Late Victorian Clothing

During the Victorian Era clothing was not just something to cover your body, it was a symbol of who you were, how old you were and your class. 
In the hair the it was down to personal choice what was worn. Decorative hats and bonnets were of the fashion, as well as decorative hair pieces. 

Victoriana Magazine Editors. (No Date ). Victorian Hats . Available: http://www.victoriana.com/Victorian-Hats/victorianhat-1864.html. Last accessed 12th April 2015.

It wasn't appropriate to show your legs in the Victorian times so long dresses were usually worn, throughout the era the fashion of the skirt changed from slim, to hooped to slim again. It was also always the fashion to have a clinched waist so the style of the corset changed throughout the era. Strictly for evening wear, the upper chest and shoulders could be shown, but this was usually for the high class. For the younger Victorians a lighter material was used for their clothing, however for the older lady it was usually satins, velvets and silks. 

Fancy Victorian Dresses tumblr editors . (May 10, 2013). Main Features of Victorian Dresses. Available: http://fancyvictoriandresses.tumblr.com. Last accessed 12th April 2015.

If a woman was looking to catch a perspective husbands eye, Gauze dresses would be worn. This is a sheer and light material and is usually covered with decoration such as bows and flowers. This dress was usually only worn once or twice before being thrown. 

I think when creating Estella I will want her shoulders out as if she is wearing evening attire, but I will keep all of my research in mind when I create my design. 

Reference:
Rose, T. (No Date ). Victorian Clothes. Available: http://www.aboutbritain.com/articles/victorian-clothes.asp. Last accessed 12th April 2015.
Wise Geek Editor. (No Date ). What is a Gauze dress?. Available: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-gauze-dress.htm. Last accessed 12th April 2015.