What color did Victorians wear for mourning?

Victorians wore solid matte black during the first stage of deep mourning. Later stages allowed for half-mourning colors like gray, mauve, and white.

How long did Victorian mourning last?

A widow was expected to wear full black mourning attire for two years, though Queen Victoria famously wore it for forty years after her husband died.

What kind of jewelry is appropriate for a Victorian mourning costume?

Mourning jewelry was typically made of jet (a matte black gemstone), black onyx, vulcanite, or featured cameo portraits and woven hair lockets.

AI-generated example

Victorian Mourning Costume

Embrace the haunting elegance of 19th-century gothic widow fashion.

The Victorian mourning costume is inspired by the rigid, somber dress codes popularized by Queen Victoria after the death of Prince Albert. This look is a favorite for gothic events, historical reenactments, and Halloween due to its dramatic, eerie elegance. The ensemble consists of a high-necked black gown, a heavy black mourning veil, and dark period-accurate accessories.

Difficulty: Medium
Time: ~45 min
Budget: $50–150

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Victorian Mourning costume — Example look · AI-generated

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What you need for a Victorian Mourning costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Victorian Mourning costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.

Shop Victorian Mourning at Spirit ↗

Black Victorian Gown
A long-sleeved, high-necked black dress with a full skirt, preferably made of matte fabric like cotton, wool, or heavy polyester to mimic traditional crape.
DIY: Pair a high-necked black long-sleeve blouse with a floor-length black maxi skirt and a wide black waist cincher.
Amazon
Black Mourning Veil
A long, sheer black tulle or lace veil attached to a black bonnet, headband, or hair comb, draped over the face or pushed back.
DIY: Attach a yard of sheer black mesh or lace fabric to a simple black headband using hot glue or safety pins.
Amazon
Victorian Bonnet or Hat
A small black brimless bonnet or a modest black hat decorated with black ribbons or fabric flowers.
DIY: Decorate a simple black straw hat with wide black satin ribbons tied under the chin.
Amazon
Black Lace Gloves
Wrist-length or elbow-length matte black lace or solid cotton gloves.
Amazon
Mourning Jewelry
A black choker, a cameo brooch pinned at the collar, or a dark beaded necklace made of faux jet or obsidian.
DIY: Glue a printed vintage portrait image onto a black cardboard backing and pin it to your collar.
Amazon
Black Boots
Lace-up Victorian-style granny boots or simple black leather ankle boots with a modest heel.
DIY: Wear any plain, matte black leather boots or dress shoes.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Victorian Mourning costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the black Victorian gown or the blouse and skirt combination, ensuring the collar is fastened high on the neck.
2
Lace up your black boots and adjust the hem of the skirt so it sits just above the floor.
3
Style your hair into a neat, low bun or historical updo to accommodate the headwear.
4
Place the black bonnet or headband with the attached veil onto your head, securing it with bobby pins if necessary.
5
Pin the cameo brooch directly to the center of the high collar.
6
Slip on the black lace gloves and carry a black lace parasol or a vintage handkerchief as optional props.

Makeup & hair

Keep makeup pale and matte with subtle dark eyeshadow or a soft plum lip to look somber. Style hair in a neat, center-parted low bun or historical braided updo.

Victorian Mourning for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair with a partner dressed as a Victorian gentleman in a black frock coat, top hat with a black mourning band, and white gloves.
group: Form a funeral procession of Victorian mourners, all dressed in varying stages of black mourning attire.
kids: A miniature version featuring a black long-sleeved dress, a small black lace veil, and a dark flower basket.
Plus size: A high-waisted A-line Victorian skirt paired with a stretchy black lace-up corset top offers a comfortable, adjustable fit.

Tips

Avoid shiny fabrics like satin or sequins, as traditional Victorian mourning wear was strictly matte to show respect.
If wearing the veil over your face, ensure the fabric is sheer enough to see through clearly in low-light settings.
Add a hoop skirt or petticoat underneath the dress to give the skirt the dramatic, historical bell shape.
Carry a vintage black handkerchief to dab at your eyes for dramatic, in-character photos.

Victorian Mourning costume FAQ

What color did Victorians wear for mourning?: Victorians wore solid matte black during the first stage of deep mourning. Later stages allowed for half-mourning colors like gray, mauve, and white.
How long did Victorian mourning last?: A widow was expected to wear full black mourning attire for two years, though Queen Victoria famously wore it for forty years after her husband died.
What kind of jewelry is appropriate for a Victorian mourning costume?: Mourning jewelry was typically made of jet (a matte black gemstone), black onyx, vulcanite, or featured cameo portraits and woven hair lockets.

Did you know? Queen Victoria wore black mourning dresses for forty years after the death of her husband, Prince Albert, single-handedly cementing the elaborate mourning fashion trends of the era.