Edwardian Era Fashion: A Decade of Style

by Vivian

The early 1900s brought the Edwardian Era (1901-1910). This time was named after King Edward VII. It marked a big change in fashion. Styles became less formal than those of the Victorian era. The new look showed off women's shapes with elegance and grace.

Fashion of the Edwardian Era

Edwardian fashion was famous for its "S"-shaped body line. Corsets made this shape by pushing the chest forward and the hips back. This created a graceful, curvy look. It was very different from the stiff Victorian styles. Clothes became lighter. They featured much intricate lace and delicate embroidery. This showed a wish for more comfy, yet still fancy, clothing.

What were the fashion trends in the Edwardian era?

Key fashion trends of the Edwardian era included:

The "S"-Bend Corset: This was vital for the Edwardian shape and posture.
High Necklines are often decorated with lace, ruffles, or embroidery, adding a classy touch.
Pigeon Breast Bodices: Bodices were full and often bloused over the waist. This gave a soft, rounded look in the front.
Long, Flowing Skirts: Skirts were usually long. They often had pleats, tucks, or ruffles. Sometimes they had a small train for formal wear.
Lace and Embroidery: These fine details were everywhere. They appeared on dresses, blouses, and even underwear.
Pastel Colors: Darker colors were still worn. But softer, muted pastels became more popular.

What Did Edwardian Women Wear?

Edwardian women had many different outfits. These outfits suited various social events and daily life. Their clothes showed the era's focus on proper behavior and refined taste.

Women’s Dresses in the 1900s

Edwardian dresses showed off the era's special shape and decorations.

Day Dresses: These were usually simpler. They were made from practical fabrics like cotton or linen. They had high necklines and long sleeves. These were good for daily chores or casual outings.
Tea Gowns: These were more relaxed than formal dresses. Women wore tea gowns for hosting at home or casual get-togethers. They were often made from softer fabrics like silk or chiffon. They had looser fits and delicate decorations.
Evening Gowns: These were the height of Edwardian glamor. They were made from rich fabrics like satin, velvet, or brocade. They featured elaborate lace, embroidery, and sometimes sequins or beads. Necklines were often lower. Sleeves could be short or even missing for certain styles.

If you're looking to capture this timeless elegance yourself, explore our curated collection of Edwardian-inspired dresses.

1. Downton Abbey Tea Party Gown in Ruby by Nataya

Occasion: Evening event
Color: Ruby
Design: Layered styling, English chain stitch embroidery
Style Tags: Edwardian
Upper Fabric: Tulle, Nylon Tulle
Price: $275.00

2. Titanic Tea Party Dress in Ivory by Nataya

Occasion: Formal guestwear, wedding party
Color: Ivory
Design: Sheer sleeves and a tiered hemline
Upper Fabric: Lace & Cotton, Nylon Tulle
Style Tags: Edwardian inspired, Festive
Price: $249

3. Irene Art Nouveau Style Dress in Blue by Nataya

Occasion: Themed events, Wedding,
Color: Blue
Design: Fabric blocking, rose pattern embroidery,
Upper Fabric: 100% Viscose Georgette, 100% Nylon Lace Details
Style Tags: Edwardian inspired, Festive
Price: $315.00

Women’s Hats and Hairstyles

Hats were a must-have for Edwardian women. They were often large and richly decorated.

Hats: Edwardian hats were grand. They often had wide brims. They were covered with feathers, fake flowers, ribbons, and even stuffed birds. Women wore them tilted forward on the head. This matched the "S"-bend body shape.
Hairstyles: The most popular style was the "Gibson Girl" look. This involved soft waves or curls. These were swept up into a large bun or pompadour on top of the head. This style perfectly suited the big hats and elegant lines of the era's clothes.

FAQ Section

What was the difference between Edwardian and Victorian clothing styles?

The main difference is the body shape. Victorian clothing featured a stiff, hourglass figure. It had a tight waist and full skirts. These were often held up by large frames. Edwardian fashion, however, introduced the "S"-bend shape. Here, the bust pushed forward and the hips back. This created a more flowing, less stiff line. However, corsets were still worn. Edwardian styles also used lighter fabrics and finer decorations than the often heavier Victorian materials.

What are the characteristics of Edwardian style?

Edwardian style is known for the "S"-bend silhouette. Other features include high necklines, bloused bodices (often called "pigeon breast"), long and often decorated skirts. There was also a lot of lace, embroidery, and delicate trim. Hats were large and very ornate. The overall look promoted elegance, femininity, and a sense of refined luxury.

What are the colors of Edwardian clothing?

Edwardian clothing used a mix of colors. Deeper jewel tones and classic black and white were still common. But softer, more muted pastel shades became more popular. These included creams, ivories, pale blues, soft pinks, and delicate greens. This change showed a desire for a lighter, more airy look.

Is 1920 Victorian or Edwardian?

The year 1920 is neither Victorian nor Edwardian. The Victorian era ended in 1901 when Queen Victoria died. The Edwardian era followed, from 1901 to 1910. The 1920s, known as the "Roaring Twenties," saw a big change in fashion. Clothes moved away from tight corsets. They embraced a more relaxed, boyish look with shorter skirts and dropped waists. This reflected the flapper style.

Vivian

Full bio

Vivian is a fashion historian specializing in Victorian, Edwardian, and Roaring Twenties styles. With a degree in Art History and Fashion Studies, she expertly combines historical authenticity with modern fashion insights.

She loves restoring vintage garments and exploring antique shops for hidden treasures.