.. positions in life, and lifestyles wore some version of the same high fashion design. Of course, it started with the corset, but accessories and fit of the dress varied.
(Photos: two Victorian women of the early 1840’s with the collar, sleeves, and hair indicative of the time. Note the fan – not only functional in warm climates, but used as a sort of “language” like it had been in the 18th century)