Dress Like Jane Austen--Part 3--And Giveaway!

We've looked at women's and men's costume in the past two months, and now we get to zero in on a few details of the gowns. This is just a brief spotlight. For those interested, I'll leave a couple of links at the bottom of the post to books that give more in-depth details and study of Regency costume.

So, back to the JASNA Gala Ball, the source of my photos for the past three months' posts.
 I couldn't help noticing the lovely workmanship that went into the upper portion, or bodice, of a woman's gown, even the back. The Empire style (which reigned throughout the regency) certainly is a huge part of the appeal, but the fabric and craftsmanship really made the difference between a standard dress and an exquisite one, a difference which could be seen even from a rear view.

Even the back of the bodice is lovely and elegant.

A beautiful example of how lovely the bodice can be; again, even from the rear.

This is a "Wow"

Sweet and simple, though the waistline is rather low.

Doesn't appear to be an Empire waist, but sweet colors. 

If the date hadn't been given ("1815-1817"), I would not have been able to correctly date this gown--it does not have an Empire waist.   I'm not an expert, but in my opinion this is just wrong! Otherwise, the style and material are certainly fetching. 

The bonnet (an elaborate cap) that matches the above dress. In the rear: A redingote, which in this case, is like a caped pelisse. (The term 'redingote,' is actually the result of "reborrowing," in which one word or phrase--ie., riding coat, was used by the French as redingote, and then taken back in French form into English, though no longer used only to describe an actual riding coat!)  

On the right (in rear) a late Georgian style riding habit.

Forefront left: Regency; Others, Georgian.

Since the JASNA event was in October, there were a few whimsical pumpkins present (contest entries). I thought Cinderella's Coach was well done. 

Happy Harvest!

Don't forget to check out the additional photos of Regency costume on my website, here.

And here's a few links for further study: 

English Women's Clothing in the Nineteenth Century
(Do not buy the Kindle edition if your aim is to really study costume. You just can't see a full page the way you need to, and a book full of illustrations is more fun, period, in print format. Be prepared though; this is a huge book, with 459 pages. )

The History of Underclothes (Dover Fashion and Costume)

The Cut of Men's Clothes: 1600-1900 (Unlike the first two, I don't own this one, but the reviews are good.)

Empire Fashions  (I own, and love, this book.)

The above is enough to get any student of costume excited and enthralled. What about you? Do you enjoy studying period dress? Do you have a favorite go-to reference or illustrated book?

Leave a comment and a contact email and you'll be entered in a drawing to win a copy of my book*, THE COUNTRY HOUSE COURTSHIP.

(*Winner will be chosen at random using random.org)

Dress Like Jane Austen! Part II And GIVEAWAY

by Linore Rose Burkard

In last month's post I shared pictures of Janeites, that is, Jane Austen devotees, dressed up in their Regency-era finest. I took the photos at a JASNA conference in Portland, OR, and shared those of women only. This month, as promised, I move on to pictures of men and couples. We'll see that women aren't the only ones who enjoy dressing up in the style of Jane's era. We'll also see that, in some cases, they are equally challenged in getting it right! But hey, it's all about fun. Authenticity to the period is appreciated by those of us who CAN appreciate it, but it isn't everything.  [JASNA, by the way, is the Jane Austen Society of North America.]

Don't forget to enter the drawing at the bottom of the page. In addition to possibly winning one of my books there are lots of other great prizes. 
 

 Click on a photo to see it enlarged.

There was a promenade before the dancing began. This was a great opportunity for me to get lots of shots, and people were more than happy to have their laboriously designed costumes captured for posterity!  This gentleman is smartly dressed for the occasion, with a fine pair of wintry breeches.   

The military were always present in any large assembly, as Britain was at war. The trousers are absolutely modern

.

   

Dignity itself on the left. (Bonnet on right: Bad, bad, bad!) 

I could see him conducting music. (Music conductors were not yet de rigeur during the Regency, however.)

"Mr. Darcy" Pillow.   Like Mr. Mornay (in, Before the Season Ends) Darcy is a model of male sartorial elegance.

Above: A jolly Georgian male ensemble.

A noble attempt. 

Masqued fun with a modern suit. Love the second couple approaching!

A well-heeled couple. 

A grand military outfit, including a bicorne hat. 

Lovely.

Comfort in costume!

What? What? The Phantom, at our ball? Why not. (So nicely done.)

And now, two examples of  well-dressed Regency gentlemen.  Lord Grantham, below, undoubtedly inspired many a female swoon. :)

Lord Grantham. He wears the popular Hessian boots, inspired by Russian military.

Can it get any better than the famous Beau Brummel? The man who popularized the wearing of pantaloons? They say his toilet took up to four hours before he was satisfied enough to leave his home and face the world. Nevertheless, he is not my idea of Regency manly perfection in dress.

For more costume fun, check out my "Illustrations of the Month" on my website. I have pictures that are just as rich and atmospheric as the above but which didn't make it into either of my posts here on the blog.
Go to this page and scroll down. Enjoy!

Next Month: Pictures of the dance in progress.  Also look for special emphasis on the exquisite care and workmanship given to the back of a ladies' gown, by the way, as I'll be featuring some close up shots of fabulous examples. 

What do you think? Aren't costume balls fun? (And, will they ever welcome me to another one now that I've taken to being the fashion police?) Leave a comment, below, and share your thoughts. And don't forget to enter the giveaway! The winner of my book gets to choose any of my regencies for themselves.

Before the Season Ends: A young woman of faith must navigate the treacherous waters of a London Regency season while fending off the efforts of her wealthy aunt to marry her off to the richest suitor.  

The House in Grosvenor Square: The continuing adventures of Ariana Forsythe in London as she comes up against evil intentions and those who want revenge--not necessarily on her, but through her. (To say more would be a spoiler!) 

The Country House Courtship: Follow Ariana and her new husband to their country estate in Middlesex, where younger sister Beatrice learns to grow up, finding her own perfect husband in the process.  








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