Victorian Era Clothing for Less

If you're anything like me, you like the Victorian aesthetic, but you can't afford to pay $300 for a full outfit. Whether you want the outfit for a faire, a reenactment, Halloween, or just for everyday use, if you can save money, you can spend it on other things. I've found some ways to make victorian outfits for less.

1. Learn to Sew - While not always necessary, this is a very good idea for any alternative style. Even if it's just learning how to make alterations such as hemming a skirt or taking in a waist, it's not a bad idea to learn. Fellow Hubber Judith Rizzo has an article on making Costumes on a budget that goes into more details about the sewing aspect.
2. Shop at Thrift Stores - It can take time to find what you need, but thrift stores are an excellent tool in putting together a Victorian outfit. You have two options for a thrift store, you can look for items that you can alter to make look Victorian, or you can look for simple, basic pieces that can be used for any number of Victorian or non-Victorian outfits. I once found a perfect flowy striped skirt that so far I have worn with a Victorian outfit as well as a gypsy outfit. Pieces like this are perfect for the Victorian look on a budget!
3. Find Timeless Pieces - There are some styles of clothing that can be worn for a Victorian outfit or with modern clothing. Button down tops in any color are perfect, basic vests, blazers, full, loose-fitting skirts, and full length fishtail skirts are all styles that were common in the Victorian era that can be found today.
4. Corsets are a Woman's Staple - Victorian women wore corsets with everything, and an easy way to make an outfit look more Victorian is to invest in a corset. You can read my article on corset style as well as where you can find a good corset online. If you can't afford to buy more than a few, buy one in a simple, plain pattern, that will go with multiple outfits. I would suggest a neutral colour (black, brown, white or grey), in either an under-bust or an over-bust with no discernible pattern.
5. Visit Bidding Sites - Such as eBay and goodwill, you can find vintage clothing for less than if you bought it new, and can get some great deals. However, these don't always have the best selection, but if you check regularly, you can find something you want. Beware on ebay of new sellers, and always remember to check their feedback and ratings.
6. Buy Handmade - Websites such as Etsy offer handmade items, while some of them can be expensive since they are handmade, there is also the Alchemy option, where you can custom order an outfit and set your price range.
7. Shop Around - The last option, if you're having a hard time finding what you want, is to shop online through Victorian and neo-Victorian clothing sellers. The most popular is Gentlemen's Emporium, which offers authentic reproductions. You can check out my other articles for other places to find Victorian clothing.

Have fun finding your perfect Victorian outfit!