LadiesQueen Victoria reigned for 64 years; 1837 – 1901. During this time there were three main fashion styles for women. In the 1840’s the skirts were bell shaped, with a low pointed waist. Evening dresses were off the shoulder. The bell-shaped skirts were created by wearing multiple petticoats. Shawls and capes were fashionable and large bonnets were worn outdoors. The 1850’s bell shaped skirts were supported by crinoline petticoats instead of multitudes of petticoats. Large bonnets were popular and worn over hair styled into buns at the back of the head, or side coils from a centre parting, and ringlets on the side of the head. During the 1870’s the skirt emphasis changed to the back of the skirt with long trains and fabric draped up into bustles. Jackets were fitted, and hats were small and worn titled forward. Leg-o-mutton sleeves, wide shoulders, A-line skirts with some fullness at the rear and occasionally masculine styling were all the vogue in the 1890’s. Hats were small or wide with lots of trimming worn squarely on top of the head.
The Victorian Wardrobe
Creative Victorian Outfitters
The largest and finest collection of Victorian styled clothing for hire anywhere in New Zealand.
Located in Oamaru's Heritage Precinct, the Victorian Wardrobe is a non-profit clothing hire service run by knowledgeable and friendly volunteers who can help anyone achieve their desired Victorian look, regardless of age, gender, and size.
There are thousands of items of Victorian apparel and accessories, including children's clothes, to choose from, including dresses, ball gowns, skirts and trousers, jackets, capes, hats, suits, vests and accessories. You are very welcome to pop into The Victorian Wardrobe, where the staff can help you choose a single item or a full Victorian ensemble for the Victorian Heritage Celebrations or for other themed events.
Heritage Celebrations 13 - 17 November 2025
Immerse yourself in the fun of Oamaru's Heritage Celebrations by dressing in Victorian styled costumes from the Victorian Wardrobe.
Book a time to try on some costumes, so you know you'll be dressed for the occasion!
Email:
thevictorianwardrobe4b@yahoo.com
Phone:
DAWN - 03 4395726 or 0274267930
Opening Hours:
Thursdays 10am-4pm
Sundays 10-2pm (From 1 October to Easter)
Heritage Celebrations Week -
10 - 19 November 2024:
open daily 10-4pm
Other times by appointment
Find us at:
4B Harbour Street
Historic Precinct
Oamaru
Photoshoot / Costume Hire
Photoshoot $40 per person Costume Hire $95 per person
Price may vairy depending on the type of hire
GentlemenDuring the 1840’s men wore tight trousers and waistcoats, shirts with upstanding collars and large bow ties. Frock coats were fashionable. Hair was worn longer, and sideburns were very popular. The bowler hat was invented around 1850 but was generally seen as working class. Top hats were favoured by the upper class. By the 1870’s collars were stiff with the tips turned down into wings. Jackets and waistcoats were buttoned high on the chest. Clean-shaven men were rare. Throughout the 1890’s creases at the front of trousers and wing collars were still fashionable. Coats and jackets were generally a darker colour while trousers were often a lighter colour or even plaid.
ChildrenBoys wore short dresses until about 4 years of age, when they started being dressed in long loose trousers with a long flared tunic. Then, until they were about 10 years old, they wore knickerbockers and collarless jackets that fastened at the neck. Sailor suits were popular in the 1880’s. Both boys and girls wore ankle boots. Girls wore short dresses finishing just under the knee, gradually becoming longer with full volume in the skirt. When they turned 18 their skirts became full length, and their hair was worn up in a bun.
The Victorian Wardrobe is staffed by volunteers who have made many of the costumes that are available for hire.
Extra help is always welcomed and sewing skills are not absolutely necessary.
If you would like to know more, visit us at The Victorian Wardrobe, check out our Facebook page, or contact the Wardrobe Mistress.
Dawn Sutherland, Wardrobe Mistress
Email: | thevictorianwardrobe4b@yahoo.com |
Phone: | DAWN - 03 4395726 or 0274267930 |
FB Page: | |
Location: | 4b Harbour Street, Oamaru |
Behind the scenes ...
Victorian Heritage Celebrations
Take a look at some behind the scenes moments, captured by Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebration Committee's official photographer, LIz Cadogan.
