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A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty
What did a Victorian lady wear for a walk in the park? How did she style her hair for an evening at the theatre? And what products might she have used to soothe a sunburn or treat an unsightly blemish? Mimi Matthews answers these questions and more as she takes readers on a decade-by-decade journey through Victorian fashion and beauty history.
Women's clothing changed dramatically during the course of the Victorian era. Necklines rose, waistlines dropped, and Gothic severity gave way to flounces, frills, and an abundance of trimmings. Sleeves ballooned up and skirts billowed out. The crinoline morphed into the bustle and steam-moulded corsets cinched women's waists ever tighter.
As fashion was evolving, so too were trends in ladies' hair care and cosmetics. An era which began by prizing natural, barefaced beauty ended with women purchasing lip and cheek rouge, false hairpieces and pomades, and fashionable perfumes made with expensive spice oils and animal essences.
Using research from nineteenth century beauty books, fashion magazines, and lady's journals, Mimi Matthews brings the intricacies of a Victorian lady's toilette into modern day focus. In the process, she gives readers a glimpse of the social issues that influenced women's clothing and the societal outrage that was an all too frequent response to those bold females who used fashion and beauty as a means of asserting their individuality and independence.
Women's clothing changed dramatically during the course of the Victorian era. Necklines rose, waistlines dropped, and Gothic severity gave way to flounces, frills, and an abundance of trimmings. Sleeves ballooned up and skirts billowed out. The crinoline morphed into the bustle and steam-moulded corsets cinched women's waists ever tighter.
As fashion was evolving, so too were trends in ladies' hair care and cosmetics. An era which began by prizing natural, barefaced beauty ended with women purchasing lip and cheek rouge, false hairpieces and pomades, and fashionable perfumes made with expensive spice oils and animal essences.
Using research from nineteenth century beauty books, fashion magazines, and lady's journals, Mimi Matthews brings the intricacies of a Victorian lady's toilette into modern day focus. In the process, she gives readers a glimpse of the social issues that influenced women's clothing and the societal outrage that was an all too frequent response to those bold females who used fashion and beauty as a means of asserting their individuality and independence.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2018
571 people are currently reading
1274 people want to read
About the author
Mimi Matthews
23 books4,400 followersUSA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning historical romance, including Rules for Ruin, a Kirkus, NYPL, NPR, Library Journal, BookPage, and Marie Claire Best Book of 2025; The Siren of Sussex, a 2023 RUSA Reading List shortlist pick for Best Romance; Fair as a Star, a Library Journal Best Romance of 2020; Gentleman Jim, a Kirkus Best Book of 2020; and The Work of Art, winner of the 2020 HOLT Medallion and a 2021 Daphne du Maurier Award nominee. Her novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, BookPage, and Shelf Awareness, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine.
In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, a miniature poodle, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
**I only rate the books I love.**
In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, a miniature poodle, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
**I only rate the books I love.**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 25, 2020
The blurb is total nonsense, "Mimi Matthews gives readers a glimpse of the social issues that influenced women's clothing and the societal outrage that was an all too frequent response to those bold females who used fashion and beauty as a means of asserting their individuality and independence."
Men objecting to women in crinolines taking more than their "fair share" of the public sidewalk. Telling women over 30 how awful it looks to wear a necklace on their aged-looking necks. (Godey Lady's Book, one of her main sources). Long vitriolic essays against young women for putting the handles of their parasols to their mouths as if they were flirting, oh the wickedness! Sheer nastiness at women in bathing suits with some wicked cartoons. Even Harper's Bazaar had a go about women's taste being called into question if they wear powder or lipstick in the morning! But I find nothing approaching social outrage or asserting independence in any of this.
Tedious reading was about the sleeves were like this, but then they were like that, and by the end of the decade they were like this. Apply that to every part of the dress. So far I haven't read anything about beauty or the toilette. I was most interested in the toilet anyway. Going to toilet in a crinoline. How do you do that in polite Victorian society? Squat over a potty on a stool (ahhhh, stool!)
Although the book is really only about well-off Victorians who can afford to have their clothes made for them and ladies maids to help dress them (imagine needing someone to dress you and do your hair, Lord, times have changed). There was one interesting part so the book gets 2 stars.
In the 1850s aniline dyes are discovered - bright, cheap, lasting colours for all, Singer sewing machines become available in 1856 so that the tedious job of handsewing the family's clothes by hand is replaced by the tedious but faster job of sewing them on a machine. Paper patterns were introduced in that era which must have made things a bit more interesting, getting something fashionable to sew. An advance of sorts was in lightweight crinoline supports of wire and tape.
In the same decade Le Bon Marche, the world's first department store opened in Paris. Emile Zola's wonderful (and deeply feminist) The Ladies' Paradise was based on this. This brought ready-to-wear to the middle classes, but not true fashion which continued to be hand-made for the wealthy,
So the 1850s were quite a decade for democratising fashion, or at least a start was made. It would be another century before it would be possible for almost everyone to buy something new and fashionable without breaking the budget or having to sew it themselves.
