Bizarre 19th-Century Advice Girls Were Told to Follow

Advice literature in the 19th century often reflected the social expectations placed on women at the time. Many of these guidelines were presented as practical wisdom, yet they reveal a narrow view of behavior, appearance, and personal freedom. What was once considered proper guidance can now seem unusual, overly restrictive, or even contradictory.

Looking back, these pieces of advice offer more than just curiosity—they provide insight into how norms were shaped and reinforced. While not all women followed these rules strictly, they were widely circulated and influential. Here are ten examples of advice girls were told to follow, which today may feel surprisingly strange.