35 Charming Photos Showcasing Women’s Fashion in the 1880s

In the 1880s, Victorian women’s fashion was characterized by an hourglass silhouette achieved through tightly laced corsets, bustles, and elaborate draping. Dresses featured high necklines, narrow sleeves, and bodices with boning for structure. Skirts were full at the back due to the use of bustles, creating a pronounced rear profile.

Fabrics were rich—silk, velvet, and taffeta—with intricate trimmings like lace, fringe, and ruffles. Dark, jewel-toned colors were popular for formal wear, reflecting the era’s refined and opulent aesthetic.

Accessories played a key role in completing the look. Women wore gloves, bonnets or small hats perched on styled hair, and carried parasols. Footwear typically consisted of buttoned boots or heeled shoes.

The fashion of the 1880s was a display of elegance, social status, and a growing emphasis on the art of tailoring. It reflected both the constraints and the aspirations of Victorian society. Take a look at these charming photos to see what women looked like in the 1880s.