During the Victorian and Edwardian eras, stockings were both practical garments and subtle expressions of style. Typically made from silk, cotton, or wool, they featured patterns like stripes, checks, or delicate embroidery - often hidden beneath long skirts but cherished nonetheless. Held up by garters or hose supporters, these stockings lacked modern elastic and required careful fastening. While black and white were common, fashionable women also embraced soft pastels or bold hues for evening wear, making stockings a quiet yet elegant detail of daily dress.