Fashion Late 1800s in Italy

Italy's dress followed the general European stylistic trends of the time. The late 1800s saw the revival of Italian fashion, which had declined after the 1600s. The end of the century saw the founding of many of the fashion houses that have become institutions in the 21st century, such as Bulgari. However, late 1800s Italian dress resembled the rest of Western Europe, with the French, English and Italian all melding their fashions into one that was more uniform.

Women's Bustle Silhouettes Bustles were used to expand the back of the voluptuous dresses worn by women in the late 1800s in Italy. The late 1800s saw the shape of the bustle change from the popular bell-shape to flattening out on both the front and the sides. In the 1870s the bustle became an enlarged bump over the bottom of the wearer, allowing the dress to go over it and then fall straight to the floor.

Women's Bodices Though the bodice was discarded in the first half of the 19th century, it re-emerged in the late 1800s. The bodice would hug the body from the chest to the top of the hips. The Princess Line bodices used in the late 1800s were longer than their predecessors, creating an elongated look to the waist while keeping it tiny. By the very end of the 19th century, bodices were reaching down to the upper parts of the thighs.

Men's Clothing Men's clothing in the late 1800s changed to accommodate the Industrial Revolution. Disposable cuffs and collars became available and bows became replaced by ties that began to resemble those worn in the 20th century. The sack coats that began to appear in the late 1800s were defined by their boxy look, long nature and large sleeves. Trousers were the standard pant worn, and came in a variety of patterns and fell to the foot.

The Early 1800s: When Napoleon proclaimed himself emperor in 1804, he decided to restore the grandeur of Versailles. He called Leroy, a popular tailor of the rich and famous, to his court to consult on matters of fashion. It wasn’t long before Leroy was known as an authority on design. Once again women’s clothes were decorated with trimmings and laces, and men turned to embroidery military uniforms and short, knee-length culottes. Napoleon wanted his court to look superb, and at the same time establish a successful textile industry. His court donned clothing such as cashmere, satin and velvet created in Italian and French factories.

Women’s Garments: Women’s dresses were designed with a high waist under the bosom, and low round or square necklines, and sleeves came in different shapes. Some were short and worn with long gloves past the elbows, and some were long with padded puffs. Hems were decorated with light ruffs, and colorful embroidery.   The seam between the bodice and skirt was covered by trimmings, or embroidered belts held with pins. It was fashionable to cover women’s shoulders with a cashmere shawl to keep warm, and give an added touch of decoration to the dress. Women wore leather or cloth slippers for shoes and leather boots.

Men’s Garments: Men’s clothing continued to be fashioned after the English style consisting of trousers and a short jacket. Pins and other decorations were worn on the collars and ties. Men wore leather shoes and boots. Nobels wore leather shoes with buckles, and some peasants wore wooden clogs.

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