Getting Dressed in the Victorian Era: 1895 Walking Suit

Have you ever wondered what Victorian women wore, and how they got dressed? Come with me and get ready with me for a walk in the park. Victorian women had an ensemble for every occasion. Walking suits were worn throughout the Victorian era, although of course the shape and style shifted along with the changing trends. This brown flannel walking suit would have been worn but a middle or upper middle class woman for a walk through the park, or other similar afternoon activities in the fall. This walking suit would have been worn about 1893-1897. So come and stroll through the La Belle Époque with me!
Notes on historical accuracy: Both my corset and corset cover are early Edwardian! About 5-6 years off. I am also not a historian, just an enthusiastic hobbyist, so feel free to add on or correct anything you may have noticed, and I will update the description with notes as comments come in.
Visual Sources: imgur.com/a/ZHQGnCO
Patterns:
Corset: Atelier Sylphe Ref 1
www.etsy.com/listing/78830904...
Chemise, Drawers, Corset Cover:
trulyvictorian.info/index.php...
Sleeve supports: Self Drafted
Petticoats: Self Drafted/ Ripple skirt pattern with added ruffles
Shirtwaist: Truly Victorian 1894 shirt waist trulyvictorian.info/index.php...
Bodice: McCalls 7732 (undershirt) combined with the sleeve from Truly Victorian 1894 Shirt waist
Skirt: Truly Victorian Ripple Skirt
trulyvictorian.info/index.php...
Hat and gloves: Vintage
Pocket placement: www.tudorlinks.com/treasury/ar...
Music
Barroom Ballet by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license
Plucky Daisy by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license

[@helenwhitehead6750]

On the subject on how many petticoats- my grandmother, who was born in 1886, stated no "decent" woman worn less than 4 petticoats. Reason . modesty; was a man was not suppose to be able to see the shape of your legs through your skirts.

[@jenniferbrown483]

What a fun and happy memory! God Bless!

[@TheNaturalebeauty]

How cool!!!

[@IGUniverse]

Wow that's amazing thank you for sharing

[@traceymarshall5886]

Lol well in Ireland my ancestors would not have been able to afford any of these clothes. They were lucky to have coats which kept them warm on the bed in winter

[@free.the.plants]

Not saying we should force multiple layers of petticoats on anyone …however, wearing skintight leggings/yoga pants straight up forces others to gaze into the abyss/azzcrack.. 😑Iol. Maybe societal norms shouldn’t keep flipping from one extreme to the next/opposite 😅

[@raizelcortez3219]

Honestly this is one of the reasons why I love the time we’re living in. We have people who dress more futuristic alien, current fashion, 70s, 50s, Victorian, Elizabethan, 20s, steampunk, and so much more. We’re not limited to just modern fashion. And I love it.

[@thecomorbiditycurator8018]

I agree with you! In my opinion, I think we'll see a larger revival of Edwardian, Victorian, etc 100+ years old trends in the decades to come. Our current fashion industry has become all about fast fashion with cheap materials. Those cheap synthetic materials are made from plastic/oil. In the last several years, trends have taken a turn toward capsule wardrobes, minimalism, thrifting, sustainable businesses, and Earth-friendly practices. Moving forward into the next decades, we will likely see clothing return to organic materials with plastic materials only used for vegan substitutes (vegan leather, faux fur, polar fleece) and for blended fabrics for athletes. Organic materials don't move like plastic synthetic fabrics, so sewing constructions of the past will return, bringing with them the trends of the past. Better constructed garments will last longer, putting a chokehold on the unethical and unsustainable fast fashion industry (Those cheap clothes we buy online rip easily and then sit in a landfill for eternity). Just my prediction. They will also cost more, so people will take the modern capsule wardrobe and run with it, investing in mix and match garments that suit their style and needs, much like middle class women of the past. I, for one, cannot wait.

