Victorian day dresses have common characteristics, but each decade introduced different features. In the 1840s and 1850s, the day dresses had narrow shoulders, law waists and bell-shaped skirts. Corsets, which are garments worn to shape the torso, were very elaborate. Women wore many layers of petticoats, or underskirts. In the 1850s, the number of petticoats was reduced and skirts became bigger. In the 1860s, the dresses had wide pagoda sleeves and high necklines, and the skirts were flatter at the front and fuller at the back. With time, the corsets became simpler and the dresses more comfortable.
Victorian evening dresses were generally more relaxed. The typical 1850s dress has a very low neckline and can be worn with sheer shawls and long gloves. The 1860s evening dress still has a low-neck but is worn with short sleeves and short and sometimes lace and fingerless gloves. In the 1880s, skirts were trumpet-shaped, and the dresses had high necks and puffy sleeves. The evening Victorian dresses were elegant yet a little more frivolous than the day counterparts.
Tea gowns were introduced in the 1870s. They did not have corsets and the number of petticoats is much smaller than in the earlier Victorian dresses. They were used for informal entertaining at home. They were equipped with busttes. A bustle is a type of construction that supports the drapery on the back of the dress to prevent it from dragging. The tea gowns were lighter and more comfortable, and they quickly gained popularity.
Since the 1880s, women participated in sports more fully. Instead of dresses, which were uncomfortable, they wore jackets and skirts. For horse riding, women wore high-collared shirts with knee-length skirts, without bustles, and long jackets. Cylinder hats with a veil were also a must. High riding boots complemented the outfit. When out walking, women wore long jackets with bustled skirts and small hats. Sometimes dusters, or long coats, were worn by travelers or in cold weather.