter - I feel like a toasty tent.

[@heatherlowe7330]

These clothes look so much more comfortable and easy to manage compared to some of the historical photos of the wealthy were it looks like just have on layers and layers and heavy clothing. I think the best thing about this look is that it allows a full range of motion and has a simple elegance that is appealing even with today's fast fashion trends.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

Yes! Working class and other everyday working women, including farm and homestead women wore simpler, looser clothes: able to move around and do stuff. And the lengths are useful. Whereas the idle rich were supposed to look all done up and not needing to do anything but pose attractively, and occasionally sew or do some fund raising for charity. And...change into simpler clothes to bake some bread, or...

[@hannamadsen]

These are so addictive to watch even if you know all the layers

[@1980alsful]

*addictive

[@hannamadsen]

@@1980alsful Sorry! English isn't my first language

[@1980alsful]

@@hannamadsen no problem 😊

[@kennethquesenberry2610]

I was born in 1946 and my parents and I lived with my grandmother, who was born in 1879. My grandmother had at least one corset, although I do not believe she was still wearing them when I was born. She was really small anyway. She dressed like women dressed in the 1930s, probably with clothing that she acquired in the 1930s. She favored polka dot patterns.

[@rev_angel]

I just love they way people dressed centuries ago. It’s just so fabulous, gorgeous and elegant. I really like dresses like that ^^

[@saramcintyre5833]

Thank you for informing me of exactly what it is I love about Edwardian clothing: women's working class! I'm not a fan of the frilly tea gowns and whatnot, but working class has apparently always caught my eye.

[@quinnagiebelhaus5704]

Your slip showed sometimes when you turned which was charming but when I was in school in the 1960 s it was scandalous to show any under garments. If it showed a friend would say “it’s snowing “ or some such euphemism. I can only surmise the same was true in the Edwardian period as well. Thank you for the video.

[@anomalily]

Petticoats would be visible when turning in the Edwardian era. Bare ankles were scandolous but stocking-footed were not. Petticoats visible at the bottom of a skirt was not only expected, it was necessary for things like entering carriages and doing work.

[@bellenotbella]

Oh I love this! Edwardian is such a beautiful era.

[@AntiqueMenswear]

There are many fashions in time that would be too cumbersome for the modern wearer, but this outfit looks stunning, yet simple, and functions well with modernity!

[@findingbeautyinthepain8965]

I love this video! It’s lovely to see how all of the layers work together. Thank you for taking the time to make this for us. 💗

[@IzzySaintOnge]

You are so welcome! I'm very glad you enjoyed it.

[@t3hpenguinofd00m]

Beautiful! Unpopular opinion, but I actually think that working-class Edwardian women looked much more elegant than upper-class Edwardian women, at least when it comes to day-wear. Such a clean silhouette :)

[@polinaignatenkova3634]

I am possessed by the need to get myself all of the proper underthings as well as the beautiful skirts and shirtwaist. This is the silhouette I strive for but can't achieve with only modern clothing in my possession.

[@fairylights2632]

I love how you explained why something like a tight forearm sleeve appears in Edwardian working women’s fashion so often. Also, I’m from NC as well! Props to you for wearing layers in the summer humidity haha :)

[@Bygone_Wardrobes]

Lovely! That white blouse is super pretty!

[@IzzySaintOnge]

Thank you! I was so excited to find it. 😊

[@lesbinturong9605]

the one dislike is probably from someone who still thinks corsets caused breathing problems 😂

[@elizabethwatts9754]

@Susan Kerr I'm asthmatic and I wore Victorian clothes for many years in my youth. I tight-laced at least 25% smaller than my natural waist every day, and sometimes up to the 33% common in Victorian times. No medical problems ever experienced. I can kind of see the argument about TB, given the known negative correlation between TB growth and oxygen in the lung (hence the santoriums at high altitude and/or deliberately collapsing lungs (!!!) ), but I also know that there were and have been TB epidemics before and after corsets were worn

[@melanief4115]

@Susan Kerr umm no? your wrong. as you can see working women wore corsets just like everyone else so why would they crush and tightlace themselves just to be fashionable when they have mouths to feed and chores to do? and they didnt crush ribs. ask literally any modern corset wearer who doesnt tightlace or look at any average victorian/edwardian skeleton

[@MegaLivingIt]

She doesn't need a corset.

