1. Light colored suits in lightweight pin-striped flannel (commonly referred to as ‘dittos’) came into fashion in the 1890s. Light colored suits had previously been worn primarily for sporting purposes, but as Victorian rigidity relaxed throughout the Gay Nineties they became acceptable for everyday wear. This ensemble is from circa 1904 as is topped off with a boater hat, probably the most ubiquitous turn of the century summer fashion accessory.

    Light colored suits in lightweight pin-striped flannel (commonly referred to as ‘dittos’) came into fashion in the 1890s. Light colored suits had previously been worn primarily for sporting purposes, but as Victorian rigidity relaxed throughout the Gay Nineties they became acceptable for everyday wear.

    This ensemble is from circa 1904 as is topped off with a boater hat, probably the most ubiquitous turn of the century summer fashion accessory.

  2. An interesting photograph of German women at a North Sea beach wearing very risque bathing suits for the early 1890s. Most bathing costumes of the time were still heavy wool, had overskirts and were worn with foundation garments and corsets (yes, corsets!), which is clearly not the case with these lovely ladies. The photograph was taken by Wilhelm Dreesen between 1891 and 1895. He took several other photos around the same time that show women in similar bathing costumes, so it seems that this style of bathing suit was not unusual in Germany.

    An interesting photograph of German women at a North Sea beach wearing very risque bathing suits for the early 1890s. Most bathing costumes of the time were still heavy wool, had overskirts and were worn with foundation garments and corsets (yes, corsets!), which is clearly not the case with these lovely ladies.

    The photograph was taken by Wilhelm Dreesen between 1891 and 1895. He took several other photos around the same time that show women in similar bathing costumes, so it seems that this style of bathing suit was not unusual in Germany.

  3. On the Yacht Namouna, Venice, painted by Julius LeBlanc Stewart in 1890 shows both men and women in what was more or less the summer uniform of the 1890s. The men wear light wool suits and straw boater hats, which would continue to be a staple of summer wear well into the 1920s. The woman in the wicker chair is wearing a nautical themed suit, while the other two are wearing the more common summer outfit of linen skirts and colorful cotton blouses. P.S. If you haven’t seen Lee Sanstead’s art photography you definitely need to check it out.

    On the Yacht Namouna, Venice, painted by Julius LeBlanc Stewart in 1890 shows both men and women in what was more or less the summer uniform of the 1890s.

    The men wear light wool suits and straw boater hats, which would continue to be a staple of summer wear well into the 1920s. The woman in the wicker chair is wearing a nautical themed suit, while the other two are wearing the more common summer outfit of linen skirts and colorful cotton blouses.

    P.S. If you haven’t seen Lee Sanstead’s art photography you definitely need to check it out.

  4. A little boy’s (yes boy’s) striped cotton suit from circa 1895. Stripes and sailor themed outfits were very popular for both boys and girls at the turn of the century.

    A little boy’s (yes boy’s) striped cotton suit from circa 1895. Stripes and sailor themed outfits were very popular for both boys and girls at the turn of the century.

  5. The 1890s applied much the same “anything goes” philosophy to fashion as the 1770s did. Hence the polka dotted and floral stripes on this early 1890s afternoon dress.

    The 1890s applied much the same “anything goes” philosophy to fashion as the 1770s did. Hence the polka dotted and floral stripes on this early 1890s afternoon dress.

  6. An 1893 beetle wing embroidered evening dress by Louise Winter, currently in the Museum of London.

    An 1893 beetle wing embroidered evening dress by Louise Winter, currently in the Museum of London.

  7. More exotic birds were especially prized for millinery and fit in nicely with the over-the-top and often outright gaudy styles of the ‘Gay Nineties’.

    More exotic birds were especially prized for millinery and fit in nicely with the over-the-top and often outright gaudy styles of the ‘Gay Nineties’.