1800s (Early 19th Century)
- Women's Fashion:
- Empire waist: Dresses with a high waistline below the bust, flowing skirts, and often revealing décolletage.
- Spencer jackets: Short, fitted jackets worn over gowns.
- Pelisses: Long, loose coats or cloaks.
- Regency bonnets: Large bonnets with wide brims, decorated with ribbons, flowers, or feathers.
- Men's Fashion:
- Tailcoats: Long, fitted coats reaching down to the knees, paired with trousers, vests, and cravats (neckerchiefs).
- Top hats: Tall, cylindrical hats made of beaver fur, often associated with formal wear.
- Hessian boots: High boots with tassels, typically made of leather or suede.
Mid-19th Century (1830s-1860s)
- Women's Fashion:
- Bustles and crinolines: Elaborate undergarments to create a bell-shaped silhouette, adding volume to the skirts.
- Godet skirts: Skirts with triangular inserts that flared out, providing fullness without the need for excessive petticoats.
- Bonnets and hats: Transitioned from wide-brimmed Regency bonnets to smaller, more elaborate hats with feathers, flowers, and veils.
- Men's Fashion:
- Frock coats: Formal, long-waisted coats extending to the knees or below, often paired with top hats.
- Morning coats: Less formal coats, usually knee-length, worn during daytime social events.
- Trousers: Tight-fitting trousers, often made of wool, buckled at the waist.
Late 19th Century (1870s-1890s)
- Women's Fashion:
- Bustle skirts: Gradual shift from exaggerated bustles to more controlled bustle styles, such as the "waterfall bustle" or "polonaise."
- Aesthetic Movement: Flowing, loose "tea gowns" and "Aesthetic dresses" with simple, natural lines and minimal ornamentation.
- Gilded Age: Fashion became more opulent, featuring elaborate dresses with lavish fabrics, intricate embellishments, and bustles.
- Men's Fashion:
- Sack coats: Loose-fitting, comfortable coats with a relaxed silhouette, replacing the more tailored frock coats.
- Lounge suits: Emerged as casual attire, featuring a matching jacket, trousers, and waistcoat, often in patterned fabrics.
- Bowler hats: Rounded dome-shaped hats, popular as daytime wear.
Early 20th Century (1900s-1910s)
- Women's Fashion:
- S-bend silhouette: Emphasized a curved figure with a small waist, exaggerated bust, and flowing skirts.
- Edwardian fashion: Characterized by elaborate blouses, corsets, and voluminous skirts.
- Hobble skirts: Narrow skirts that restricted movement, eventually replaced by more practical styles.
- High-necked collars and wide-brimmed hats.
- Men's Fashion:
- Norfolk jackets: Casual tweed jackets with belted waists and pleats, often paired with knickerbockers (short, baggy trousers).
- Three-piece suits: Formal wear consisting of a jacket, waistcoat, and trousers, usually in darker colors.
- Wing collars and stiff detachable collars.
The fashion trends of the 19th and early 20th centuries reflected societal changes, technological advancements, and artistic influences. While these are just general outlines, regional and individual styles also played significant roles in shaping the diverse fashion landscape during this period.