I love bonnets in historical fashion, don't you? That endlessly useful, attractive, transformative, amazing piece of costume for women! My fascination and appreciation for the bonnet has been longstanding--in fact, I have a free PDF on my website, "Hats, Caps, Bonnets, Bandeaux," which if you enjoy this article, you should download for further enjoyment.
The single most familiar bonnet to people today is probably the poke; and I appreciate it because it illustrates perfectly one truth about bonnets: They were forever changing, morphing from utilitarian to extravagant, simple to exquisite.(If I had endless space, I would certainly touch upon 18th century French headdress which, with or without a bonnet, was at times extravagant to the point of absurdity.)
Using the poke, however, take a look at how it lent itself to being transformed for different social occasions, and could reveal much about the status and wealth of its wearer.
Below, left: Simple Straw Poke. A utilitarian piece of simplicity one could grab whenever having to leave the house in a hurry.
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| Two more Regency manifestations of the basic Poke bonnet? (On the right, it seems the poke is a joke. Women did not show even their ankles during the regency. A revealed ankle was considered risque.) |
Right: Embellished Regency Poke Bonnet. Perfect for "Walking Dress", in Regency lingo. Obviously a hat worn to be seen.
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| American Prairie or Pioneer Style Poke (Soft--no straw or other boning material) |
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| A late or post-Regency Wide Poke (Not Victorian) Ornamental and certainly worn to be noticed. |
Bonnets were not worn as part of evening or full dress, but one could still dress up or down by the judicious choice of headwear. During the regency, a lavish turban could make its way to a ball, as could feathered headdresses, embellished tiaras, combs and pins. The poke bonnet, however, no matter how fancy, was only fit for day dress.
Below: A mourning poke.
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Since my post has to be short, we'll have to leave bonnets for now, but do you have a favorite style of hat? Or other type of headdress? Tell us about it in the comments. And remember to get my free PDF, "Hats, Caps, Bonnets, Bandeaux" before you go!
Linore Rose Burkard is best known for historical regency novels with Harvest House Publishers, including Before the Season Ends, the award-winning The House in Grosvenor Square, and, The Country House Courtship.
As a writer noted for meticulous research as well as bringing people to
life on the page, Linore’s books delight fans of historical romance
with “Heyeresque” humor and Austen-like manners. Linore teaches
workshops for writers with Greater Harvest Workshops in Ohio, is a
homeschooling mother of five, and is currently working on a YA novel.
Keep up with Linore by subscribing to her free newsletter atLinore@LinoreBurkard.com
