Thursday, February 16, 2017

Dressing Like Jane Austen


I must say, I have a love for all things Jane Austen.  When I heard about the "I Love Austen Week" hosted by Hamlette I knew I had to participate (even though vacation planning put me almost too late.) There are lots of fun reviews currently being posted by all sorts of Jane Austen lovers right here, and I highly suggest you go check them out if you too are a fan of her works. And if you are not familiar with Jane Austen, you especially should go look around, and be prepared to find a new wondrous world opened up to you!

My post today is a quick look at how we can find ways to create our own regency wear with what we have on hand in today's world.


The First basic item, of course, is your gown.  The fabric, style, and colors can very depending on the type of event you are attending, or your own personal preferences. I chose my colors when I was sixteen, and this was my first historical project, so my colors are a bit darker than period accurate - but I liked them anyway. ;) I have worked with the Simplicity pattern 4055 with much success (pictured here) and Butterick B6074 (with alterations and changes because it was far less agreeable.)

Next are accessories.  Elbow length gloves are perfect (watch that you match creams and/or whites, depending on your gown color!) Also a small reticule is great to have to hold your personal items for the night. Thrift stores and antique stores are probably the best places to start looking for these.

Jewelry is not difficult.  Simplicity was valued, so a modest set of pearls or a small cross on a chain will accent the dress nicely. Hair adornments were also a favorite, and really such fun! I found all of these at Charming Charlies.


Don't forget to go join the fun yourself, and look around!

20 comments:

  1. That dress!!! Oh my goodness, I love it so much! (Sorry, I'm just a bit too enthusiastic here!) But you really did an amazing job with that. Love the colors and the accessories. I really need to make an outfit like this for myself! :)

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    1. Thank you very much! Enthusiasm is quite acceptable, and in fact encouraged here. ;) It is so much fun to wear any historical clothing - I feel like it just immerses you in the time period.

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  2. That dress is beautiful! You did a fantastic job. :)

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    1. Thank you so much! It's a little rough around the edges, if we're honest, but it is fun to wear just the same. :)

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  3. Oh my goodness, your gown is absolutely beautiful!! You did an amazing job. I'd love to sew up a Regency gown for myself one of these days. :)
    Loved this post, Skyeler!

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    1. Thank you!! <3 Oh, I would definitely encourage you to do so, if you have any desire at all. Although I must say, it has been addicting (for me at least. ;) )
      Thanks again! It's the first time I've done a post quite like this, but I had considered doing more in the future if this seemed to be well received, so seriously, thank you for commenting!

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  4. Gorgeous dress, and I love the colour choices! I really want to learn to sew to a pattern, it's such a great skill to have :)

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    1. Oh, thank you, I'm so glad! At the time, I put very little thought into the accuracy of a Regency era gown, and what colors they should be.
      It's definitely one I am glad to have acquired. I don't think we live close in proximity, but let me know if you ever need any help from across cyberspace! The best advice I could give, would be to Follow the instructions as close as you can, unless your gut says differently. In that case, go with what feels right. You know yourself and how clothes fit you, so if something feels off, alter to your own needs. And if you mess it up, make the best out of the mistakes. :) (this dress I pictured here is FULL of them!)

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  5. I'm agog that you made your own Regency gown. It's lovely! I'm very impressed. Have you worn this somewhere special? If I ever get the chance to learn English Country Dancing, I will have to try to find/make a dress. (Also, the hanger with your name etched in it is cool.)

    Thanks so much for contributing this very nifty and unique post to I Love Austen Week :-)

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    1. What a compliment, thank you! My junior year in high school I did a Jane Austen study with a few of my friends, which we culminated by attending the Regency Exhibition ball - at the time it was held within Indiana, and after that year moved to Michigan - so I have only got to wear it the one time, but it was ever such fun! I know very little about dancing, myself, but I think it would be fun to learn more. Thank you, the hanger was a gift, and I don't pull it out often enough. :)

      Thank /you/ for hosting! I am so glad I was able to participate. I've enjoyed revisiting the Austen world throughout the party and the posts and reviews. :)

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  6. The dress is beautiful! Love it. The pearls...well, I must say, my kind of gal that Jane Austin is! LOL! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Oh, my kind of girl too, lol! I am such a lover of pearls myself, they practically scream class and can dress up any outfit without being "over the top." :)

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  7. Such a pretty dress!! And the accessories are lovely. :)

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    1. Thank you! ^_^ I can't take all of the credit for the accessories, as some were gifts. I think it's a good thing when people gift you with pearl hair accessories and the like. ;)

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  8. So lovely! What a cool post!
    I really love those hair adornments!! :)

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    1. Thank you very much! I really enjoy my sewing and costumes, so thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the post too!
      My Mom gave them too me for Christmas, I think they are just lovely too! :)

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  9. Beautiful gown! You did a great job sewing it! And I love your simple but lovely accessories too... will you be sharing pictures of the ball? That would be so fun to see!

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    1. Thanks so much! That's so kind of you to say. :)
      It was so much fun to attend, and thank you for showing interest! I attended the ball in 2012, so it wouldn't exactly be a recent events sort of post, but maybe I could dig up the pictures and work it in somehow. It would be fun to look at them all again. :)

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  10. Ahh what a cool post!! I am so in love with your blog. <3 The dress is divine! I cannot believe you sewed it yourself. :)

    Sophy
    lavender & blue
    the inkpot girl

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    1. Aww, thank you! You are ever so nice! I'll have to look at your blog as well, at quick glance it looks quite lovely! Well, it was my first big project and as such took a lot of time (and questions!) but eventually it came through, and was so much fun to create. :) Thank you!

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