The problems with the book were that it was for the obsessive who need to know exactly how a particular style of jacket was worn and how long it was fashionable for and what it should be worn with and it had far too few illustrations when it is obviously a title absolutely made to be full of pictures.
And I still want to know what a lady in a crinoline did if she was caught short?
____________________
So far I'm onto the new fashion in sleeves - so tight a woman wouldn't be able to lift her arms above her head as she wears a body (corset) reinforced with wood to give her a flat tummy and tiny waist. It doesn't sound very comfortable, but at least she got to wear flat walking shoes and crotchless panties, well drawers.
Men objecting to women in crinolines taking more than their "fair share" of the public sidewalk. Telling women over 30 how awful it looks to wear a necklace on their aged-looking necks. (Godey Lady's Book, one of her main sources). Long vitriolic essays against young women for putting the handles of their parasols to their mouths as if they were flirting, oh the wickedness! Sheer nastiness at women in bathing suits with some wicked cartoons. Even Harper's Bazaar had a go about women's taste being called into question if they wear powder or lipstick in the morning! But I find nothing approaching social outrage or asserting independence in any of this.
Tedious reading was about the sleeves were like this, but then they were like that, and by the end of the decade they were like this. Apply that to every part of the dress. So far I haven't read anything about beauty or the toilette. I was most interested in the toilet anyway. Going to toilet in a crinoline. How do you do that in polite Victorian society? Squat over a potty on a stool (ahhhh, stool!)
Although the book is really only about well-off Victorians who can afford to have their clothes made for them and ladies maids to help dress them (imagine needing someone to dress you and do your hair, Lord, times have changed). There was one interesting part so the book gets 2 stars.
In the 1850s aniline dyes are discovered - bright, cheap, lasting colours for all, Singer sewing machines become available in 1856 so that the tedious job of handsewing the family's clothes by hand is replaced by the tedious but faster job of sewing them on a machine. Paper patterns were introduced in that era which must have made things a bit more interesting, getting something fashionable to sew. An advance of sorts was in lightweight crinoline supports of wire and tape.
In the same decade Le Bon Marche, the world's first department store opened in Paris. Emile Zola's wonderful (and deeply feminist) The Ladies' Paradise was based on this. This brought ready-to-wear to the middle classes, but not true fashion which continued to be hand-made for the wealthy,
So the 1850s were quite a decade for democratising fashion, or at least a start was made. It would be another century before it would be possible for almost everyone to buy something new and fashionable without breaking the budget or having to sew it themselves.
The problems with the book were that it was for the obsessive who need to know exactly how a particular style of jacket was worn and how long it was fashionable for and what it should be worn with and it had far too few illustrations when it is obviously a title absolutely made to be full of pictures.
And I still want to know what a lady in a crinoline did if she was caught short?
____________________
So far I'm onto the new fashion in sleeves - so tight a woman wouldn't be able to lift her arms above her head as she wears a body (corset) reinforced with wood to give her a flat tummy and tiny waist. It doesn't sound very comfortable, but at least she got to wear flat walking shoes and crotchless panties, well drawers.
June 7, 2023
Some accuracy errors, but overall a decent overview of Victorian fashion for women above working class. Covers fashion by decade, as well as very briefly by setting (ex. holiday, mourning), and discusses aspects of hair and skin care. I find print copies easier to grab and flip through for a reference. Would have been willing to pay a bit extra for my copy to cover the cost of printing the illustrations in colour. (They appear in colour in the ebook version.)
January 31, 2020
I enjoyed this one – it's interesting, concise and a good reference guide. The only thing I would say is that sometimes it talks about Britain and the USA as one. I also would have preferred a little more exploration of dress beyond the upper classes, but I don't think that was the aim of this book.
July 4, 2020
'What did a Victorian lady wear for a walk in the park? How did she style her hair for an evening at the theatre? And what products might she have used to soothe a sunburn or treat an unsightly blemish? Mimi Matthews answers these questions and more as she takes readers on a decade-by-decade journey through Victorian fashion and beauty history.
Women's clothing changed dramatically during the course of the Victorian era. Necklines rose, waistlines dropped, and Gothic severity gave way to flounces, frills, and an abundance of trimmings. Sleeves ballooned up and skirts billowed out. The crinoline morphed into the bustle and steam-moulded corsets cinched women's waists ever tighter.
As fashion was evolving, so too were trends in ladies' hair care and cosmetics. An era which began by prizing natural, barefaced beauty ended with women purchasing lip and cheek rouge, false hairpieces and pomades, and fashionable perfumes made with expensive spice oils and animal essences.
