Middle-class women emulated the styles of the upper class but used more affordable materials and tailored their own clothing. They followed fashion trends through magazines like The Delineator and Godey’s Lady’s Book. Victorian society placed significant emphasis on decorum and modesty. Women’s clothing was designed to cover most of the body, including long sleeves and high necklines, adhering to strict societal expectations. Makeup was minimal or avoided entirely, as natural beauty was considered a virtue. Instead, a woman’s health and complexion were highlighted through proper grooming and the use of subtle beauty products like rosewater or beeswax-based balms.
