Between 1850 and 1889, women’s hats transformed from modest bonnets to increasingly elaborate and expressive creations. Early in the period, bonnets with narrow brims and soft silhouettes framed the face, often trimmed with velvet ribbons or feathers. As fashion evolved, hats became more structured and decorative—featuring high crowns, wide brims, and lavish embellishments like artificial flowers, lace, and entire bird plumes. By the 1880s, hats sat atop elaborate hairstyles and reflected the opulence of late Victorian style, blending artistry with social symbolism.