Using research from nineteenth century beauty books, fashion magazines, and lady's journals, Mimi Matthews brings the intricacies of a Victorian lady's toilette into modern day focus. In the process, she gives readers a glimpse of the social issues that influenced women's clothing and the societal outrage that was an all too frequent response to those bold females who used fashion and beauty as a means of asserting their individuality and independence.'
___________________________
4.5 stars, rounded down to 4 stars.
I have read all of Mimi Matthews' historical fictions, but A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion Beauty is the first of her historical nonfictions which I have read. Following her newsletter on her author's page however, I can say that the tone if this book is very remenisent of the manner in which she writes those newsletters, which often feature deep-dives into the various aspects of Victorian life. They are always well-researched, clear, and detailed with many quotes from publishings and periodicals of the day focused on the matter. The same can be said of this book, the time and reasearch put into the writing is clear with plenty of detail.
I'm very glad for the included illustrations because some of the styles are hard to picture in your mind due to their intricacy(the hairstyles are coming to mind for me here). There was much of the information in this book that I was previously aware of, but I was not clear on the timeline and evolution, so it was interesting to see how some trends would fade only to later come back into fashion, if slightly altered. At the same time though there was some information that was new to me and was similarly interesting to learn about.
Nonfictions are not normally my go to, but I do enjoy reading them from time to time and I did enjoy reading this one. A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty does a lovely job on detailing the evolution of the Victorian era, which paved the way for the further changes and advancements of the Edwardian era. I found it very interesting and I will go back at some point to read one of Matthews' other nonfictions. In fact I would be interested to read another nonfiction from Mimi Matthews, should she write it, that similarly details the evolution of fashion and beauty throughout the Edwardian era.
_____
I received a paperback copy of this book through a giveaway held by the author, many thanks to Mimi Matthews for sending me a copy of A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty. This is my honest review.
Women's clothing changed dramatically during the course of the Victorian era. Necklines rose, waistlines dropped, and Gothic severity gave way to flounces, frills, and an abundance of trimmings. Sleeves ballooned up and skirts billowed out. The crinoline morphed into the bustle and steam-moulded corsets cinched women's waists ever tighter.
As fashion was evolving, so too were trends in ladies' hair care and cosmetics. An era which began by prizing natural, barefaced beauty ended with women purchasing lip and cheek rouge, false hairpieces and pomades, and fashionable perfumes made with expensive spice oils and animal essences.
Using research from nineteenth century beauty books, fashion magazines, and lady's journals, Mimi Matthews brings the intricacies of a Victorian lady's toilette into modern day focus. In the process, she gives readers a glimpse of the social issues that influenced women's clothing and the societal outrage that was an all too frequent response to those bold females who used fashion and beauty as a means of asserting their individuality and independence.'
___________________________
4.5 stars, rounded down to 4 stars.
I have read all of Mimi Matthews' historical fictions, but A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion Beauty is the first of her historical nonfictions which I have read. Following her newsletter on her author's page however, I can say that the tone if this book is very remenisent of the manner in which she writes those newsletters, which often feature deep-dives into the various aspects of Victorian life. They are always well-researched, clear, and detailed with many quotes from publishings and periodicals of the day focused on the matter. The same can be said of this book, the time and reasearch put into the writing is clear with plenty of detail.
I'm very glad for the included illustrations because some of the styles are hard to picture in your mind due to their intricacy(the hairstyles are coming to mind for me here). There was much of the information in this book that I was previously aware of, but I was not clear on the timeline and evolution, so it was interesting to see how some trends would fade only to later come back into fashion, if slightly altered. At the same time though there was some information that was new to me and was similarly interesting to learn about.
Nonfictions are not normally my go to, but I do enjoy reading them from time to time and I did enjoy reading this one. A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty does a lovely job on detailing the evolution of the Victorian era, which paved the way for the further changes and advancements of the Edwardian era. I found it very interesting and I will go back at some point to read one of Matthews' other nonfictions. In fact I would be interested to read another nonfiction from Mimi Matthews, should she write it, that similarly details the evolution of fashion and beauty throughout the Edwardian era.
_____
I received a paperback copy of this book through a giveaway held by the author, many thanks to Mimi Matthews for sending me a copy of A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty. This is my honest review.
August 17, 2018
Well this is wonderful, I am a huge fan of Mimi Matthews work, whether that be her beautifully poignant romances, or her well researched actual pieces, like this. I will admit that as soon as I heard about A Victorian Ladies Guide to Fashion and Beauty, I was fascinated by it and I was jumping for pure when I got the opportunity to review it.
This is the perfect reference book for those interested in Victorian fashion and beauty, set out in different sections throughout the book it covers every aspect of what a Victorian lady would have worn and her beauty regime from 1840 to 1890. Ms Matthews covered everything you would ever want to know about, from under-garments, day/evening wear and shoes to cleansing soaps, hair removal and hair styling.
