by freelance writer, Jane Sandwood

Who hasn’t lost themselves in a Regency romance and found themselves longing to don elegant gloves and flowing dresses with empire waistlines in real life? Yet the whirl of balls and brisk walks can make it easy to forget that Regency ladies changed their clothes up to 6 times a day to keep up with the fashionable customs of the era. While you might want to rethink adopting a full Regency wardrobe for your everyday dress, there’s nothing preventing you from assembling an outfit or two to wear whenever you feel the desire. Whether it’s a morning gown for the home, or full promenade dress for afternoon socializing, there are plenty of outfits for all occasions to choose from. Regardless of which sort of ensemble you’re looking at, remember that it’s of utmost importance to select just the right fabrics, colors, hairstyles, and accessories to make your outfit as accurate as possible.

Dressing for the Occasion

Clothing of the Regency era is renowned for its high empire waists and flowing lines that made them far more comfortable and functional than earlier fashions of the 18th Century. Key to the style of these dresses were the fabrics used for them, with muslin and cotton being the textiles of choice thanks to their soft, lightweight nature and ability to emulate the Grecian folds that much of Regency fashion was inspired by. Today’s clothing market provides a wide range of materials to choose from, but sticking to the traditional fabrics can often prove to be the best decision when ordering or making your own Regency gown. Besides materials, the color of your gown depends on its purpose; consider pastel shades for any day dress, while white is ideal for full formal wear.

Accessorize for a Delicate Touch

Though they were certainly the largest aspect, gowns were just one part of a full Regency outfit and accessories were essential. Perhaps the most important accessory to an early 19th century lady was a pair of gloves, as they protected her reputation as well as her soft hands. Fingerless gloves, otherwise known as mitts, were often worn around the house to allow for activities like writing or needlepoint, while ladies wore wrist-length gloves for public excursions and white over the elbow gloves for formal evening wear. To transport anything one might need in an outing, ladies would carry a reticule or small bag worn around the wrist. If your outfit is to be worn at a party or in any setting that might cause you to perspire, a handheld fan is a necessity.

Topping It All Off: Hairstyles and Headdresses

Your Regency outfit would certainly not be complete without an appropriate, elegant updo. A respectable woman of this era would never have worn her hair down except in the privacy of her own bedroom, but would have had it styled into a high bun with a few select curls to frame the face. If your outfit is designed for any outdoor excursion, a hat or bonnet typically decorated with flowers or artificial fruit is essential. Moreover, if you are married or beyond your late twenties, a small cap of muslin, linen, or lace is a basic part of any outfit both indoors and outdoors.

A typical day for a lady of fashion in the Regency era involved multiple clothing changes, but each and every outfit was romantic and beautiful. To put one of your own together, first decide on the context of the dress. After choosing appropriate materials, colors, accessories, and hairstyles, you’ll soon look like you’ve stepped out of your favorite Regency novel.