The Victorian era, which lasted from 1837 to 1901, was a time when strict ideas about gender roles influenced how people dressed. Here are some key changes in fashion during that time:

1. Women's Clothing:

• In the 1850s, the crinoline was introduced. This was a framework that made women’s skirts very wide, often measuring around 6 to 8 feet across.
• By the late 1870s, the bustle became popular. This changed the shape of skirts, making them fit closely around the waist and flaring out at the back.

2. Men's Fashion:

• The three-piece suit became the norm by the 1860s. This outfit usually had a jacket, trousers, and a waistcoat (a kind of vest).
• Another trend was the frock coat, which had a neat and tailored shape.

3. Textile Innovations:

• New inventions in making fabrics, like the sewing machine created in 1846, made it easier to produce clothes in large amounts. By the late 1800s, this led to a 90% increase in the number of clothes available.
• The introduction of synthetic dyes changed the way colors were used in clothing. By the 1880s, there were over 40 different colors for people to choose from.

4. Accessories:

• Many women wore corsets, which helped create a narrow waist and an hourglass shape. By the 1880s, about 80% of women were using corsets.
• Hats also became more decorative. Women’s hats were especially fancy and showed off their social status and fashion sense.

In summary, fashion changes during the Victorian era showed and enforced traditional gender roles, with women’s styles focusing on femininity and men’s styles symbolizing power.