Every aspect of a ladies, day when they change, and why is written in clear and precise detail from which piece of clothing they would wear for what occasion, who would be able to wear what, Ms Matthews has even covered the fabric and colours that would have been used. And I do have to say that, I love how very gothic the Victorian era was in their clothing.
My favourite part is the Victorian Beauty part, I always knew that their cosmetics were at times perilous for the health. Some of what they used to do, to keep that perfect porcelain complexion is mind blowing plus quite bizarre and worry-some that Victorian ladies were so obsessed that they were happy to put quick lime on their faces and even use electricity to combat some normal issues.
This is such a great read, brilliantly researched and fabulously engrossing. I love how much detail Ms Matthews has added to each part, her passion for the era is obvious and another thing I love is how she has sprinkled the whole book with passages and extracts from genuine articles and periodicals from the time.
I cannot recommend this enough, for anyone who loves their fashion history and Victorian’s then this is a must read
This is the perfect reference book for those interested in Victorian fashion and beauty, set out in different sections throughout the book it covers every aspect of what a Victorian lady would have worn and her beauty regime from 1840 to 1890. Ms Matthews covered everything you would ever want to know about, from under-garments, day/evening wear and shoes to cleansing soaps, hair removal and hair styling.
Every aspect of a ladies, day when they change, and why is written in clear and precise detail from which piece of clothing they would wear for what occasion, who would be able to wear what, Ms Matthews has even covered the fabric and colours that would have been used. And I do have to say that, I love how very gothic the Victorian era was in their clothing.
My favourite part is the Victorian Beauty part, I always knew that their cosmetics were at times perilous for the health. Some of what they used to do, to keep that perfect porcelain complexion is mind blowing plus quite bizarre and worry-some that Victorian ladies were so obsessed that they were happy to put quick lime on their faces and even use electricity to combat some normal issues.
This is such a great read, brilliantly researched and fabulously engrossing. I love how much detail Ms Matthews has added to each part, her passion for the era is obvious and another thing I love is how she has sprinkled the whole book with passages and extracts from genuine articles and periodicals from the time.
I cannot recommend this enough, for anyone who loves their fashion history and Victorian’s then this is a must read
September 12, 2018
Women's fashions, hairstyles, and cosmetics changed a great deal during the Victorian era (between 1840-1900). If you're interested in learning about the various fashion dos and don'ts of a stylish Victorian lady, this is sure to be a book you'll enjoy.
Beautifully illustrated and well researched, Mimi Matthews book, A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty, will tell you everything you wanted to know about fashions of this time period. Sorted by decade, the complete ensemble—dresses, underwear, outerwear, footwear, hats, accessories, and jewelry—is described in minute detail in the first part of the book. I was fascinated with the description of each garment, but I would often stop reading for a moment in order to gaze at the illustrations.
The second part deals with fashion etiquette (what to where, and when). Fashionable ladies wore a morning/at home dress, walking dress, afternoon/visiting dress, dinner dress, and (presumably only for special occasions) an evening dress or ball gown. That's a minimum of four dresses worn per day! It wears me out just thinking about it. The rest of this section is sorted in sub-sections for riding habits, holiday fashions, and sportswear, as well as proper clothing for marriage, maternity, and mourning.
The final portion of the book, part three, is devoted to beauty. Victorian hair care, hairstyles and hairdressing, skin care, and cosmetics. The hairstyles of the period were every bit as elaborate as the clothing, requiring a skillful set of hands and eventually false hair to result in a trendy 'do. Common ingredients used for skin care included arsenic, mercury, and lime. (Yikes! I think I'll stick with Noxema.)
It was a lot of fun reading about the trends of that long ago time. As much as I love the fashions, I have to say I'm glad to be alive now rather than then!
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Pen & Sword History via Netgalley.
Beautifully illustrated and well researched, Mimi Matthews book, A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty, will tell you everything you wanted to know about fashions of this time period. Sorted by decade, the complete ensemble—dresses, underwear, outerwear, footwear, hats, accessories, and jewelry—is described in minute detail in the first part of the book. I was fascinated with the description of each garment, but I would often stop reading for a moment in order to gaze at the illustrations.
The second part deals with fashion etiquette (what to where, and when). Fashionable ladies wore a morning/at home dress, walking dress, afternoon/visiting dress, dinner dress, and (presumably only for special occasions) an evening dress or ball gown. That's a minimum of four dresses worn per day! It wears me out just thinking about it. The rest of this section is sorted in sub-sections for riding habits, holiday fashions, and sportswear, as well as proper clothing for marriage, maternity, and mourning.
The final portion of the book, part three, is devoted to beauty. Victorian hair care, hairstyles and hairdressing, skin care, and cosmetics. The hairstyles of the period were every bit as elaborate as the clothing, requiring a skillful set of hands and eventually false hair to result in a trendy 'do. Common ingredients used for skin care included arsenic, mercury, and lime. (Yikes! I think I'll stick with Noxema.)