[@lilacscentedfushias1852]

I love period dramas such as Miss Scarlett and the Duke, Murdoch Mysteries, Downton…I see women’s outfits and think we could wear that now, no one would bat an eye lid, particularly dresses or tops for an event or similar. I taught in a school opened in 1907, it was crazy to think women walked up and down the stairs wearing long, flowing skirts and petticoats. We would take the children to a once stately home for a historical school trip. It was mostly based around the time school was built, the children had either outfits from home or we had a stash. We got our own, so difficult to do those stairs in them. We never felt alone in the school even if we were alone. I was once outside taking a break at the stately home and a group of older people walked past and wanted to take pics with me 😂 Smile nice time, it wasn’t going to kill me 😂

[@laurieannstratton5176]

I remember in the late 7O's mid 80's and 2005 we had Victorian type styles.

[@andrey-kramer]

​@@thecomorbiditycurator8018 Only if the Third World War does not start.

[@triplea25]

Hits in so many ways

[@Mary-momof8]

What I love about this clothing Era, the femininity, grace, and classic style!!

[@bloqk16]

My paternal grandmother was raised in the Victorian era. While I find the women's wardrobe/apparel of the era to be appealing and fascinating, my being familiar with the mentality that went along with the social customs and _mores_ [pronounced mor-rays] . . .as the social constrictions and formalities they had to lead with in life with portraying an upstanding, and upscale with being somewhat uptight, façade of flawless perfectionism with a cool reserve demeanor . . . it was no wonder her and her sisters either suffered from depression or alcoholism, or both . . . my grandmother had 12 siblings. One of her brothers became a family outcast when he married a woman of the Catholic faith. That woman of Catholic faith, that married into the my grandmother's family, I got to know her in my youth; was the most lovable, affectionate, down to earth, strong-willed, and fun-loving of all of my dad's relatives . . . _because she wasn't raised Victorian._ Because of that woman's outgoing demeanor, and religious faith, all of her in-laws never felt comfortable with her. lol The TV show of "The Manners of Downton Abbey" resonated with me, as it well-reflected the aristocratic nature of my grandmother's family; even though Downton Abbey took place during what was considered the _Edwardian Era,_ but King George V actually held the throne during the timeline of the Downton Abbey TV series.

[@ejreloaded6621]

The way you pulled the E&J out of the pocket was crazy😨. I wouldn’t have expected literally anything to be in there based off of the smoothness of the surface

[@MiljaHahto]

One of the many upsides of long and wide skirts! One era had even bigger pockets - when they used the basket-like side hoops. With those you practically had a pocket worth of a big handbag on each side. Priorattire emptied hers in one video before putting them on and found an amazing amount of forgotten stuff!

[@scraverX]

@@MiljaHahtoa friend made the earlier style pocket (worn more like a belt under the skirts) and to demonstrate how large they were showed us a picture of one with a pair of 750 ml bottles inside.

[@micosstar]

man, petticoat pockets in the 19th century are purses@@MiljaHahto!

[@monmothma3358]

​@@MiljaHahto😂

[@anniathome]

I love this. My grandmother was born in 1895. This enabled me to imagine my great grandmother.

[@JB-vd8bi]

She wouldn't have worn this though?

[@anniathome]

@@JB-vd8bi We have a picture of my great-grandmother in something similar, but not as fancy.

[@hannahstraining7476]

I'm a positive-reinforcement dog trainer, and I am beyond thrilled to see you walk your dog on a side-attach harness! And also that when your dog communicated that he did not want to go forward, you listened to him. Oh, the 1895 walking outfits were quite eye-catching as well!

[@RachellMorton]

Such a charming video! This reminds me of when Anne of Green Gables wanted puffed sleeves. Thanks for sharing.

[@savannahr.granier9581]

“I’ve always dreamed of having puffed sleeves. I find them to be far more romantic than just plain sleeves, don’t you think?” God I love those movies/books. I’ve recently been looking for old printings of the books and have acquired a few already.

