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Writer's pictureCathy Borg

Organizing Your Wardrobe Like Queen Victoria

Updated: May 20



Painting of Queen Victoria's Dressing Room




Dearest Readers,

A singular honour has been bestowed upon me – the meticulous organization of Her Majesty Queen Victoria's vast wardrobe! You need not fret, for I, your royal professional organizer, shall transform this sartorial sprawl into a haven worthy of a queen. Mark my words, this shall be a most fascinating and, dare I say, illuminating task!


 Transforming Your Wardrobe: Seasonal and Functional Organization Inspired by Queen Victoria

Gone are the days of frantic searches through overflowing chambers!  Her Majesty's garments shall reside in a meticulously arranged collection of wardrobes, each designated for a specific purpose and ensuring effortless accessibility.



Photo of Queen Victorian in formal dress with train

The Grand Ball Gallery: Formal Attire for Every Season

It is difficult to imagine a more magnificent sight than a wardrobe devoted solely to formal wear.  Floor-length gowns of rich velvet and shimmering satin will hang regally, categorized by both colour and season.

  • Summer Soirees: Cool, lightweight silks in refreshing hues.

  • Winter Balls:  The warmth of heavier fabrics in jewel tones.

In order to protect against dust and fading exposure to sunlight, each gown shall be carefully spaced to prevent creasing.


a painting of 3 pretty Victorian ladies wearing long day dresses

The Day Dress Delights: Organized for Every Season's Soiree

A separate wardrobe shall house the charming collection of day dresses.  We will meticulously arrange these garments according to function, sleeve length, and weight for afternoon teas and courtly duties.

  • Imagine, dear readers, the ease of selecting:

  • The perfect cotton frock for a summer garden party.

  • A lightweight wool dress for a brisk autumnal stroll.

  • A warmer option with long sleeves for winter court appearances.


Beyond the Ballroom: Specialized Storage

Her Majesty's wardrobe extends beyond the grand balls and social gatherings. Let's explore dedicated storage solutions for specific needs.


painting of Victorian lady in equestrian dress and hat beside her horse

Equestrian Elegance Unveiled: Riding Habits Ready for Adventure

Her Majesty's equestrian pursuits deserve their own dedicated space.  A sturdy wardrobe shall hold a collection of riding habits, crafted from the finest wool for both comfort and durability.  These will be readily accessible, ensuring Her Majesty can prepare for a morning ride through the royal grounds with ease.  Matching hats and gloves will be stored alongside their respective habits, all meticulously arranged and ready for adventure!




Mourning attire: black dress, hat gloves

Respectful Care for Mourning Attire

A separate wardrobe compartment shall be dedicated to mourning attire.  Black dresses and cloaks, crafted from subdued fabrics, will be neatly arranged and readily accessible during times of grief.


A look at undergarments and beyond: Preserving the foundations

A well-organized wardrobe extends beyond the outward garments. Let's see how undergarments and sentimental pieces are cared for.


Victorian Corsets

Undergarment Emporium: Delicate Care for Essential Layers

Delicate chemises, stockings, and corsets necessitate special care.  These undergarments, the foundation of any proper outfit, shall reside in a designated chest of drawers, lined with soft muslin to prevent snags and tears.  Cedarwood compartments will house more delicate undergarments, offering a natural defense against moths and preserving their pristine condition.


Documenting Sentimental Garments for Generations: Preserving History

Organizing Her Majesty's wardrobe is more than just a practical task; it's a historical journey!  Certain garments may hold sentimental value – a coronation gown, perhaps, or a shawl gifted by Prince Albert.  These treasures will be documented and stored with the utmost care, ensuring they are preserved for generations to come.


painting of Queen Victoria in her coronation gown

Organizing Your Wardrobe like Queen Victoria and The Timeless Legacy of Organization


While the specific details of Her Majesty's wardrobe may differ, the underlying principles of the organization remain universally applicable.  So if you want to organize your wardrobe like Queen Victoria, take inspiration from this royal approach, dear readers!  Categorize your garments by function and season, store and preserve them between use, and utilize storage solutions that promote accessibility.  With a little planning and a touch of creativity, you too can transform your closet into a haven of organized elegance!


Until next time,

Your Royal Organizer


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6 comentários


Julie Bestry
Julie Bestry
20 de mai.

What a fun post! I'm more of a Regency gal than a Victorian, but impeccable closet organization is important for every era, even our own. While I have far fewer items of formal attire than a Victorian (and no mourning clothes at all), and my day dresses are blue jeans and v-neck tee shirts, I appreciate the robust attention to detail here!

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Cathy Borg
Cathy Borg
20 de mai.
Respondendo a

Thank you, Julie. It was one of those posts i felt driven to write. It was so much fun.

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Linda Samuels
Linda Samuels
20 de mai.

Your post reminds me of a memorable experience I had in high school. One summer, I apprenticed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. While my internship was based in the slide library, each week, the interns got a private behind-the-scenes tour from the curators of the various departments. One of my favorites was the tour of the Costume Department and their storage/restoration facility. It was incredible.


I wasn't a professional organizer at the time, but I remember being completely taken by the organization, the labeled drawers, and the care that went into storing and preserving their amazing collection.

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Cathy Borg
Cathy Borg
20 de mai.
Respondendo a

What a wonderful summer job. COSTUME RESTORATION IS A SCIENCE AND AN ART.

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smqorgadm
20 de mai.

Interesting post! While I don't have a formal entire, I do find that organizing by events works well for me. Have a section for workout wear, work clothes, and dressier clothing, sleepwear, just to name a few.

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Cathy Borg
Cathy Borg
20 de mai.
Respondendo a

Yes, I do that in my own closet. I have my workout clothes in a satchel ready to go. My swim suit goggles and cap together in a swimwear drawer. Ihave a sleepwear drawer and so on. Thank you for commenting.

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