It was a lot of fun reading about the trends of that long ago time. As much as I love the fashions, I have to say I'm glad to be alive now rather than then!
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Pen & Sword History via Netgalley.
July 3, 2019
A fascinating look into the fashion and beauty regimes of the Victorian period.
This book covers everything from silhouettes to shoes to hairstyles and make up with full explanations and as much information as you could possibly want on each subject.
The amount of time and effort that went into a woman’s wardrobe each day is astounding, I honestly don’t know how they did it!
If you’re interested in either the Victorian period or historical fashion then you’ll find this a very informative read.
Thank you to Pen and Sword Books for the free review copy.
This book covers everything from silhouettes to shoes to hairstyles and make up with full explanations and as much information as you could possibly want on each subject.
The amount of time and effort that went into a woman’s wardrobe each day is astounding, I honestly don’t know how they did it!
If you’re interested in either the Victorian period or historical fashion then you’ll find this a very informative read.
Thank you to Pen and Sword Books for the free review copy.
May 29, 2021
Unfortunately, the first chapter abounds with assumptions. Just because 1840s women’s sleeves were tight does not necessarily exemplify the rigidity of the social structure they were a part of. Why is it self-evident that restrictive clothing equals restrictive rights? If that were the case, then the flowing, freeing outfits of the early 19th century would indicate a greater emancipation of women’s rights, whereas the tight, uncomfortable skinny jeans of our century would indicate that women do not currently have a place in the workforce. Ridiculous. The author does not give documented proof for her assertions, either through fashion plates or primary documents. As a researcher myself, this points to sloppy work. Perhaps her point might be valid, but such an idea is cliched. It is not a concept relegated to the 1840s (one could point out the limitation of upper class women’s employment in the workforce from the Middle Ages to the 1950s) and is, in sum, simply a generalization.
September 9, 2021
Mimi Matthew's A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty is a must-have resource for writers of Victorian stories. I've had ideas percolating in my brain for a long time but have felt too overwhelmed to even consider pursuing them. What do I know about the time period and where do I even begin to research? This book looks at all things Victorian lady's fashion in a clear, concise, and easy to digest way. The author presents everything in a simple and easy to follow way, breaking it down by decades, events, accessories, etc. For visual people like me, the pictures throughout the book are an incredible asset, providing images that help visualize and bring to life what is described in the text.
Now if I could only find such a book for the Regency time period...and for the men's fashion.
Now if I could only find such a book for the Regency time period...and for the men's fashion.
December 30, 2022
Mathews impressive knowledge of the Victorian Age here is honed on the evolution of women's fashion as a reflection of a changing society.
The jump from the 17th c. Rococco to classical inspired simplicity of the Regency, the Romantic period looking back to the Gothic, and the ever changing extreme widths of skirts and bustles, is mind boggling to consider.
The book has period illustrations throughout. An excellent resource.
The jump from the 17th c. Rococco to classical inspired simplicity of the Regency, the Romantic period looking back to the Gothic, and the ever changing extreme widths of skirts and bustles, is mind boggling to consider.
The book has period illustrations throughout. An excellent resource.
June 14, 2018
A very good book, well written and well researched. It's full of interesting facts and clear explenation of how the Victiorian fashion worked.
The illustration are very good. The book is really entertaining.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Pen & Sword and Netgalley for this ARC
The illustration are very good. The book is really entertaining.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Pen & Sword and Netgalley for this ARC
December 17, 2018
Having read many of Mimi's online blog articles I know she has a prodigious knowledge of 19th century customs, art and fashion so I looked forward to learning a great deal from this book. Well annotated and sourced, the first part takes the reader through each decade from the 1840s to the 1890s. Looking at clothing, underwear, millinery and jewellery, Miss Matthews describes the changing female silhouette, illustrated with beautiful plates of the particular decade. But in no way is this a pedestrian account; the vocabulary of Victorian fashion; spoon busks, crinolettes, paletots etc are intriguingly poetic and yet we also read of the tragic death of a Regent Street seamstress, who worked from 6.30 in the morning till 11 pm plus occasionally working all night to complete a commission.
The section on fashion etiquette describes how clothing for specific circumstances, such as mourning, were strictly dictated. Middle and upper class ladies needed to change their dress several times a day, from a comfortable morning dress, to a walking dress and then a splendid evening dress. Other activities, such as sport, riding and visiting the seaside required different styles just as today. Finally the section on beauty, hair care and cosmetics is particularly fascinating. I love the suggestion that to avoid wrinkles one should, "endeavour to acquire plumpness." This is a superb book to peruse during the festive season.