[@melanief4115]

@Susan Kerr your not seriously comparing corsets to high heels and plastic surgery are you? corsets throughout most of history were NOT meant to give you a fashionable shape. they mostly only did that very late in the 19th century. their purpose was to support the back and bust and to help hold up all of the many layers of petticoats and crinolines women used to wear. there were no bras back then so how the hell else were they supposed to support their boobs. and not to mention people with scoliosis WEAR MEDICAL CORSETS

[@melanief4115]

@Susan Kerr thats the point. corsets are supposed to be tailored to your body specifically. there were so many different corsets for different bodies and different activities you cant just clump them all into one category. if your corset isnt comfortable you either are wearing it wrong, have the wrong corset for your bodytype, or your corsetier sucks at their job

[@MariaHellerDesigns]

Oh such lovely clothes! Love the video! I would always choose to wear something like this in a hot summer day as opposed to shorts and t-shirt!

[@shannabanna1]

YESSSSSSSSS!! YYYYYEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!! This. This is what I’ve been looking for!! I watched this video more times than reasonable. Thank you for this simple, straightforward video about WORKING woman’s wear. I am at peace now.

[@vhehl698]

Oh I love this! Your voiceover was nice, and the clothes are gorgeous! Especially the "Sunday" outfit is adorable, I wish I could dress as such everyday, but my occupation doesn't allow it unfortunately :(

[@IzzySaintOnge]

I'm glad you enjoyed! Maybe an outfit like this could be your "Sunday" fun outfit for holidays or weekends. I definitely don't wear these clothes more than once a month...

[@vipertt100]

Murdoch mysteries come to life. Amazing outfits. Very well done.

[@michellecornum5856]

Love the outfits! Yay! Modern helper for the buttons!

[@leamonty2992]

I love seeing the layering!

[@spaghettiking7312]

You are reviving quality. Thank you.

[@borromine]

Great! Very well done. As a reader of lots of 19th and early 20th century novels as well as interest in paintings of the period this brief video was fun and made me under stand descriptions much much better!!

[@maggiedowns7588]

That petticoat is absolutely GORGEOUS!!

[@Tzamahairo]

Wow, I am in, love with this look and silhouette!

[@spikehere5866]

Lovely clothes, and a nice selection of period music in the background.

[@jessicarogers6801]

This entire outfit looks identical what my great grandmother wore in the only photo I have of her. I think the Gibson girl and other fancier fashion plates are beautiful, but sometimes feel to elaborate for everyday life. This and photos of edwardian streetwear feel like I can go from work to the store to tending my garden.

[@hurrianhymn8563]

This was a delight to watch! You have sewed such beautiful pieces of clothing 💜

[@littlefarmhouse3953]

Okay, but this is so freaking cute!! And honestly I feel like you could wear this out and no one would think it was different lol

[@naly202]

Probably my favourite example of historical wear.

[@tealele7985]

Thank you so much for this video! It is very useful in my research in Edwardian clothes as it is quite hard to just study from photographs and drawings all the time - this video helps vision how the fabrics actually moved and acted in real life. Thank you!

[@gracesss1272]

these outfits are a dream. thank you for sharing your talents!

[@summerdreams7949]

this is exactly what i was looking for, thankyou!!

[@aerolb]

Lovely work!

[@IoIita]

i really love the skirts from the edwardian era.

[@michelleongoro5495]

Wow awesome I think I will have an idea for my next outfit but with the african ankara

[@yusufbych6308]

Beautiful, love it, so nice.

[@loreneharrell2716]

As I watched this, my first thoughts went to the made for TV movie “Anne of Green Gables” very fashionable! 💕

[@marissamascorro3514]

Thank you for this video! I'm very interested in Edwardian style clothing and this was a great video !

[@catepilarr]

I enjoyed your video, thank you. You look lovely in both outfits. I am really courious what it actually feels like to be in these clothes.

[@cap4life1]

Very beautiful!!

[@nattojelly8349]

Absolutely beautiful! The color of the first blouse suits you so well

[@mparis130]

Gorgeous clothes! The first look is very Howl's Moving Castle :D I'm definitely following

[@IzzySaintOnge]

I love that movie so much!

[@frankthywissen8138]

Beautiful!!!

