Victorian Lady (1830s–1900)

Vibe: Lace, layers, and just enough passive-aggressive judgment to wither an entire ballroom.

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What to Steal from Your Closet:

• Long skirts or maxi dresses — preferably with fullness (layer a petticoat or another skirt underneath for volume!)

• Blouses with puffed or bell sleeves

• High-neck tops or mock turtlenecks (bonus for ruffles, lace, or bows)

• Belts to cinch the waist into an hourglass shape — or give the illusion of one

• Boots with a little heel (bonus if they click dramatically on hard floors)

 

DIY Touches:

• Tie a scarf or ribbon at the neck for that "I fainted but fashionably" look

• Use a shawl, curtain, or bedspread as a makeshift cape or overskirt

• Stick a brooch on literally anything — collar, waist, or forehead if you're bold

 

Attitude:

• Clutch a book of poetry you “never finished”

• Pretend to have “the vapors” if someone mentions trousers

• Speak in soft gasps and loud silences

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Victorian Gentleman

Vibe: Waistcoats, melancholy, and secrets buried beneath layers of tweed.

 

What to Swipe from the Closet:

• White dress shirt (or any button-up)

• Dark vest/waistcoat — layer over the shirt

• Dark trousers or slacks (pleated = extra points)

• Long coat, trench coat, or peacoat — instant "mysterious nobleman"

• Dress shoes or boots that say “I own land and a dark past”

 

DIY Accessories:

• Pocket square or old chain = instant “pocket watch” energy

• Roll up some paper and pretend it’s your “family deed” or a crumpled love letter

• Top hat? Use a black bucket or make one out of black cardstock — no one will know

 

Attitude:

• Brood near a window

• Mutter something about “honor” or “the East Wing”

• Address everyone as “My good sir/madam”, even while holding snacks

 

Bonus Eras Around the Edges

Regency (early 1800s — think Bridgerton)

• Ladies: Empire waist dresses (just under bust), flowing fabric, ringlets

• Closet hack: Use a tank top layered over a flowy skirt + sash under the bust

• Gents: White shirt + vest + neck scarf = instant Mr. Darcy cosplay

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Edwardian (1900–1915)

Edwardian Closet Couture

“Where Elegance Meets Extra… and Everyone Has Opinions About Corset Placement”

So you’ve chosen to channel an Edwardian aristocrat — congrats! That means you’re elegant, a little bit dangerous (socially speaking), and absolutely the person most likely to faint stylishly after receiving unsolicited correspondence. This guide will turn your everyday wardrobe into a parade of puffed sleeves, strutting hemlines, and eyebrow-arching judgment.

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• Think Titanic era: tailored, elegant, and just starting to loosen the corsets

• Ladies: Long, slim skirts and blouses with lace or ruffles

• Men: Bowler hats, suspenders, and an “I disapprove of most things” face

Closing Thoughts: Royal(ish) Rule

You don’t need to time-travel or buy $300 of lace to look historically iconic. You need:

• A long skirt or dark trousers

• A dramatic coat

• A few pieces of flair (brooches, belts, layers, posture)

• And the ability to speak like everything is a scandal and everyone owes you an apology

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Edwardian Lady

Vibe: Gracefully severe. Your waist is cinched, your hat is wide, and your disdain for improper etiquette could slice through meringue.

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 Closet Staples to Transform:

​Closet Item   =      Edwardian Upgrade

Long pencil or A-line skirt =  Tea gown or walking dress base

High-neck blouse =  Gibson Girl top perfection

Cardigan or duster =  Modest outerwear for a windswept promenade

Ribbon belt or scarf=  Waist sash of social precision

Heels or boots“ =  I might own horses” footwear

 

Accessories & DIY Glam:

• A wide-brim hat with flowers, feathers, or an entire fake bird (we don’t make the rules, we just adore them)

• A lace table runner or doily makes a great shawl or collar — no judgment

• Use a brooch or old clip-on earring as your top-button accessory

• Gloves? Yes. Purse? No — you carry a parasol or judgment

Hair & Makeup:

• Go for the iconic Gibson Girl updo — teased volume and pinned curls

• Rosy cheeks, natural lips, and an expression that says “I regret nothing. Except mingling with merchants.”

Behavior:

• Say “how vulgar” at least once

• Pretend to swoon at exciting news, but only if someone is watching

• Look slightly winded by emotion, corsets, or both

 

Edwardian Gentleman

Vibe: Buttoned-up charisma with a secret penchant for poetry and garden parties. You own cufflinks and emotional repression.

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Closet Staples to Elevate:

Closet Item  =  Edwardian Upgrade

White or light-colored dress shirt   =  Refined gentleman’s base layer

Vest (any color)   =  Waistcoat of ambition

Slacks or trousers“    =  I brunch in the conservatory” pants

Tie or cravat (scarf works too)    =  Sign of good breeding and tight collars

Dress shoes“  =  I duel in these sometimes” shoes

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Accessories & DIY Swagger:

• Pocket square or handkerchief tucked neatly

• Neck scarf or bandana tied high like an ascot (especially if layered under a vest)

• Umbrella or cane = instant respectability

• Optional: copy of the day’s paper (folded under arm, unread but visible)

Grooming:

• Hair neatly parted, facial hair well-groomed or clean-shaven

• Practice the “smolder while silent” look — devastating at dinner parties

Behavior:

• Offer your arm to others, even when unneeded

• Speak in careful, thoughtful tones… unless emotionally cornered

• Raise a single eyebrow and quietly judge American accents

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 Closing Tips: Edwardian Flair, Everyday Closet

• Layer high-neck blouses under long skirts, cinch the waist, and add flair on top (hat, brooch, lace = instant transformation)

• For men, it’s all about structure: shirt + vest + tie + confidence

• Never underestimate the power of a wide hat, a narrow stare, and a dramatic pause