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A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty Paperback – November 16, 2018

by Mimi Matthews (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 300 ratings
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"An elegant resource that I will be reaching for again and again." -Deanna Raybourn, New York Times bestselling author

"Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated...indispensable to anyone interested in the era." -Tasha Alexander, New York Times bestselling author
What did a Victorian lady wear for a walk in the park? How did she style her hair for an evening at the theatre? And what products might she have used to soothe a sunburn or treat an unsightly blemish? Mimi Matthews answers these questions and more as she takes readers on a decade-by-decade journey through Victorian fashion and beauty history. 

Women's clothing changed dramatically during the course of the Victorian era. Necklines rose, waistlines dropped, and Gothic severity gave way to flounces, frills, and an abundance of trimmings. Sleeves ballooned up and skirts billowed out. The crinoline morphed into the bustle and steam-moulded corsets cinched women's waists ever tighter. 

As fashion was evolving, so too were trends in ladies' hair care and cosmetics. An era which began by prizing natural, barefaced beauty ended with women purchasing lip and cheek rouge, false hairpieces and pomades, and fashionable perfumes made with expensive spice oils and animal essences. 

Using research from nineteenth century beauty books, fashion magazines, and lady's journals, Mimi Matthews brings the intricacies of a Victorian lady's toilette into modern day focus. In the process, she gives readers a glimpse of the social issues that influenced women's clothing and the societal outrage that was an all too frequent response to those bold females who used fashion and beauty as a means of asserting their individuality and independence.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    168 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Pen and Sword History
  4. Publication date
    November 16, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    6.1 x 0.5 x 9.2 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1526705044
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1526705044
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"It is extremely difficult to walk the tightrope between a book for the casual reader and a detailed reference for writers, but Mimi Matthews has done it! Illustrated with period fashion plates and broken down into chapters covering decades, specialty clothes, cosmetics, and hairdressing, A VICTORIAN LADY'S GUIDE TO FASHION AND BEAUTY is an elegant resource that I will be reaching for again and again." -Deanna Raybourn, New York Times bestselling author
"Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated, Mimi Matthews' A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty is indispensable to anyone interested in the era. Whether you're curious about scandalous cosmetics, intricate hair styles, or the countless challenges posed by enormous crinolines, this book will give you intriguing insight into the perils--and delights--these women faced in their quest to be fashionable." -Tasha Alexander, New York Times bestselling author
"Very nicely illustrated throughout, 'A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty' is arguably Mimi Matthew's best historical treatise/history to date and will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to both community and academic library English Victorian History & Culture collections and supplemental studies reading lists." -Midwest Book Review
"There is no doubt that Victorian fashions are among the most elegant and fascinating of all the various periods in British history. Mimi's book lays bare the secrets of how well-heeled Victorian ladies prepared themselves for social gatherings and engagements. Full of beautiful illustrations and a very readable text. Superb." -Books Monthly
"For all those who are interested in the evolution of Victorian women's fashion and the often secret beauty rituals of the age, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book...those rich descriptions of what people wear in nineteenth century romance novels have come alive for me after reading Matthews work, and I can start to appreciate historical period dramas on a whole new level. This book has really enriched my experience of nineteenth century culture." -My Inner Victorian
"Beautifully illustrated and well researched, Mimi Matthews book, A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty, will tell you everything you wanted to know about fashions of this time period." -The Geeky Bibliophile

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pen and Sword History (November 16, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 168 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1526705044
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1526705044
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.1 x 0.5 x 9.2 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 300 ratings

About the author

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Mimi Matthews

Mimi Matthews

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USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances, including The Siren of Sussex, a 2023 RUSA Reading List shortlist pick for Best Romance; Fair as a Star, a Library Journal Best Romance of 2020; Gentleman Jim, a Kirkus Best Book of 2020; and The Work of Art, winner of the 2020 HOLT Medallion and a 2021 Daphne du Maurier Award nominee. Mimi’s novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine.

In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. To learn more, please visit www.MimiMatthews.com

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
300 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Julie Arcand Arcand
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read!
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2024
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This was the perfectly written, succinct yet thorough, fashion history of the Victorian Era. I adore Georgette Heyer and new authors who depict thier characters either during or during and post Victorian eras, like the Amelia Peabody Emerson series and it is interesting to know how they dressed and viewed hair and make-up as opposed to the Austen Era. Great read!!
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Aisling D.
4.0 out of 5 stars If you're writing or costuming for the Victorian era, this is THE book to read
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2019
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When I bought this book, I knew just a few things about Victorian clothing and costuming... mostly from John Peacock's book, "Costume 1066 - 1990s" (a newer version probably exists).

I'd also read some Godey's Lady's magazines, and - of course - I've watched shows set in the Victorian era.

"A Victorian Lady's Guide" fills in ALL the gaps.

