Fashion during the Victorian Era ranged from the simple Pioneer daydress to the elaborate evening gown of the wealthy. Although intricate detailing was the popular trend, not everyone could afford this luxury.

Women's fashion-- Most dresses had lower necklines, and short to very short sleeves. Trims ranged from manipulated fabrics such as rouleaux trims and puffs to fringes, soutach, braids, tassels, buttons, fur, and lace. Sometimes these designs were incorporated into one garment. Evening wear throughout the era was made with richer and or lighter materials than daywear.

By the 1830's women's fashion had returned to a more ornamental style with fuller bell-shaped skirts, puffed sleeves and highly trimmed hats.

Cameos and other jewelry such necklaces, rings, and bracelets accented their attire. Pearls were the most commonly used accessory of the time. Purses were becoming more and more of a necessity. Ladies had their hair elaborately dressed to imitate wigs.

In order to achieve the expected hourglass figure women had to wear corsets. The corset was mostly used to compress the waist, shaping the body, and raising the bust. Women from all classes of society wore corsets. Contrary to belief, the corset only "shrank" the waist to 20 to 22 inches. Also many people believe that the corset was laced very tightly, but in all reality they were not all that tight. Some women went to the extreme and strived for a 14 to 16 inch waist. Many dresses had corsets built into them. Some believed that a corset not only molded a lady's body, but also it molded her personality.

Men's fashion-- The gentlemen wore colored silk or velvet suits with lace ruffles, jeweled shoe buckles and powdered wigs. Also, by the 1830's gentlemen have become much more sober in their dress. They adopted practical dark woolen cloth suits and wore their hair cut in short natural curls. Gloves and cufflinks were accessories worn by men.

Wedding fashion--Brides mainly wore simple white dresses consisting of a bodice and a skirt. Materials ranged from cotton to silk. Necklines were usually v-shaped and sleeves were long enough to go down over the hands. Most of the dresses had long trains.

Grooms fashion varied from gentlemen's morning coat and pants to the traditional black tux with tails. The morning suit consisted of black or gray pin-striped pants, black vest, black morning jacket, cummerbund, gray gloves, and a gray or black tie.

Children wore simple white cotton dresses with lace or beads.