[@annebennett313]

This is a great video. Really nicely presented. Thank you for showing us how the corset cover was used for working women as well- hard to find good examples of these in videos. Thanks!!

[@strawberry2292]

This would be my daily wear would look like if I already sewn one, and it kinda looks comfy fr.

[@NoOne-kr4jc]

They look incredibly cute on you. I wish this would come back.

[@cliffp.8396]

I find your two dress's very fetching indeed, you make a lovely model for the era darlin.

[@mehitabel1290]

Darlin...????

[@amberandrews6692]

Soooo cute! 🥺😫

[@AdelaideBeemanWhite]

Very fetching indeed!

[@adeia1110]

I like it very much!!! Miracle!!!

[@VictorianMaid99]

so pretty !

[@Olga-or3tb]

Your figure is amazing!

[@Olga-or3tb]

@@bryanjason1980 I’m good thanks, hbu?

[@monoped8437]

gorgeous!

[@noodledoodlez2079]

What's nice with a split busk, is you can leave it laced up and simply unhook the busk and remove the corset, only tightening/loosening as needed.

[@sammiche]

Many layers but Soo cute

[@rebecasparaco7127]

Wow! 💕

[@prosperousmarc5518]

Wow 🤩 you look so gorgeous

[@user-tk4gr9zo7t]

Gorgeous 😍💖✨

[@lilymcghee8363]

I love both outfits and think you look amazing. Was there a particular source that inspired you for the skirts? I’m new to dress making and am so impressed by people who can make garments that are so well fitted. The shirtwaists are a very lucky find indeed and look very authentic. Thank you for the video. I’ve watched a few on Edwardian fashion and your outfits are by far my favourite.

[@GoofballLtG]

Thank you for showing what the hat pin is for. I was wondering about that.

[@lauratude5132]

Aaaaaaa you look exactly like Sophie from "Howl's Moving Castle"

[@zionis_trying]

Hi!! I just found your channel! Please post more!!

[@mihaceban4668]

wonderful!

[@shaniadirstein3650]

Wish we could go back to this style

[@hafsafossie7074]

You look so cute love Edwardian clothes

[@hayzidayzi8890]

Hey I’m from NC too!! I’m in the Charlotte area!

[@janeodee1677]

working on a summer skirt and was wondering if I had to flatline it with tarlaten or cotton, now I am glad to see that just hem facings are acceptable too.

[@IzzySaintOnge]

They are! My antique study piece actually just had a turned up hem about 5 inches deep - I think tarlatan was a want, not a need! Probably for nicer, more expensive skirts. I found that with linen and the finely woven wool, the flared cut was enough to get a nice shape on the skirt hem.

[@janeodee1677]

@@IzzySaintOnge makes sense, thank you. I think I will do it that way and add a wool or twill braid at the hem for durability.

[@noodledoodlez2079]

I want a combination so badly 😂

[@TimeLapseSweden]

So many layers.

[@eleonoracantarelli6042]

Hello Isabella! :) I'm from Brazil and I loved this video! The Edwardian fashion is my inspiration when I sew my own clothes and I would like so much to reproduce these wonderful skirts! Please, would you have any pattern of the skirts to share? God bless you, have a nice day!!!

[@PowerOfLoveTarot]

I want such corset for myself

[@alleykat161]

God can you imagine summers? 😱🥵

[@amycastor2872]

Gorgeous

[@ntellaS2]

I want a corset sooo much 😭😭😭

[@enzatommasi8326]

Your split crotch drawers are absolutely gorgeous, the silhouette is beautiful.😍😍 Which pattern did you use ? I want to make them.

[@strawberry2292]

GHURL THIS IS GIVING SOPHIE FROM HOWLS😭😭

[@ruben1475]

This was a really nice video! Concise, informative and shows people from that period didn't really wear so many layers as people nowadays tend to think. I like how the framerate during the dressing up in worker's clothes had that sped-up look that early film during that time period had as well. One question though, would women have worn a long-sleeved undershirt under the blouse 2:46 or was it washable enough that it would have been unnecessary?

[@IzzySaintOnge]

Thank you! The blouse is a light, washable calico that could be laundered. Additionally, the chemise comes out a bit to cover the armpits and catch sweat, so the blouse doesn't have to be washed as much as the chemise, though the collar and cuffs would be scrubbed carefully!