It's a high-quality book printed on almost-glossy paper, so you can see the details in the many (mostly b&w) illustrations from actual Victorian publications.

This book is organized into three parts. The first takes you through the Victorian era, decade by decade. It includes specific details of clothing, jewelry, and general appearance down to the smallest details.

Then you'll learn about dressing for every occasion, every season, and things like riding habits and wedding attire, maternity clothes, and so on.

The third section provides almost excruciating details about haircare, skin care, and so on.

Whether you're portraying the Victorian era in a book, in art, on the stage, or as a re-enactment, get your hands on this book. Ms. Matthews writes beautifully, with style and wit, and includes topics that had never crossed my mind... but now I'm glad I know about them.

Fascinating!
52 people found this helpful
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She Who Shall Remain Nameless
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly entertaining and informative read!
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2019
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What a highly entertaining and informative book on Victorian fashion and beauty! As much fun as it is to read about and look at pictures of the fashions from this era, I cannot help but be grateful that I live in present times. I hate wearing hats and gloves. My 30 inch waist would be crushed into a corset. The skirts of the early 1860’s required more fabric than it took for me to have my living room sofa reupholstered last spring! Although I must say, the Victorians never had to see people in their pajamas at airports and grocery stores! It’s seems that Empress Eugenie was the Victorian version of Kim Kardashian. Everyone looked to her and wanted to copy her fashion. My particular favorite period for fashion was the natural form era (1877-82). That and the tea gowns of the late 1870’s. Oddly enough though, I was surprised to learn that my penchant for wearing Italian intaglio jewelry was a popular trend in the 1880’s as well. I guess that everything comes back around eventually. The beauty section was informative too. I especially liked the raw meat masks that women wore at night. We can laugh all we want now but is it all that different from women today getting vampire facials? I can’t even laugh about the absurdities of their hair styles because I grew up in the eighties (shudder!). Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read that I heartily recommend purchasing in print form to better appreciate the illustrations.
43 people found this helpful
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A. Corral
3.0 out of 5 stars Fashion: Victorian Style
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2020
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Interesting. Not sure I’d like the hoops and corset but that was the fashion. Did not realize all the beauty treatments women used then. Overall, a good read if one is interested in history of fashion.
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Lynne M. Mikesh-Whitney
5.0 out of 5 stars I Really Enjoyed This Book!
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2021
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I really enjoyed reading this book! It was quite an entertaining, fascinating and sometimes cringe worthy (raw meat on your skin under a mask worn at night?! Ugh!) look at Victorian fashion, beauty products and regimes, social and societal mores, hair fashions and how they changed throughout the sixty year run of the Era. Well written and engaging, it was a great pleasure reading all about the various products, beliefs etc all of the Victorian Era and the good and bad changes it brought about both societally and socially in the lives of women of the Era.

Although social history really isn't a subject I have reached for in the past, this book DEFINITELY was an EXCELLENT read! Recommend!
2 people found this helpful
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Elizabeth West
4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Read
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2021
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The book is laid out sensibly and is very detailed and informative. It only suffers from having not nearly enough pictures to go with the descriptions
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Nichole Nord
5.0 out of 5 stars So well put together it hurts
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2024
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This was the exact idea I had for my grad thesis… but better. Danngit. I love it but it hurts.
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Linda C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2024
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This is a fun read that covers the customs, fashion and the makeup and cosmetics of the Victorian era. I found myself searching the internet for more images of the items discussed.
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Top reviews from other countries

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J M Webster
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, Lots of Fun to Read!
Reviewed in Canada on April 17, 2023
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This is both well written and well researched. Definatly worth buying if you have any interest in Women's Fashion in the 1800s!
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Stefano
5.0 out of 5 stars Un bel libro interessante
Reviewed in Italy on March 21, 2024
Verified Purchase
Ho acquistato questo libro per soddisfare la mia curiosità in materia, ammetto di non averlo ancora finito ma è molto dettagliato nelle descrizioni…forse avrei preferito un’edizione tradotta in italiano e le illustrazioni colorate ma personalmente non penso siano difetti…leggere in inglese può aiutare con la lingua e le illustrazioni in b/n servono a farsi un’idea sul testo che si legge. Sono contento dell’acquisto!
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Omega Alpha
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book - a great read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 1, 2024
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This boom has been really useful - I wanted to know more about Victorian clothing and fashions and this book has it all. It's a super read and anybody interested in the Victorian period would find it useful and very interesting.
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L
4.0 out of 5 stars Fashion!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 14, 2023
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This book was full of fascinating history and well sourced historical material. However, the pictures in the paperback were often extremely small or of poor quality which was a shame as I would have loved to have seen them at a larger size.
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Wisconsion Winter
5.0 out of 5 stars Love learning about the fashion
Reviewed in Canada on November 13, 2019
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Reading this book has given me even more fodder for my imagination when reading Victorian novels, I can actually visualize what they are wearing etc. Find it very interesting!
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