[@B__746]

Love the look…the sleeve supports are killing me though, I had no idea!😂

[@juliejohnson497]

I am 77 and never heard of the sleeve supports, either although I was always a fan of 1880's fashions. As a sewer I could not imagine how the weight of the sleeve supported itself and now I know - it didn't!

[@MsJPA79]

The dress is beautiful! I would wear it. 💖🥰💖 The reason for the complaints is because the corset is worn incorrectly and without the chemise underneath and incorrect lacing. I find them very comfortable because I have back, spine and spinal nerve issues, and with a larger than normal bust, it is way more supportive than a bra. My great-mother wore two petticoats in the summer and three in fall and in the winter normally.

[@thesewloartist]

I love my petticoats in the winter! People wonder how I can wear skirts even when it’s cold but cozy petticoats make it okay 🥰

[@markosamardzic8718]

@@thesewloartist hello, why are there no more videos on your channel, what happened :-( ?

[@yeetyeet5079]

But don’t forget some Victorian corsets were so tight they might break ribs or dislocate organs

[@suebotchie4167]

@@thesewloartist amen to that

[@deborahbarry8458]

I wish I could find a comfortable corset. modern corsets are designed to be sexy instead of comfortable. Sewlo - have you considered selling corsets?

[@InkySoupy]

Omg this turned out so beautiful! And those sleeves are *chef's kiss* 💕

[@thesewloartist]

Thank you ❤️ !

[@michaelgarro227]

​@@thesewloartisthow do I get those dresses they are very beautiful and I would really love one

[@blanked3]

3:00 *1890's dressed woman standing next to a 2015 (or so) Dodge Challenger* The contrast is too great, stands out like a sore thumb lol 😂

[@thesewloartist]

😂 that’s mine! It’s an 2018 with fuzzy dice in the window, and I look *ridiculous* driving it.

[@blanked3]

@@thesewloartist 😂😂😂

[@backgroundmusik]

Anybody else going insane on the one shoe button she missed

[@juliejohnson497]

I was surprised she missed a button.

[@caro75003]

Fantastic 😍 Gorgeous. And the segment about the pocket had me in stitches 😂

[@laurakaszuba6785]

I always thought i was born in the wrong time because i love the dresses the women wore back then. However, the more i watch your channel, i am having second thoughts. The dresses were so beautiful back then. Literally breath taking!

[@VBirchwood]

Your entire ensemble is so gorgeous, great work!

[@LupitaPolit-ng5pf]

Great and beautiful nice desings

[@liliesofthefield5310]

Their dresses back then had pockets and the undergarments had holes for using the restroom, why did it take us so long to come full circle and bring those back😂 Love this style of clothing, everything is so well made with synthetic fabrics

[@jenniferbrown483]

😂😂 for sure

[@foamer443]

Undergarments with holes. Then we got really puritanical and anything like that was seen as lewd and risque. The start of the slippage of common sense and practicality to where we find ourselves today.

[@penelope-oe2vr]

Nothing better than a big skirt with a wide horsehair hem *swoon* I don't know why love them so much! Beautiful attire M'lady!

[@rubycd2203]

I love those huge victorian skirts too,they make my heart beat so fast looking at them.

[@savannahr.granier9581]

When you think about it, yes there were absolutely so many pieces that went into the fashion of the 1700’s or 1800’s, but when you really think about it their clothes were actually far more practical than our clothing today. In the winters they would use heavier fabrics and maybe add or remove layers depending where you were and how cold it was based on where you lived, so you were much warmer clothing wise than we are in the clothes we have today. Same thing for the summers. They would use lighter fabrics and again add or remove layers and they would be more comfortable and not as hot as we would think they would be, depending on where they lived. Just was a lot of steps getting dressed.. lol

[@gy2gy246]

Can you see wearing that when the temperature is 100F with humidity?

