"From lace to long sleeves to subtle corsetry, my Victorian-inspired gowns incorporate these elements in small doses mixed with an ethereal quality to keep it all feeling dreamlike yet wearable." Wearing white also became more common during this time period, and Queen Victoria herself is actually believed to be responsible for starting the trend
This autumn-winter 2025-2026, one of the most evident nods to that aesthetic is the double-height skirt a resource that transforms the dress into an exercise in textile architecture
Cool shades of light pink or deep romantic tones are a great look as well
Follow Kara on Instagram @kara.kia Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan , writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet
Pair this look with brown wingtips or Oxfords if youre heading to a dressier event, or try it out with boots or loafers for a more relaxed look
Awash with sparkle from head to toe, this rhinestone mesh maxi stars a sleek silhouette, with an edgy cut-out and side split to match