The section on fashion etiquette describes how clothing for specific circumstances, such as mourning, were strictly dictated. Middle and upper class ladies needed to change their dress several times a day, from a comfortable morning dress, to a walking dress and then a splendid evening dress. Other activities, such as sport, riding and visiting the seaside required different styles just as today. Finally the section on beauty, hair care and cosmetics is particularly fascinating. I love the suggestion that to avoid wrinkles one should, "endeavour to acquire plumpness." This is a superb book to peruse during the festive season.
August 2, 2018
Absolutely fascinating!
I recognised Mimi Matthews’ name as I recently read and enjoyed one of her books, The Pug Who Bit Napoleon, so I got quite excited to see she had another book out.
A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Fashion and Beauty is a thorough study of the world of fashion and beauty in the higher classes of Victorian society. There is so much detail, enriched by wonderful illustrations, that it all comes to life and you can just imagine what it was like. Anyone interested in the time period should pounce on this.
I like how it’s organised by decade, it makes things really clear. Not only does Matthews describe the fashion and beauty trends (hairstyles and cosmetics) of the decade, but she also explains the reasons for changes and what was going on in history at the time. Yet she manages to keep the whole thing entertaining and light despite basically bombarding you with interesting information.
The extensive bibliography gives lots of ideas for those who might want to further research the topic – I admit I love going through bibliography to see what else I could read. In my opinion, a good history book needs a bibliography.
This is definitely a book I will eventually purchase so I can keep a hard copy at home.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen&Sword History for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
I recognised Mimi Matthews’ name as I recently read and enjoyed one of her books, The Pug Who Bit Napoleon, so I got quite excited to see she had another book out.
A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Fashion and Beauty is a thorough study of the world of fashion and beauty in the higher classes of Victorian society. There is so much detail, enriched by wonderful illustrations, that it all comes to life and you can just imagine what it was like. Anyone interested in the time period should pounce on this.
I like how it’s organised by decade, it makes things really clear. Not only does Matthews describe the fashion and beauty trends (hairstyles and cosmetics) of the decade, but she also explains the reasons for changes and what was going on in history at the time. Yet she manages to keep the whole thing entertaining and light despite basically bombarding you with interesting information.
The extensive bibliography gives lots of ideas for those who might want to further research the topic – I admit I love going through bibliography to see what else I could read. In my opinion, a good history book needs a bibliography.
This is definitely a book I will eventually purchase so I can keep a hard copy at home.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen&Sword History for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2021
Certainly an excellent guide to Victorian fashion, beauty, and haircare, I won't dispute that. It's a comprehensive guide that, on one hand, was easily tailored to beginners because it covers a lot of material in immense detail. But on the other, I feel like the reader was expected to know some things prior, such as the terminology, in order to understand the details we're being given. I think more illustrations would have been helpful to demonstrate the onslaught of descriptions the author gives us. Sometimes I just didn't know what they were talking about, and a picture to accompany it would have been nice so I didn't have to break away and Google it instead.
But apart from that, this was a very informative read and fairly quick as well. I had no idea Victorian fashion varied so much, but it makes sense given how long the era lasted. And even now, trendy fashion can change drastically from one decade to another, so it only made sense that what was considered proper or trendy back then changed frequently as well. There is no one standard Victorian outfit. And while I knew many of their beauty and haircare ideas were absurd, this book still managed to shock me with some of the remedies the Victorians thought WORKED.
Anyway, a decent guide to Victorian era fashion, so I'd recommend it if that's something you're interested in learning more about.
But apart from that, this was a very informative read and fairly quick as well. I had no idea Victorian fashion varied so much, but it makes sense given how long the era lasted. And even now, trendy fashion can change drastically from one decade to another, so it only made sense that what was considered proper or trendy back then changed frequently as well. There is no one standard Victorian outfit. And while I knew many of their beauty and haircare ideas were absurd, this book still managed to shock me with some of the remedies the Victorians thought WORKED.
Anyway, a decent guide to Victorian era fashion, so I'd recommend it if that's something you're interested in learning more about.
July 23, 2021
A good start, but not a great foundation to build your knowledge on.
Mimi Matthews is a historical fiction writer, and herein you can find her cherry-picked overview of what changed in (wealthy) women's attires, hairstyles, perfume choices and even skin care routines during the Victorian reign in England. Unfortunately, there is only so much information you can jam into less than 300 pages, and clothing alone for that time period could easily fill a huge alamanac. The overview is speckled again and again with original paragraphs taken from magazines, newspapers or books from the time, which I appreciated, as it tells a lot about how much effort was put into this work.
This book tried to do a little of everything, much like a long-form anecdote-riddled wikipedia article. It's not BAD. In fact, far from it. It's a good place to start. But, if this is the extent of your research, you just don't care for the topic (don't write a book set in the period then. Thanks)
Mimi Matthews is a historical fiction writer, and herein you can find her cherry-picked overview of what changed in (wealthy) women's attires, hairstyles, perfume choices and even skin care routines during the Victorian reign in England. Unfortunately, there is only so much information you can jam into less than 300 pages, and clothing alone for that time period could easily fill a huge alamanac. The overview is speckled again and again with original paragraphs taken from magazines, newspapers or books from the time, which I appreciated, as it tells a lot about how much effort was put into this work.
