I remember a snarky line in a modern novel set in Victorian England about families hiding away portraits of their grandmothers for embarrassment at their gauzy, low-cut Regency dresses. Do we know if this was a real phenomenon? What are the recorded thoughts looking back on this shift in fashion?
I haven't heard of the specific scenario you're describing but your question reminded me of this image from Harper's Weekly magazine in 1857. Contrary to the premise of your question this comic is poking fun at contemporary Victorian extreme silhouettes. It's far from indicative of the feelings of every Victorian person but I thought it was fitting and presented an interesting alternative.