[@Kornholeeoo]

I just get mesmerized watching you. I swear you are one of the prettiest ladies I've ever seen. Thank you for posting videos. I love these clothes and all that goes into them. You made everything look fantastic. Men clothes back then were ok. 1700s men's clothing was.....I can't say it on here. LOL.

[@rtboothby3053]

I thought I didn’t like those very exaggerated sleeves but the more I see you wearing them, the more I’m thinking I should give them a try. Also loved your “hack“ of using a cable knit blanket as fabric to be cut out for that sweater. Since I don’t knit, this can be the easiest way for me to get an 1890s cycling sweater. (Sorry if that was not on this video. I was binge watching quite a few of your videos this evening so I may have gotten that tidbit from another one.) I’m also curious how you stiffened the hem of that skirt. Did you use something like tarlatan or perhaps a modern adhesive interfacing or did you create a facing out of a medium/heavy weight fabric? Have you ever utilized hem braid or brush braid on any of your skirts? I really enjoy watching your videos. Thanks for making them.

[@thesewloartist]

Thank you so much for watching! I love that sweater and I’m currently planning on making it again in black, I just wear it all the time 🥰 I used buckram, which surprisingly I was able to find in the interfacing section at Joann. I tried hem braid once but it really wasn’t enough to support the skirt, but it was also pretty narrow! I think I would have had more luck with the super wide stuff.

[@savvysayshi]

For stiffening a skirt hem like that without having to buy anything expensive (I have no clue what that type of interfacing costs tbh), I highly recommend getting some curtains or table cloths at goodwill and using that between the layers so you can sew it to the inner lining and then sew the lining layer to the nice outer fabric. Most tablecloths and curtains will be a stiffer upholstery type fabric that may or may not be comfortable to rub on, which is why I put it between the 2 fabrics (cause sometimes in summer it's too hot for a petticoat). Once you have your lining layer cut out, you can cut the stiffening layer out by tracing the existing lines, then a quick stitch to secure it, then the outer layer to the inner layer. At least that's what I did and it turned out awesome! I think I aimed for about 6 inches of the curtain cloth. Good luck on your projects! I believe in you!!

[@moonwalk1031]

The sleeves: I'm not fond of the 1830's version of such sleeves, as the 1830's sleeves often draw the eye away from the woman wearing them....BUT with the 1895's slender, belted waist and full skirt, they make sense. Almost like the woman has a pair of fairy wings. It all balances out to form a lovely silhouette, romantic yet playful, elegant but fun. One of those rare eras where extreme fashion elements combine to enhance a lady's looks rather than detract from them.

[@Snaproll47518]

We have given up delightful appearing garments for comfort. My great-grandmother used to comment how uncomfortable clothing of that era was.

[@Bootbitch]

For those of you that want to see these old fashions in real life and time, I found a KZbin channel that has actual period footage!! Yes! It’s called “Guy Jones”. It’s so cool

[@mariecarnogurskymn6817]

Such beautiful style, needs to be integrated/made compatible with modern style and modern living!!

[@bluejewel1629]

We completely need to bring back the bustle and pocket for the bottle hit! That was hysterical! I lov eyour videos!!!

[@monmothma3358]

Great video, I love your quick editing and use of humour! As for the look - GORGEOUS. Gargantuan sleeves be damned, I absolutely love this "Anne of Green Gables" look, that I for the longest time thought was Edwardian. Now they had the same beautiful skirts, but personally I much prefer the "shirts" and bolero-like jackets of the 1890s to the lace and frilly blouses the (early) Edwardians seemed to love. Next to the 1840s, the 1890s/1895 is probably my favorite period of fashion.

[@user-nm4wn3tw9r]

I really appreciate your attention to the detail as this only shows your love of the subject.

[@dragonfly_closet]

Love this! Great level of detail and you are clearly having so much fun. Thanks for sharing!