This book tried to do a little of everything, much like a long-form anecdote-riddled wikipedia article. It's not BAD. In fact, far from it. It's a good place to start. But, if this is the extent of your research, you just don't care for the topic (don't write a book set in the period then. Thanks)
June 14, 2018
A decent but extremely simple account of Victorian fashion and beauty. I was expecting a much more detailed contextual narrative (in part because the author claimed I would get this in the introduction), so the fact that the majority of the book is organized in something that I can only describe as One Step Beyond List Format was disappointing.
Still, it's accurate to the best of my knowledge, and the illustrations are excellent. I can't recommend it as historical narrative due to poor readability, but I like it as an addition to one's reference collection, and I also respect the author's attention to detail.
*I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Still, it's accurate to the best of my knowledge, and the illustrations are excellent. I can't recommend it as historical narrative due to poor readability, but I like it as an addition to one's reference collection, and I also respect the author's attention to detail.
*I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
June 20, 2021
I think this might be a perfect new textbook for a Fashion Designer's History Class. It's perfectly researched and interesting all the way through the Victorian era. I know next to nothing about fashion, fabric, etc. but I know a well researched book when I read one. This is a book I picked up out of curiosity. I think if I were a person looking to make my living from fashion design this would qualify as a MUST read.
June 19, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a complete, fully detailed guide to women's clothing and beauty habits in the Victorian Era. Accompanied by drawings, it is an interesting and informative guide, which is a must-have for everyone interested in that era.
This is a complete, fully detailed guide to women's clothing and beauty habits in the Victorian Era. Accompanied by drawings, it is an interesting and informative guide, which is a must-have for everyone interested in that era.
July 9, 2020
Carefully researched and full of beautiful color images, "A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty" is perfect for people who want to learn more about how- and why- women's fashions changed so dramatically over the course of Victoria's reign. From day dresses to evening gowns, shoes to gloves, hair styles, hair care, jewelry and makeup- all are covered here. Who influenced certain fashion trends? How did social and economic changes influence changes in fashion? Matthews touches on all of this and more with her usual light and engaging writing style. From scholars to the reader with casual interest- this is a book that will delight and reward them all!
January 6, 2022
Really great for getting general overviews of fashion trends in the Victorian era, and I think it'll be helpful in dating extant garments that I collect.
However, if you're looking to get into Victorian fashion history, this book might not be the best place to start. For one thing, Matthews falls prey to the myth of tight-lacing as having been the rule of the era instead of the exception, and she references a "fact" that in the late 1800s, Victorian women had an average waist size of 22 inches. It wasn't clear what study she got that from, but if it's the research done by Rebecca Gibson, it is far from accurate, considering Gibson used just "more than a dozen" corsets and seven skeletons in her research to come up with the 22-inch waist average. So, reading that made me question exactly how much Matthews had researched the rest of the info she put into the book.
Also, this book presupposes that the reader has a lot of sewing and/or fashion history knowledge already. Matthews mentions terms like gores, gauging, etc., and brings up fashionable items like toques without explaining what they are, and at the same time she'll explain in detail what an 1860s crinoline was, which I think is a lot more common knowledge. The pictures help a little, but they're all in black and white and don't show details very well.
So, while it was a quick and pretty fun read, this book is really just good for occasional reference rather than any kind of a study tool.
However, if you're looking to get into Victorian fashion history, this book might not be the best place to start. For one thing, Matthews falls prey to the myth of tight-lacing as having been the rule of the era instead of the exception, and she references a "fact" that in the late 1800s, Victorian women had an average waist size of 22 inches. It wasn't clear what study she got that from, but if it's the research done by Rebecca Gibson, it is far from accurate, considering Gibson used just "more than a dozen" corsets and seven skeletons in her research to come up with the 22-inch waist average. So, reading that made me question exactly how much Matthews had researched the rest of the info she put into the book.
Also, this book presupposes that the reader has a lot of sewing and/or fashion history knowledge already. Matthews mentions terms like gores, gauging, etc., and brings up fashionable items like toques without explaining what they are, and at the same time she'll explain in detail what an 1860s crinoline was, which I think is a lot more common knowledge. The pictures help a little, but they're all in black and white and don't show details very well.
So, while it was a quick and pretty fun read, this book is really just good for occasional reference rather than any kind of a study tool.
October 2, 2025
This is an solid overview of women’s fashion throughout the Victorian Era, concentrating on the United Kingdom, as befits period’s namesake, but also extending to North America and Western Europe where British culture was a vital force. The book begins with a detailed overview of each decade, in which a dizzying array of changes in style are chronicles. This is followed by a section focusing generalities in regards to different occasions, activities, and times of day. Finally, there is a discussion on beauty that covers hair and skin care, as well as hairstyles and cosmetics.
