The 19th Century Dresses Come Out for their Close ups Today's DAR Death Becomes Her: A Century of Mourning Attire CNN 19th Century Victorian Gothic Masquerade Ball Gown Black Lace Baroque Long Bustle Dress Halloween Costume When did wearing black become fashionable? While a little black dress is a classic now, the shade was not always considered chic. For most of the 19th century, black clothing was reserved