2.  The influence of national features in dress in Europe had been declining since about 1675 and by 1800, fashionable dress design had become international. The character of the feminine wardrobe stemmed from Paris, the masculine from London.  Until about 1820 women's dress continued to reflect styles initiated by the French  Ladies wore:  Lose, draped, high-wasted gowns in white colors.  The 1830s brought back more color, a tighter waistline at a more natural level. Fuller, shorter skirts, leg-of-mutton sleeves, large-brimmed hats or bonnets also became a norm.  1840 & onward was dominated by a restrictive corset & framework underskirt.  The fullness of the skirt was at first achieved by adding more layers of petticoats, leading to the crinoline petticoat of 1850.  By 1856 the weight of the crinoline and the petticoats became unbearable, and the cage crinoline was invented.  In the 1860s, the shape of the crinoline changed into that of the rear bustle, which was fashionable in the 1870s and '80s.

3.  In general, the styles of the late 19th century were elegant but not easy to wear. They restricted movement with their multiple layers, intricate decoration, and sheer quantity of material.

4.  The Fauntleroy suit for boys became the style during Victoria’s reign.  Consisted of a detailed laced collar with a smock that hung down passed the knee. Black stockings were worn with this outfit & later white were worn.  Buster Brown suits was worn between the ages of 5 & 8, sometimes at older ages. This style became popular near the end of the Victorian era.  Men were always seen wearing the best attire.  Wool evening tail coat, double breasted suit & a top hat.