Ladies' Costumes for the Assembly

Regency-era costume is encouraged and appreciated but is definitely not required. For ladies, this would consist of a simple high-waisted (empire) gown with short puffed sleeves worn with flat ballet-style slippers. A shawl, fan, and long gloves would complete the outfit. Many pictures of such outfits may be found on the sites listed below.

If you do not have Regency costume, never fear! We are interested in having fun dancing, not judging people's outfits, although we do request that people remember this is a formal ball and dress accordingly in a simple mid-calf or longer dress.

Some suggested websites for pictures of regency costume:

The Regency Garderobe	Fashion overview, fabric tips, pattern list and reviews, bibliography, Q&A page, information on corsets, glossary of regency costume terms, very helpful construction tips for specific patterns, photographs of the author's garments, information on her book on Regency costume
The Regency Fashion Page	Incredible page with links for men's, women's, and children's costumes and many subpages on specific items such as outerwear, hats, and shoes. Includes numerous period illustraions and paintings as well as photographs of actual garments.
La Belle Assemblee	Subpage of the above, with direct links to the fashion plates from many issues from 1808 to 1818.
The Republic of Pemberley	Notes and numerous period illustrations of women's costume, including period fashion illustrations and caricatures and some photos of original corsets.
Jessamyn's Regency Costume Companion	Well-organized page with notes and period illustrations divided by type of garment, including men's, women's, and children's. Also photos of original pieces from museums, pattern and book reviews, links.
Museum of Costume at Bath	Online gallery includes an 1804 evening gown and an early 1810's full-length silk pelisse.

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