19 Stylish Period Dresses to Buy Right Now

Fashion might have gone, like, totally 80s, but it has also gone much further back in time to the Victorian period. Given the number of period dresses on the streets at the Fall 2019 shows, it sometimes looked like 1850, but with cutting-edge technology and belt bags. Their popularity could be an effect of Victoria (it’s not just about The Crown) coupled with a reaction against everything hyper-modern. Designers dove deep into fashion history and are referencing various looks from the Victorian period. The silhouettes include earlier gowns with Bertha necklines (deep, wide collars) and expansive skirts to the high-neck, buttoned-up styles we often think of in terms of Victoriana.

Period dresses on the recent runways. — Erdem Spring 2018, Simone Rocha Spring 2019, Brock Collection Spring 2019; Images: Imaxtree

On the runways, Erdem, Alexander McQueen, Simone Rocha and Brock Collection captured the essence of the period in chic styles that modern women want to wear. The latest versions feature telltale nipped waists, full skirts, delicate embellishment and statement sleeves, but they definitely aren’t the cumbersome styles of yore. There are no caged crinolines to deal with. Styles have often been subverted in the ultimate modern move with sheer fabrics, lack of linings and higher hemlines. You can style period dresses with the same less-rigid approach. Play around with shorter hemlines, more skin and a few undone buttons. Team a maxi Victorian dress with jeans and a sports bra. Balance the frock with chunky sneakers or ugly sandals. The end goal isn’t to look like you’ve stepped out of a period piece so hold the bonnet and bustle. Click through the gallery above to shop Victorian-inspired dresses that capture that vintage feeling and save us having to scour flea markets for authentic finds.

[ Next: Puffed Sleeves Are the Drama Your Wardrobe Needs ]

Everyone Is Wearing Period Dresses

Sister Jane

Midaxi Dress in Vintage Print, $130 at ASOS
Simone Rocha

Oversized Broderie Anglaise-Trimmed Cotton Dress, $1,125 at Net-a-Porter
& Other Stories

Recycled Polyester Lace Midi Dress, $219 at & Other Stories
Free People

Shiny Oasis Midi Dress in Ultra Violet, $170 at Free People
Self Portrait

Appliquéd Lace-Trimmed Chiffon Dress, $430 at Net-a-Porter
Alice McCall

Moon Talking Gown, $750 at Alice McCall
Endless Summer

Jayma Midi Dress in Agave Silk, $108 at Free People
Urban Outfitters

Salem Sheer Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress, $99 at Urban Outfitters
Mango

Gathered Details Dress, $90.99 at Mango
Ganni

Lace Mini Dress, $280 at Net-a-Porter
Frye

Alley Tunic Dress, $298 at Anthropologie
LoveShackFancy

Stacy Duster, $475 at LoveShackFancy
Rahi

Staycation Lace Dress, $128 at Shopbop
Reclaimed Vintage

Inspired Mini Dress With Puff and Ruched Sleeve Detail, $30.50 at ASOS
Sea

Poppy Pintuck Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $485 at Nordstrom
Needle & Thread

Cinderella Dress, $542 at Needle & Thread
Keepsake

Higher Lace Dress, $185 at Shopbop
Ted Baker

Hhariet Fortune Lace Trim Maxi Dress, $307 at Ted Baker
Topshop

Ivory Broderie Frill Midi Dress, $125 at Topshop