What is the difference between Victorian and Edwardian costumes?

Victorian fashion (pre-1901) features heavy hoop skirts and corsetry, while Edwardian fashion (1901–1910s) shifted to a softer S-curve silhouette, high-waisted skirts, and larger, more elaborate hats.

How do I style my hair for a 1900s costume?

The classic 1900s hairstyle is the Gibson Girl look, which involves backcombing the hair to create volume around the sides and front, then pinning it into a loose, soft bun on top of the head.

Can I make a 1900s costume from modern clothes?

Yes, you can easily assemble this look using a modern high-neck lace top, a dark maxi skirt, a wide belt, and a vintage-style sun hat decorated with faux flowers.

AI-generated example

1900s Costumes

Step into the elegant, refined world of turn-of-the-century Edwardian fashion.

The 1900s, or the Edwardian era, is a popular costume choice for historical reenactments, Titanic-themed events, and vintage parties. This look is defined by structured elegance, featuring high-collared blouses and long skirts for women, and tailored three-piece suits with bowler hats for men. It offers a sophisticated, classic aesthetic that stands out at any gathering.

Difficulty: Medium
Time: ~45 min
Budget: $40–150

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40 1900s costume ideas

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What you need for a 1900s Costumes costume

High-neck lace blouse
A white or cream long-sleeved blouse with a high ruffled collar and lace detailing.
DIY: Add a lace ribbon or ruffle collar to a standard white button-down shirt.
Amazon
A-line maxi skirt
A long, floor-length structured skirt in a dark color like black, navy, or brown, fitted at the waist.
DIY: Use a long dark maxi skirt and pin it at the waist for a more tailored, high-waisted fit.
Amazon
Wide-brimmed Edwardian hat
A large, dramatic hat decorated with faux flowers, feathers, or ribbons.
DIY: Take a wide-brimmed straw or felt hat and hot-glue faux roses and black tulle ribbon around the crown.
Amazon
Dapper three-piece suit
A tweed or wool-blend suit featuring a buttoned vest, matching trousers, and a structured jacket.
DIY: Pair a modern vest and trousers with a pocket watch and a crisp white dress shirt.
Amazon
Bowler or derby hat
A stiff, rounded black felt hat to complete the classic gentleman's look.
Amazon
Pocket watch with chain
A vintage-style gold or silver pocket watch that clips onto the vest pocket.
DIY: Use a metallic chain necklace looped into a vest pocket to mimic the look.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
For the feminine look, tuck the high-neck blouse securely into the high-waisted maxi skirt to create a seamless silhouette.
2
Add a wide leather belt or fabric sash at the waist to emphasize the classic S-curve shape of the era.
3
Secure the large decorated hat onto your styled hair using vintage hatpins if necessary.
4
For the masculine look, put on the white dress shirt, button the vest completely, and layer the matching suit jacket over it.
5
Attach the pocket watch chain to a vest buttonhole and slide the watch into the side pocket.
6
Finish either look with polished leather boots or oxford shoes.

Makeup & hair

For women, style hair into a soft, voluminous Gibson Girl pompadour bun piled high on the head, keeping makeup natural with rosy cheeks and soft lips. For men, style hair with a neat side part and add a groomed mustache if desired.

1900s Costumes for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair an elegant Gibson Girl in a lace blouse with a dapper gentleman in a tweed three-piece suit and bowler hat.
group: Recreate a Titanic first-class promenade deck with members dressed in various levels of formal Edwardian daywear.
kids: A newsboy look with a flat cap, suspenders, and rolled-up trousers, or a young girl in a sailor-collar dress.
Plus size: An empire-waist Edwardian gown or a tailored vest and wide-leg trousers offer comfortable, period-accurate silhouettes.
pet: A small dog wearing a miniature black felt top hat or a ruffled lace collar.

Tips

Edwardian skirts are very long; ensure yours is hemmed high enough to avoid tripping while walking.
Thrift stores are excellent sources for vintage vests, tweed jackets, and long maxi skirts.
Wear comfortable, broken-in leather boots, as authentic-looking footwear is key to completing the historical look.

1900s Costumes costume FAQ

What is the difference between Victorian and Edwardian costumes?: Victorian fashion (pre-1901) features heavy hoop skirts and corsetry, while Edwardian fashion (1901–1910s) shifted to a softer S-curve silhouette, high-waisted skirts, and larger, more elaborate hats.
How do I style my hair for a 1900s costume?: The classic 1900s hairstyle is the Gibson Girl look, which involves backcombing the hair to create volume around the sides and front, then pinning it into a loose, soft bun on top of the head.
Can I make a 1900s costume from modern clothes?: Yes, you can easily assemble this look using a modern high-neck lace top, a dark maxi skirt, a wide belt, and a vintage-style sun hat decorated with faux flowers.

Did you know? The iconic 'Gibson Girl' look of the 1900s, created by illustrator Charles Dana Gibson, represented the feminine ideal of the era: independent, active, and elegantly fashionable.