She’s a Party Like 1899

Adelaide Beeman White from Oregon has been turning heads with her unique fashion sense, reminiscent of the late 19th century.

Rather than donning a typical suit, the 27-year-old associate attorney opts for a long, handmade skirt paired with oversized sleeves, feathered hats, and elaborate umbrellas, all echoing the Victorian style. “I feel like I’m stuck very firmly around 1893-98,” she shared with a local outlet. “I just adore that period because the clothing is exquisite.”

Beeman-White frequently posts her retro outfits on social media, showcasing not just her skirts but also leather gloves and a distinctive Chatelaine—a decorative belt loaded with small accessories, from scissors to coin purses, much like a wearable Swiss army knife.

However, the court doesn’t allow such fantastical attire. Just like a superhero with a secret identity, she has a more conventional outfit ready for her appearances before the judge.

Her aesthetic might remind some of the cottagecore movement, which romanticizes simple, slower times of the past, particularly the 1800s.

Living her Victorian fantasy goes beyond clothing; she even lights her home with oil lamps and enjoys sewing and mending clothes from vintage fabric, all while sharing her journey with over 20,000 followers on YouTube.

Interestingly enough, she mentioned how 19th-century lawyers even wrote letters with dip pens when renewing memberships. This vintage affection sparked in her sixth grade when she chose skirts over jeans.

“The speed of modern life has troubled me for as long as I can remember,” she confessed, sounding a bit conflicted. Among her inspirations is Queen Elizabeth I, whom she admires for her strength and leadership in a male-dominated era.

Her mother, Harriet Beeman, a therapist, reflected on how Beeman-White has always been captivated by powerful women in history. “She viewed Elizabeth as a truly formidable figure, someone who led armies and broke through barriers that were typically only available to men,” she recalled.

Through high school, Beeman-White embraced her unique role, earning comparisons to “Mary Poppins” from neighbors who recognized her distinct style.

When asked why she chooses to live in an 1800s-like manner, Beeman-White explained, “The technological advances from 1890 to 1910 were thrilling. But I appreciate the progressive movements of that era— trade unions and women fighting for their rights— and not the oppressive policies that existed.”

Still, she believes that a slower-paced life, like that of the Victorians, can be beneficial for mental well-being: “We really need to take our time. Focusing on enjoying life is crucial. It’s not good to rush through everything without stopping to appreciate the little things.”