Finding the Right Victorian Outfit

It’s not too early to start putting together a Victorian outfit for the summer picnic season. We must
start by saying that the days that are fair enough for a picnic tend to also be quite warm. And if you’ve
ever ventured out in Victorian costume when it’s 85 degrees, you instantly develop a deep empathy
for our foremothers! So unless you are an absolute slave to authenticity, you should be able to put
together a suitably Victorian-looking summer outfit that won’t cause undue fainting. For a reference,
rent the movie “Oklahoma!” with Shirley Jones. There’s a wonderful scene where the women retire
and take their ease to escape the summer heat.  But I digress.

Attire for a bucolic picnic requires the following:
        Long-sleeved blouse
        Ankle-length skirt
        Suitable hose (I prefer knee-length trouser socks)
        Sturdy boots, usually without heels
        Suitable undergarments
       (corset or no corset is your preference)
        Broad-brimmed straw hat or boater
        Parasol
        Gloves (optional but charming to have)
        Shawl (in case the day turns chilly)

If you are a woman of a certain age, you will recall the 1970s when clothing had a distinctly Victorian
flair. Well, many of those styles have reappeared as a trip through your local mall will prove. Long
skirts abound and “granny boots” are once more available. I have not seen the very frilly feminine
blouses that the ‘70s produced in stores, but an expanded search of several local second-hand
shops may prove fruitful. Suitable undergarments should include at the very least a slip as long as
your skirt—it’s rather embarrassing to find that, as one is standing gazing at nature’s splendor, others
are being treated to the sight of one’s limbs as a result of the sun shining through one’s skirt!

A parasol made of paper, lace or fabric will do nicely; paper ones are available from places like
Oriental Trading Company or The House of Rice . Lace parasols can often be found in the wedding
section of craft shops or at Lace Parasols or at Sara's Parasols among other websites.


Dressing Up Victorian has more hints on putting outfits together






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