1800s Winter Outfit – modern vintage photography

1800s Winter Outfit – Modern Vintage Photography

Here is a collection of photos showcasing a full-length 1890s black velvet cloak, rabbit fur bonnet, and hand muff—perfect for capturing the elegance and practicality of winter fashion during the Victorian era. These photographs aren’t necessarily “portfolio ready,” but they beautifully demonstrate the garment’s fit, craftsmanship, and finer details.

The black velvet bonnet features intricate stitching and subtle design elements typical of the late 19th century, when bonnets transitioned from elaborate ornaments to more practical, close-to-the-head shapes. By the 1890s, the bonnet’s design reflected a blend of practicality and luxury—a perfect winter accessory for social visits and outings.

The cloak itself is a testament to the meticulous tailoring and luxuriant materials of the time. Velvet was often used in winter outerwear not only because of its rich appearance but also for its insulating properties. This particular cloak is lined with rabbit fur, which would have made it both warm and opulent. The hood’s plush rabbit fur lining is visibly worn with age, but you can still admire the softness and luxury it once lent to its original owner. Cloaks like this were commonly donned by Victorian women during travels, sleigh rides, or festive outings, like Christmas caroling. One could easily imagine it worn by an upper-class woman navigating the snow-covered streets of St. Louis to visit family or attend church.

The rabbit fur hand muff adds another layer of charm and sophistication to this ensemble. Hand muffs, popular throughout the 19th century, served not only as a means to keep hands warm but as a stylish statement piece. By the 1890s, these accessories were often given bold details like lace, ribbon, and embroidery, though this one remains relatively plain—a subtle detail suggesting it may have been owned by a practical yet elegant wearer.

I’ve photographed this set primarily to illustrate the clothing’s unique details, but also to evoke the function and beauty of these pieces in their historical context. The soft and heavy black velvet, paired with the plush rabbit fur, paints a vivid picture of what winter fashion would have been like in the late 19th century—a balance of practicality, formality, and opulence.

These garments represent a time when fashion was deeply reflective of societal norms and expectations, with even everyday outfits carrying a clear sense of social standing, femininity, and purpose. Victorian women often wore ensembles like these while observing the era’s rigid social customs, and any deviation from the expected “modest yet stylish” dress code could attract judgment or comment.

For the photo session, I shot pinup model Zizi Valentini and Asian model Akira separately. Their poses give a sense of the cloak’s fluid movement and how the garments would have been worn in action. While these pictures may not aim for perfection, they succeed in emphasizing the craftsmanship and structure of these antique clothing pieces. Standing in 21st-century light, they connect us to stories of Victorian winters gone by—the glitter of gas lamps reflecting off crisp snow, the sound of bells on a horse-drawn sleigh, and the warmth of fur-lined garments warding off the bitter cold.

This winter ensemble echoes an era where fashion was as much a symbol of self-expression as it was a practical necessity. Wearing a piece like this, one might imagine strolling through a bustling St. Louis Christmas market or joining a wintry carriage ride, wrapped in fine velvet and fur, exuding grace and warmth. Such clothing effortlessly merged function with artistry, offering a glimpse into the elaborate world of Victorian fashion design.

Wouldn’t you agree that pieces like these remind us of the timeless charm of the vintage aesthetic? Although time has worn some of their details, the craftsmanship and enduring appeal remain as striking as ever.

Stay tuned for more glimpses into history—and don’t forget to check out my vintage fashion shop for other one-of-a-kind treasures!