What not to wear 144 years ago: Mrs Beeton's style guide for the 19th century

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But the wavy hairstyle was de rigueur almost 150 years ago, according to the fashion bible of the time.

The Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine also advocated accessories such as the unusually-named "gimp balls" - made of delicate fabrics such as lace or silk and stiffened with wire which should be decoratively "placed around the brim of the bonnet."

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Frizzy hair, necklaces and French canes were de rigueur according to The Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, the fashion bible of its time

As well as hair that had been "frizzed very much," necklaces, French canes and even fashion hotspots are discussed in the monthly publication, which is regarded as being Britain's first women's magazine.

It was established in 1852 after Isabella Beeton - better known as Mrs Beeton, the celebrated Victorian cook - and her husband Samuel had the idea of a colour magazine aimed at young middle-class ladies.

The seasonal fashion tips appear in a September 1863 edition found by auctioneer Charles Hanson during a house clearance in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs.

Readers of the time, in the "cooler season," were advised that "bonnets are in great variety and in great favour just now."

The magazine, which is actually a bound album, said: "French canes or walking sticks, elegant and well-carved with flat gilt tops and finished off with a cord and tassel, are attractive."

"For evening dinner, hair ought to be dressed in four rolls either side and finished off behind with a Marie Antoinette chignon, frizzed very much."

"The best autumn fashions to be observed are on the shore at Biarritz or Trouville. Combs for hair with a sphere of jewels are popular."

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