Victorian Naturalist

What a Victorian amature naturalist might have worn circa 1869-1871.



Inspiration & Resources

Useful Books & Links Arnold, Janet. Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomen's Dresses and Their Construction c.1860-1940. Drama Book Publishers, 1977.

Hunnisett, Jean. Period Costume for Stage & Screen: Patterns for Women's Dress 1800-1909. Players Press, Inc., 1991.

Related Blog Posts

Victorian Naturalist Inspiration

Victorian Naturalist Inspiration

As some of you may know, one of my upcoming projects is a Victorian natural historian. This will be my twist on steampunk. No gears here, just lots of neat accessories - antique microscopes and slides, field guides and journals, specimen jars and a magnifying glass.
Naturalist Skirt Finished

Victorian Naturalist Skirt Finished

Despite an injured arm, I did manage to draft a pattern for my Victorian Naturalist skirt and get the skirt to wearable state this week.
Let's Talk Accessories

Let's Talk Accessories

I have to admit that I’ve gone a bit accessory-happy with this outfit. I’ve spent way too much time and probably too much money scouring eBay for the perfect additions to my outfit. I have found some really cool stuff, both antique and modern. In fact, I have so much stuff that I’m going to have to break it up into several posts. To accessorize this outfit my rule of thumb has been “what would a naturalist carry in the field?”
Victorian Naturalist Accessories: Microscope and Slides

Victorian Naturalist Accessories: Microscope and Slides

Continuing the series, the next accessory I picked up for my Victorian naturalist outfit is a really cool antique field microscope and set of antique microscope slides.
Victorian Naturalist Accessories: Specimen Jars and Spyglass

Victorian Naturalist Accessories: Specimen Jars and Spyglass

The next few accessories I have to show you aren’t antique, but they were so perfect for my naturalist costume that I couldn’t pass them up.
Finished Victorian Naturalist Blouse and Skirt

Finished Victorian Naturalist Blouse and Skirt

Way back in September, I finished the blouse for my Victorian naturalist, but because I’m lazy it took me almost 2 months to make the buttonholes and sew on the buttons. This is what happens when I don’t have a deadline. ;)
Victorian Naturalist Jewelry

Victorian Naturalist Jewelry

Ok, let’s talk Victorian Naturalist jewelry. I have a few pieces I've collected over the past year which will work perfectly for my outfit.
Costume College Friday: Victorian Naturalist

Costume College Friday – Victorian Naturalist

After Sara and I taught our class on Friday at Costume College, we changed into our Victorian naturalist or explorer outfits to have quick photo shoot in the wilderness behind the Woodland Hills Marriot.