[@kellylincoln8244]

Awesome job! What a fun outfit - I hope you get to wear it a bunch!

[@rubyred2468]

Love this it’s been a great help to figure out what undergarments I need to make and I just have to say I really greatly miss your videos❤

[@cleoalexander7590]

That dress is perfectly autumnal

[@imalittletippett]

It's giving me all the "Hello Dolly" feels 🎶 😊

[@ThePhoenixAscendant]

I wonder how many times your neighbors have looked outside and wondered if they have been transported back in time...

[@paulinewqi]

Your videos are very addictive for me. Also, I love watching you, as the model and the narrator Thanks so much for sharing so much information about fashion history. I am totally mesmerised Thanks...👍👏💝🌹🌟

[@joanhelenak]

You look stunning. Thank you for posting!

[@doug6259]

Despite the amount of time it took to put on that outfit, it was worth it because you look gorgeous.

[@frankiemackenzie4120]

Your amazing, thank you so much. It was not that you wear them, it's giving the details and funny information, loved the video, I subscribed to your channel to to more of this fabulous content, please keep up the great work (it must be hard to edit and put together all these videos so again thankyou)

[@VictorianMaid99]

You are such an inspiration! I am trying to find my stride as far as Victorian Dress and photography. This location was amazing!

[@mrsvickigriffin]

Love the colors of your dress

[@lambgaming1347]

This was SO COOL!! I see this is your most recent video, and I hope you upload some more soon :)

[@debeckersley3850]

This was my grandmother's era. She would have loved this, as your colouring is very much like hers!

[@Desjima]

Now I understand why so many city folks in the western world don't take off their shoes when they visit somebody else's house... i grew up in the country side where it generally considered pretty rude not to take off your (usually) muddy shoes when you visit someone's home but if putting on , and taking off your shoes is such a hassle i can sort of understand

[@chelseashurmantine8153]

Do you have a video on materials? I found you from your short on how cool dressing in natural fabrics in hot weather can be

[@GMMedic]

I made a "corded petticoat" for a costume we made for the Sag Harbor historical society circa 1850-1870. I really reduced the number of layers and was a lot cooler.

[@maryg3143]

This outfit is lovely!

[@terrijuanette486]

LOVE love love that outfit! It is so sweet!

[@arloreynolds8794]

I adore this clothing style and learning about it

[@aserta]

I laughed out loud at the "little" pick-me-up you fished out of the pocket. :))

[@AlpenTree]

I only just found your videos and your blog Tonight, just wonderful! I read in your blog about the corsets too. Would you please share some suggestions on where we can buy good corsets which are not not extra layers? I used to sew all my own clothes when I was younger. I got to a point where I used to take apart my mother's old clothes and make something new and fashionable for myself from them. I want to buy a sewing machine again to sew again!

[@TotallyxKatiee]

Why don’t we still dress like this? A walking skirt is on my list of things to make. The joys of seeing :)

[@gy2gy246]

I can't imagine wearing them when the temperature is 100F with humidity and I just want to tear off my skin.

[@Bootbitch]

Where have you been? It’s been over a year since you’ve posted a vid. We miss you please come back! Also fo those of you that want to see these old fashions in real life and time, I found a KZbin channel that has actual period footage!! Yes! It’s called “Guy Jones”. It’s so cool!

[@florentinemarieramahatra4979]

I LOVE IT. Those dresses are STUNNING. AT LEAST WOMEN ARE FULL OF DIGNITY, VERY ELEGANT. Thank you for the videos

[@emilyrainey4468]

This looks so fun

[@daisanders82]

This walking ensemble is super stylish

[@NaniBunnyCreations]

I just love this. So glad I found your channel. I'm not very experienced but would love to begin learning to make clothes from this era. What items would be the easiest to begin with? I'm thinking the undergarments?

[@thomasmurray3920]

The area reminds of where I used to live in upstate New York.

