Clothing Sale Vendors Bring Victorian Era Back to Northville

People are flocking to Mill Race Village in search of the perfect ensemble for the Victorian Festival next week.

Hats, skirts, blouses, pins, knickers and more are on display and available for purchase through Saturday at the Victorian clothing sale.

Women from that era fussed over their hats in the way modern women obsess about their shoes. There was one basic rule rule of thumb, said Leanie Bayle, proprietor of the J. M. Mead General Store at Mill Race Village.

"The wider your skirt, the narrower the brim of your hat. Or vice versa," she said.

Hats are available in all varieties from ornate with feathers, lace and birds to simple bonnets worn by working class women. Shoppers can also buy pre-coordinated outfits or pick and choose to their taste. 

"A $7 shirt plus a $15 skirt would be about $22, if you picked out the outfit," said Jenifer Ernst, a vendor at the sale.

Embellished dresses with skirts and bustles, like the beige number in the photos above, are priced between $150 and $250.

Ernst's items, which she purchases from Tennessee, also include women's skirts from $8 to $18, jewelry, ornate fans and children's clothing. A girl's blouse, skirt and bonnet combination will cost about $25. A girl's dress and bonnet will run for about $45.

Men and boy's Victorian clothing is more subtle. Grey and black were popular colors, said Donna Laby, also a vendor at the sale. They always wore suspenders and collared shirts, and the boys wore knickers, she said.

The sale continues through Saturday at Mill Race Village, and there is a $2 admission fee per adult. Note that some vendors may not accept checks or credit cards.

What are you wearing to the Victorian Festival next week? Tell us in the comments.