The Victorian age was one of the most exciting and complex periods of history, an era of rapid change and great contrasts, in which fashion reflected the times with extraordinary vibrancy. Female style was expressed in a succession of striking fashions--with ever-shifting trends in the form, color, material and ornamentation of garments, novel accessories and diverse hairstyles. Male fashion was more uniform and sober, evolving subtly, whereas children's wear underwent significant developments.

While celebrating the excesses of high fashion hot from Paris, author Jayne Shrimpton also considers the style of ordinary working people and the clothing worn for special occasions and sporting activities. Featuring many previously-unpublished images--and drawing on private journals--this new history of Victorian fashion presents fresh material and offers original insights into a fascinating subject.