Bella's Gowns
While they were beautiful, were Bella's ball gowns period appropriate? I've always imagined Victorian women in high necklines and long sleeves. Bella's evening gowns were low-cut and off the shoulder.
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I don't know if you are still looking for an answer, but I have one: Bella's costumes were appropriate to the period. Charles Dickens' novel was published in 1865. I am an American Civil War Re-enactor, and pretty much know what men and women were wearing in the 1860s.
The Victorian time period ran from 1837 until 1901. There were many changes in fashion during that period. Bella's dresses in this movie fit the 1860s time period. The tight-fitting bodice with the high neck and the long sleeves came much later -- 1880s-1900s. What Bella wore was appropriate to the 1860s.