1. Crinoline:
* Characterized by a vast bell-shaped skirt supported by steel hoops underneath.
* Most prominent in the early years of the Civil War, but began to decline by 1864.
2. Bustle:
* Gained popularity towards the later stages of the Civil War, featuring padding or fabric at the back of the waist to accentuate the lower back and hips.
* It began to replace the crinoline as a predominant trend.
3. Day Dresses:
* For everyday wear, women adopted looser and more comfortable day dresses, reflecting the social and economic shifts brought on by the Civil War.
* Designs prioritized practicality and utilized less elaborate fabrics due to material shortages and wartime constraints.
4. Workwear and Volunteer Uniforms:
* With many men away at war, women often took up various jobs and roles in agriculture, industry, and nursing.
* Their clothing adapted accordingly, with sturdier fabrics, simpler cuts, and functional details such as aprons or pockets.
5. Mourning attire:
* Both North and South, mourning attire was integral due to the immense human losses suffered during the Civil War.
* Black clothing, veils, and specific jewelry were worn to denote a period of mourning.
6. Evening Dresses:
* Evening dresses were still elaborate, featuring off-the-shoulder bodices, wide skirts, and luxurious fabrics, but they too were subject to wartime resource limitations.
7. Accessories:
* Hats, bonnets, gloves, shawls, and parasols continued to be important accessories, though their ornamentation became somewhat restrained.
8. Footwear:
* Women's shoes featured medium heels, decorative buttons or buckles, and ankle-high designs.
Overall, the fashion of the period reflected the changing circumstances and needs of women during the American Civil War, balancing elements of practicality, elegance, and mourning amidst a time of great social upheaval and personal sacrifice.