Victorian Dress Inspirations

I have been thinking a lot lately about my Victorian dress, which is one of the only complete dresses I plan on adding to my costume collection in 2012. I know I am trying to design one dress for all occasions but I think I can work something out. My inspiration stems from Kate Blanchet in an Ideal Husband.

 I love everything about this dress. The vertical stripes and the tailored coat. I am imagining something very similar for my own dress and I am thinking a black and white stripe would be very versatile for both SITU and Steampunk events. And with the right accessories - a perfect Christmas outfit as well. The skirt here looks much lighter and simple compared to the skirts in the fashion plates and I would plan for something not too elaborate. 

An important note about the styling in the photo - I prefer the white neck cloth knotted as above more that the circular lace of the fashion plates below. I think it is super cool and it borderlines mens wear.

I had to add this. I just love this riding hat with the very fine white material wrapped about the top - it is gorgeous. I want this whole look including the horse.

As to what the question of what Victorian bustle period I am looking at - I would say I am going for late Victorian with little to no bustle and with one crazy corset.

 

My plan is to let the stripped fabric do most of the work. It will be a complete gown with a top of a simpler design of the examples on the left and a simplified walking skirt on the right. It will have a black jacket and a neck cloth. Accessories will then help with the type of occasion.

 

I love this jacket style top - this might work for day and night? 

Here is also a stripe fabric that I found. The pattern is perfect the fabric is a stretch knit which wont do at all! So my quest is on for the right black and white stripe.