That dainty refined air of the Victorian woman…

.. in the early days of the 1840’s could be accomplished by wearing freshly laundered detachable white collars and false undersleeves called engageantes.  Both were made of delicate lacework.

(Portraits: Two women of 1845 of high fashion.  Note the looong pointed waist, lacework on collar, large sleeves, and in these – not ringlets.  This hair might be the more matronly look of the next Victorian era, but they sure look dainty and demure with those little smiles.)