Hello sweet friends! Welcome to a historical edition of Fashion Friday and this year’s Wearing of the Green. It is An 1890’s Victorian Sporting Outfit.
An 1890’s Victorian Sporting Outfit
A few weeks ago I gave a presentation on Victorian Botany to UNT art students. As it was a Zoom class I transformed my green hutch into a festive backdrop.
I wanted to make the students smile and decided to create era-appropriate attire.
So first came a bit of research as the Victorian’s dressed for every occasion.
This look is quite fashionable for the botanist gardener at home.
Sporting gear would vary based on the activity.
The Glass of Fashion, July 1898
For hiking, bicycling and other outdoor pursuits mid-length skirts and short jackets were perfect.
The Delineator 1897.
Don’t forget your boater hat and a sturdy pair of boots!
The Pattern
In looking for a short jacket with leg o mutton sleeves I found just the thing, Butterick 6537. I made view A and just shortened the skirt quite a bit.
I would classify the skirt pattern as a beginner to intermediate. The jacket requires intermediate sewing skills. 
The Fabric
The green vintage corduroy fabric was a gift from my friend Michele. For those who are curious yes, corduroy has been a type of fabric for many centuries. It comes from corde du Roi (French, the cord of the King) which was a type of waled velvet. The width of the cord is commonly referred to as the size of the “wale”.
A wide wale corduroy was used as an accent fabric on this 1880’s dress.
As the fabric is quite durable it was often used in outdoor clothing.
Narrow wale corduroy, specifically, could be found at the time. Here it is used as a hem stabilizer on this gorgeous dress.
Details, Details
I wanted to add a bit of interest to the jacket and thought that some short antique pieces of lace, that I found in France a few years ago, would work beautifully.
The enamel acorn pin is vintage and found at an estate sale for $2.
I did add a cotton organdy ruffle in the interior of the top of the sleeve head so that they would stay true “Puffed Sleeves”.
Wearing Of The Green
This is now my fifth wearing of the green creation.
Now, I’m just going to let the photographs do the talking.
This Week’s Video
You can see the outfit in action in this week’s short video.
If you wish to view the video in a larger format just click on the black box in the lower left hand corner that says Watch on YouTube.
Your green corduroy outfit is beautiful! I love the hat and boots to accessorize it. As soon as I saw the photo it reminded me of drawings in my book of ‘Anne of Green Gables’. With her red hair Anne was often dressed in green and browns. (although she secretly longed for pink). The puffed sleeves were so desirable and Matthew made sure she had the perfect gown with the puffiest of sleeves.
Thank you for sharing your lovely green outfits and always being so creative to find another way to tip your hat to St Paddy’s Day!
You are amazing! I just can’t imagine making something like this. So talented but also you are so FUN! Always make me smile!
love it! you are amazing and fun!
You look very sporting indeed! Love the color and corduroy.
Laura, that is so adorable! I love the touches of lace & the green corduroy. Corduroy is one of my favorite classic fabrics. That pattern worked perfectly for your outfit. I just used that pattern to make my black walking skirt! I’m sure the student enjoyed your presentation!
You might be interested in my friend Judith Summer’s works on Historical botany. Look her up!