Charming Portraits Reveal the Fashion of Teenage Girls in the Mid-19th Century

In the mid-19th century, teenage girls’ fashion reflected modesty and age-appropriate refinement. Girls typically wore dresses with high necklines, long sleeves, and full skirts supported by petticoats or crinolines. Fabrics were often cotton or wool, with prints or muted colors.

As they approached womanhood, girls’ styles began to mirror adult fashion more closely, with slightly more structured bodices and the use of corsets. Hair was usually worn tied back or in ringlets, and accessories included bonnets, gloves, and boots to complete the look.

Take a look at these vintage photos to see how teenage girls really looked in the mid-19th century.