The book strictly focuses on the high-end fashion of the upper classes, which is an understandable restriction in scope, though it does make me wonder how less-wealthy individuals might have been impacted by the same trends. At least a short mention of this would not have distracted from the main theme. My only other recommendation would be to have more imagery. There are many points of fashion in which a picture could really have enhanced many of the explanations. There are plenty of illustrations to be sure, but considering that this era is well ensconced in the public domain, it would have been nice to see just a few more. Nevertheless, this is a well-researched and descriptive work in which I learned a great deal.
The book strictly focuses on the high-end fashion of the upper classes, which is an understandable restriction in scope, though it does make me wonder how less-wealthy individuals might have been impacted by the same trends. At least a short mention of this would not have distracted from the main theme. My only other recommendation would be to have more imagery. There are many points of fashion in which a picture could really have enhanced many of the explanations. There are plenty of illustrations to be sure, but considering that this era is well ensconced in the public domain, it would have been nice to see just a few more. Nevertheless, this is a well-researched and descriptive work in which I learned a great deal.
August 23, 2018
Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC
Great little book concerning everything to do with lady's fashion during the Victorian era.
The first part is a very methodical overview of the key points of fashion per decade, it is rather list-like and therefore gets a bit tedious, but I guess this would work if you want to use this as a reference book. The changes in dress through the century are addressed in detail, however I think it could do with more pictures. For one because I love those old fashion prints, but also because it can be challenging at times to imagine which fringe goes where. It helps if you have a generous helping of BBC costume drama on the side.
Part II and III were actually more interesting, because they go into specific situatons and circumstances as well as beauty products. Part II features riding habits, beachwear, sportswear, and dresses for weddings, maternity and mourning. Part III goes into hair care, hair styles, skin care, and cosmetics.
I really enjoyes it, but there are 2 but's for me:
-lack of pictures
-It would have been nice to also have an idea about how the lower classes dressed and how high fashion trickled down to the servant uniforms. I know the clue is in the title, it's a LADY's guide, but I'm curious.
Great little book concerning everything to do with lady's fashion during the Victorian era.
The first part is a very methodical overview of the key points of fashion per decade, it is rather list-like and therefore gets a bit tedious, but I guess this would work if you want to use this as a reference book. The changes in dress through the century are addressed in detail, however I think it could do with more pictures. For one because I love those old fashion prints, but also because it can be challenging at times to imagine which fringe goes where. It helps if you have a generous helping of BBC costume drama on the side.
Part II and III were actually more interesting, because they go into specific situatons and circumstances as well as beauty products. Part II features riding habits, beachwear, sportswear, and dresses for weddings, maternity and mourning. Part III goes into hair care, hair styles, skin care, and cosmetics.
I really enjoyes it, but there are 2 but's for me:
-lack of pictures
-It would have been nice to also have an idea about how the lower classes dressed and how high fashion trickled down to the servant uniforms. I know the clue is in the title, it's a LADY's guide, but I'm curious.
Want to read
December 11, 2018This is so quaint and sweet, I love it. The illustrations of fashion and culture throughout the years is so neat. I have long held a fascination with Victorian times and everything related to them, so this book was a really fun read for me. It made me super grateful that I am able to slip on a pair of jeans!
January 20, 2024
definitely a very cute little reference, i enjoyed reading this - however, it didn't go into maybe as much detail as i would have liked in some places (please let me see one book on victorian fashion that tells me how the hell women went to the bathroom while wearing a crinoline). i think my main issue w this though was, while i liked all the pictures included, i think it definitely needed more - it would at several points be discussing some article of clothing without any visual reference for what it looked like, and at least for me im pretty visual so i felt like it was nothing but words on a page in those instances and i didnt really learn anything from that
August 1, 2018
This book was an absolute delight! I've fallen in love with Miss Matthew's Victorian Romance novels and this one wasn't a disappointment for me either. Once again her meticulous research shines through and the details were refreshing. And of course the art was heavenly.
February 4, 2021
A very detailed guide. Note: I only read a portion of the book, because I'm researching the 1870s. It might get a bit tedious if you were trying to read the book all the way through, so I recommend it if you're researching a specific decade.
January 23, 2024
Fun
This is a fun read that covers the customs, fashion and the makeup and cosmetics of the Victorian era. I found myself searching the internet for more images of the items discussed.
This is a fun read that covers the customs, fashion and the makeup and cosmetics of the Victorian era. I found myself searching the internet for more images of the items discussed.
March 15, 2024
Excellent for anyone interested in the types of dress etc in Victorian times. Interesting facts and detailed information.
December 15, 2025
Interesting
did-not-finish
January 9, 2021This type of book is too hard for me to read in an ebook format. I’m going to try to get a physical copy because I am very interested in the subject matter.
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