Would you like to see the past with me? Visualize about lavish, spotlessly clean, silk and velvet caps abounding with lengthy feathers. That was the world of Gilded Age fashion. Maybe a stroll with a tight-fitting and heavily boned gown through one of the sensuous palaces, showing the aristocratic side of me..
What is Gilded Age Fashion?
Gilded Age fashion represented the luxurious and ornamental clothing styles that were prevalent from 1870 to 1900. The dresses were elaborated with many details as well as rich fabrics – one could hardly be seen without lace, ruffles, and tunics all mixed together. Corsets would give body them shape, while several dress changes in a day would show their richness. On the other hand, men only wore stylish suits as well as tuxedos which were always the occasion to flaunt their wealth.
What is the 3-3-3 Rule in Fashion?
The “3-3-3 rule” concept was not actually created during the Gilded Age but it is a good way to control a modern wardrobe. This is the idea: three tops, bottoms, and pairs of shoes are to be selected; just wear them in all possible combinations to get a great variety of looks. In spite of the Gilded Age obsession with excess, the addiction to the contemporary fashion may be borrowed from this period but simplified still. It is a very interesting difference: then, the greater the number of items, the more fashionable you would be; whereas now, it’s very much about making stylish and smart choices.
What Colors Represent the Gilded Age?
The Gilded Age was a period of intense colors. Due to the newly developed synthetic dyes, the period’s fashion was not afraid of brilliant and flamboyant shades – purple, dark blue, forest green, gold and even daring color mixtures like bright purple on deep backgrounds. It was quite common to wear different colors in one outfit, especially among the rich. Can you picture yourself dressed in quite an event with layers of heavy but beautifully strong-colored silk? The moment you will enter the room you will be seen as walk of art!
What Was the Design Style of the Gilded Age?
The design was the main show. Bustles, delicate lace, beads, and complicated hats were the main characteristics of women’s dresses. With the princess-line silhouettes the waist looked longer and more slender. Men were wearing sack suits during the day, tuxedos for the evening, and fashionable outerwear for any time of the day. Nothing was quiet. Luxuries like silk and tulle, ruffles, braids, and bows were in everything.
Hats were the not only fashion but also needed to be seen as a work of art, with such features as feathers or strings. The hairstyles were as beautiful as the dresses were with the use of fancy chignons and the help of decorative combs. I can almost feel the heaviness of a fancy hat from some of the pictures that I have seen.
Personalized Experience: Dressing Like the Gilded Age
When I once pretended to be a Gilded Age lady at a historical event and wore a reproduction gown. The feeling of transformation was amazing. The richness of the layers, the tightness of the corset, the richness of the fabric, made my every move exaggerated and thus, I felt as if I was living the history. Friends commented that it didn’t take long to give off a vibe of old-world glamour.
Why Gilded Age Fashion Still Inspires
designers and costume dramas are known for reviving Gilded Age fashion. People are still drawn to the drama, the volume, and the meticulousness component of the era’s fashion. One can grasp the reasons for the continuing fascination with the period’s clothing. By watching shows like “The Gilded Age” on TV.
Conclusion
Gilded Age fashion is a wonderful source of inspiration if you are into flashy and luxurious styles. It is very easy to appreciate its colors, shapes, and lavish details. And sometimes, it can even be a lot of fun to do it for special events. No matter if one is putting on layers of gowns. Just checking out stylish tailored suits, the Gilded Age is always there with a bold statement to say.
