the riding gown was for riding horses, a proper lady wouldnt show her feet, when she sat down, the dress would hang so it would expose her feet. after all, showing your feet then would be like walking around with a belly top on today. (the more you know!) The swim suit is self-explanitory. This is an example of an edwardian era swim suit, not realy victorian. The victorian swim suit was full body, the top would go to the knees (like a mantle), the sleeves were long, and the pants were bloomers/trousers, past the knee, above the foot. The night gown is self-explanitory. but all in all, the more you know!