[@ketzexi6276]

Very interesting, thank you. The outfits look stunning! Definitely my favorite era of fashion. Do corsets have enough support for bustier women?

[@IzzySaintOnge]

They definitely do! I have heard from busty people in the costume community that corsets can actually feel better to them than modern bras because instead of suspending support from the shoulders, corsets support the bust from below and distribute the weight across the whole torso.

[@madelynfranklin7076]

Why don't we get dressed like this any more!? 😩😍 So wish we had more of a lovely, dignified style in our time period! Well, we can skip the corsets 😉

[@cecilyerker]

The corset is actually a critical part of the outfit and provides structural support for the outer garments.

[@erinshores2617]

Hi! I love dressing up the Edwardian way, but I live in Spain and here summers are sooooo hot! What do you recommend for not dying in the heat with all those layers? I generally avoid petticoats but would you say a chemise can have short sleeves and still look Edwardian?

[@aminemaravalo31]

naturaly beauty 100%

[@dan2124]

Oh my goodness i adore those outfits :3 I just wish I could dress up like that 😩 also where abouts in the UK did you study? 😃

[@sexcorpio6976]

Lovely Victorian outfit. Lates XIX century feminine fashion has its own charm, that hairstyle, that hat, those boots... Ironically it turns out to be rather sexy despite the designs aiming.

[@sarahlutz5111]

I think this would have been early 20th century, pre WWI

[@sexcorpio6976]

@@sarahlutz5111 Also... And yes, the hat is definitely rather Edwardian

[@misabelle3218]

did you make all of these pieces? I'd love to dress like this but I can't sew for the life of me

[@IzzySaintOnge]

I made a lot of the pieces! The items I did not make are the petticoat - an antique, the green blouse - a reproduction, the boots, the straw hat, and accessories like the glasses and belt. There are lovely small businesses on Instagram and Etsy that could make items for you to help you achieve that dream!

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

You can sew. You were either taught in a way that was wrong for you, or it looks really complicated and overwhelming. You just need the right entry projects. 😃

[@SarahM-lw2gd]

Where did you get such lovely clothes?😍

[@master-slon]

Beautiful girl. Good luck from Belarus!

[@fishinwidow35]

Lovely

[@Yabadabadoo16]

Outfits like this were worn around 110 years ago and that is astonishing

[@jb6712]

Oh, dear! I like the outer garments, but that many layers!! As a very claustrophobic woman, I'd feel terribly suffocated and closed in if I had to pile on layer after layer. It's plenty sufficient that I wear regular undergarments plus a slip, sheer stockings and dress shoes along with my simple (rather long) dresses for the weekly Sabbath and the holy days!

[@ThatMackieGirl]

Think about it -- There are really no many more layers than you're talking about. All she wore in both outfits were a set of undergarments, a petticoat, a corset, a shirt, and a long skirt. Because it's all quite lightweight, it doesn't feel like you're wearing much at all.

[@unavitadellamusica]

I would die from having to wear so many layers, especially on my upper body, and on hot summer days, or even in winter in overheated houses. I feel hot most of the time, and am glad I didn't live in those times

[@tulsiclarity3228]

well their layers would be from natural material, such as linen , which is naturally cool to the touch, and wicks away sweat! abby cox have a really cool video on victorian summer clothes vs modern clothes in hot texas weather if you want to learn more!

[@joanwood9480]

All natural fabrics that breathe, unlike the synthetics of today that have no breathability whatsoevet

[@unavitadellamusica]

@@joanwood9480 I don't wear synthetic clothing anyway, but even natural ones i can't wear more than one layer during spring, sommer and early to mid-autumn

[@anomalily]

@ran ran This many layers was totally normal even on farms, this is a look for women in factories or any working-class job. On a farm you'd usually add another apron layer because washing your outerclothes was hard, time-consuming work so you want to do less of it!

[@l-3832]

I’m glad I didn’t live in those times because I wouldn’t have rights. The clothes looked awesome though.

[@dexterechiverri6631]

Very fun.

[@maryam-k]

imagine it’s summer and you’re wearing layers of these. I would probably turn into vapor

[@katherinepoindexter4380]

both of my grandmothers would have worn that look..they were in their 20's when Titanic sank.