Men typically wore a combination of a frock coat, waistcoat, trousers, and shirt:
- Frock coat: a long, fitted coat that reached down to the knees, with a high collar and lapels, often with contrasting colored lapels. The length of the coat could vary, but it was usually cut fairly long.
- Waistcoat (vest): a waist-length garment worn under the frock coat and over the shirt, usually with a low shawl-collar. Waistcoats were often made from a different fabric than the frock coat, and could be quite colorful or patterned.
- Trousers: Men's trousers in the 1860s were typically full-length and loose, with a slight taper at the ankle.
- Shirt: White cotton shirt with a high stiff collar and necktie.
Women typically wore a combination of a bodice, underskirt, overskirt, and crinoline:
- Bodice: A fitted, often boned, garment that covered the upper body, ending at the waist. Bodices were often decorated with lace, trim, and buttons, and could be quite elaborate.
- Underskirts: Multiple layers of full-length petticoats were worn under the overskirt to create shape and add fullness.
- Overskirt: A separate skirt worn over the underskirts, often with a train or decorative flounces.
- Crinoline: A cage-like underskirt made of metal hoops or horsehair that gave skirts their distinctive bell shape. Crinolines were extremely fashionable in the early 1860s, but as the decade wore on, they began to be replaced by bustles.
In the 1860s, both men and women wore hats as an essential part of their everyday attire:
- Men: Tall hats, often called topper or beaver, were fashionable for formal occasions. For casual wear, men might wear a bowler hat or a slouch hat,
- Women: Small, round bonnets were popular, often trimmed with ribbons, flowers, or lace. Other popular styles included poke bonnets and capotes.
Shawls and wraps were also popular accessories for women, providing additional warmth and style.
Overall, the clothing of the 1860s was characterized by its formality and elaborate detailing.