[@jasminechiu5436]

They are all so beautiful

[@savannahokeefe8411]

I wish I could sew like you! 😩 you make such beautiful things!

[@kaytiej8311]

This is just gorgeous! You look stunning in either outfit.

[@RornStreetFood]

Wonderful video idea thanks for sharing my friend

[@davestelling]

lol...the little nip from the concealed bottle...nicely done!

[@Jonsson474]

Beautiful.

[@strangehobbyist]

Love the flutter of the skirt.💖

[@sunpointer]

Wow! You look gorgeous!

[@rebeccajones4stories]

My grandmother Inez was born in 1896. I saw a photo of my great-grandmother Nora Mae in a dress VERY similar to what you created.

[@christinebutler7630]

Love the dog!

[@missgold846]

The dress is beautiful

[@CherickaJackson]

Hi I’m new here and love all of the 1895 looks so pretty

[@frejaviolahrningdyhr100]

the bottle also matching the outfit lol 5:23

[@Gomnam_Bayad_Mand]

Amazing 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 I love it, actually I'm crazy about this ❤

[@michaelamrazkova357]

Wow, I love both of the dresses. It looks so fashionable and stunning. It's crazy how fashion changed trough the years.

[@kathleenrutherford733]

Gorgeous

[@jerrywilkjr.6698]

You look fantastic as an 1800's woman. I really like the fullness and movement of the skirt you are wearing.

[@katarinadankova2949]

Absolutely gorges ensemble

[@Kashaf-Khan-23546]

Thanks for Sharing this Vedio Mam

[@harriet3445]

Can you make an asmr video regarding all this history? Istg i love your videos ❤

[@LilyIglesias]

I'd love to live in that era, wearing these types of clothes 😍❤️

[@atmosphericvideos234]

Hi, Ivy!!! I love watching your videos!!!

[@chezamoonangelaiemma497]

New subscriber 💕 my mom and I loved the video and think you look super cute 😍

[@schambers8301]

Hi love your video !!!! I'm looking for information on what a lady would have worn in the 1890s in the ozarks.... Got any idea where to go to look

[@andrewfenn4534]

Very cool

[@LaHayeSaint]

Sewlo -- You are fun, pretty and informative. Can I ask why you put your petticoats and skirt over your head? I would have stepped into them to avoid messing up my hair and makeup.

[@bonnieyuse5876]

5:30...hey l have that hat with the exact same color bow and l love that outfit...

[@josephbevacqua9217]

Nice video

[@I.M.MaHoney]

Laurelhurst Park. Yeah Portland girl!

[@orangeziggy348]

Those red bows are stylin'.

[@jakecavendish3470]

I could see Sarah Fergusson wearing this to Ascot in 1981

[@gianawatersfashion]

Hello! I hope you see this! How much of your period clothing do you buy and how much to you make yourself? I'd love to wear vintage outfits like you do but can't sew much at all.

[@MoonLight-eo4fm]

Beautiful dress victorian

[@didumm157]

I loooove 1890s victorian dress and truely want to wear in real someday😂😂🥹🥹❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@firecracker3911]

So beautiful ♥️♥️♥️

[@joeyloder5833]

Cool 😎

[@ebert8756]

Thats what i need. More petticoats!!

[@j.d.4697]

Were there sitting suits and lying suits too? And how about the walking speeds? Were there walking suits for different walking speeds? 🤔

[@danielependola1580]

Wonderful Woman !! 😍😘

[@maryhairy1]

Living in uk, present age, Im really glad we don’t have to live up to this glorious age! Although it’s a pretty as a picture!

[@fbwsrd9910]

crazy to imagine in 25 years flapper dresses would be a thing

[@verdageneknight7849]

nice

[@IGUniverse]

5:15 me for sure as a lady during late Victorians times 😂 and in pretty sure that meme mon would too Karolina zebrowka too.

[@IGUniverse]

@KarolinaZebrowskax