Top Women Fashions of the 1870's

Today, we tend to think of fashion as what we see in the glossy pages of the magazines we flip through while waiting at the check out counter. It is hard for us to remember that women have been conscious of fashion trends for centuries, and have always strove to wear clothing, accessories and hair-styles that were fashionable times. The 1870's were no different. During that time, many of the most popular fashions for women moved away from the widely popular full skirt, to the more natural and narrow silhouette. This change quickly led to a whole new set of fashion ideals.

There was distinct change in what part of a skirt should be 'Full' during the 1870's. The Bustle was introduced to create an elaborate drape of skirts and over skirts at the back. Bustles were cumbersome and difficult to wear, but very popular. Women who wore bustles could choose between a large bustle and a more natural looking small bustle.

The 'full' skirt look relied on more than the bustle. Women wanted to present a slender silhouette as well. The Cuirass Bodice helped achieve this and was very form-fitting making a woman's waist and midsection appear slender. The boned bodice reached below the hips and created the long-waisted look that was so popular in the 1870's.

There was a distinct change in the appropriate style of dress to wear when visiting and entertaining during the day. Dresses became more simple, and a bit more risque. The dresses were made using less material than in former years, and showed a bit more skin than previously accepted.. These gowns were often called 'seaside gowns' and the older generation found them scandalous. The most popular neckline was a squared neckline.

Like nearly everything else; popular women hairstyles changed during the 1870's. The most widely seen hairstyles were complicated, and often involved arranging hair in clusters or knots of intricate ringlets. It was during this time that the 'lunatic fringe,' or bang became fashionable among younger women. Curls also become popular, and many women used false curls to augment their otherwise straight hair.

Extremely small bonnets that merely rested atop the complicated hairstyles were common. These bonnets were artfully designed to draw attention to the complexity of a woman's hair. In the 1870's hats decorated with feathers made of costly materials were highly sought after.

Overall the fashion trends of the 1870 were elaborate and elegant. The 'hottest' trends, including tightly laced bodices and bustles were uncomfortable, but gave a woman the figure she desired.The 'perfect' look for an 1870's lady demanded a thin and elongated waistline, an elaborate bustle and delicately coiffed hairstyles. From the top of the head to the tip of the toes, fashions that were popular in the 1860's changed and women who wanted to be considered fashionable had to keep up with the times.