Bustle skirts and dresses first gained popularity in the 19th century and are known for their signature shape, an excessive fullness at the back. Women were even known to accentuate their hips more with padded cushions. The bouncy and flurry feminine form created a high-drama silhouette that swayed with every step.
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| The Victorian bustle dresses (Wikimedia Commons) |
The Bustle Then…
Typically Victorian, bustles (1870s - 1880s) consisted of fancifully tiered ruffle designs that made them uber-voluminous. They were cumbersome and difficult to wear and came with adjustable drawstrings placed beneath layers and layers of fabric that required adjustment (depending on the bustle and drape desired). Combined with the cushion padding, wearing them must have been nightmarish!
An English woman's bustle - 1885 (Wikimedia Commons)
The Bustle Now...
The Victorian-style bustle isn’t just a thing of the past. They are making a bold comeback as fashion designers and costume lovers are reinventing this iconic look with modern ease and versatility. And because bustle skirts are about volume, movement, and drama, today's offer a vintage vibe that still manages to feel feminine and chic with a dash of playfulness.
The 21st-century interpretation comes tiered, but with zipper closures at the waist that make it easy to slip on and off.
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Spectacular modern styles of vintage-inspired bustle skirts with fancy-tiered ruffles. |
How to Style a Modern Bustle Skirt
Wearing the bustle skirt isn't only for themed parties, Halloween, or period dramas. You can wear one for special events, weddings, award nights, or any event where you want to show-off your vintage glamour.
To pull it off as a vintage-inspired style:
1. Choose a flattering top.
Bustle skirts look amazing with bustiers that will cinch the waist to balance out the skirt’s volume.
2. Try a steel-boned corset.
Corsets provide structure and shape. You can opt for ones with front busk closures and lace-up backs for a timeless fit.
3. Experiment with drawstrings.
Many modern bustle skirts have built-in ties under the fabric where you can adjust the height and fullness of the bustle skirt, as you wish. For a dramatic look, cinch them up, and for a downward flow, loosen the ties.
4. Go for the easy-wear version.
Unlike the original versions, today’s skirts often come with zipper closures or stretch waists for comfort and quick changes.
Why 21st-Century Ladies Love Them
Today's interpretation of the bustle is equally as spectacular as it was 150 years ago. So why do modern women like them so?
- They’re bold, unique, and body-celebrating.
- Modern versions are easy to wear, and they are stylish.
- You can dress them up or go full vintage fantasy.
The bustle brings vintage-inspired drama into any ensemble with a fresh, wearable twist. Whether you go fully formal or mix it into your casual style, they’re guaranteed to turn heads.
Embrace the unique flair and make the look a signature.
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