One can hardly write a series of Regency research posts
without mentioning fashion.
In my last blog post, I
made mention of magazines such as La Belle Assemblée, The Lady’s Magazine and
The Gallery of Fashion. Ackerman’s Repository of Arts, Literature, Commerce,
Manufactures, Fashions and Politics (commonly referred to as Ackerman’s) was in
circulation from 1809-1829 – a fashion plate from which forms my own book
cover.
Regency ladies of Society were extremely fashion conscious.
Trends would change all the time. If you’re looking for a particular year,
you’re best off doing your own search as it can vary.
Fun fact; Jane Austen had a brown pelisse with a gold oak
leaf design. This featured on my notebook for research notes, and it seemed
fitting to then give Lady Anne this item of clothing too. A wardrobe just for the Season would include numerous items: walking dresses, morning dresses, evening gowns, riding habits, shoes, boots, half-boots, gloves, stockings, undergarments (*blushes*), bonnets, shawls, parasols, fans, spencers, cloaks, pelisses, reticules, jewellery and headdresses – phew!
I’ll talk about money another time, but to put this into
context, one item of each of the above would total around £400 in today’s
money. And one couldn’t wear the same thing repeatedly, there’s standards,
don’t you know. And the bridal clothes could cost £ thousands. Those papas really
wanted to marry off their daughters!!
Queen Charlotte insisted on a hideous court gown for
‘Drawing Rooms’ (presentations at court). She liked the older styles, so
demanded hooped skirts. But fashions were for an ‘empire line’ so they went
outwards from under the bust; eurgh! To add insult to injury, this repulsive
gown would cost around £500!
Ladies of Society seemed to endlessly have to change dress. Get up, sling on a casual morning dress, maybe change for breakfast, dress for a promenade or horse ride, change for morning calls, then formal evening wear would be prepared depending on venue, they even had full length bed clothes. Eurgh, exhausting!
For full details, I refer you to these wonderful blog posts
on (because they’ve done it more justice than I can in one post):
Fashions
Jewellery
Gloves
Nightwear (not exactly your sexy negligée) 😉
 |
| Hang about, I've seen this chap before! Beau Brummell gets everywhere! |
Let us not forget the men folk. Oh, they had their
fashions too, and took them seriously. One could ruin themselves in buttons
alone! Especially if trying to emulate the likes of Beau Brummel – the dandy. He
is said to have started fine English tailoring.
The dandy set had to wear very tight, tight breeches (ooh
err!). So tight that one’s valet (rhymes with carrot), may struggle to get you
into them! Sitting was perhaps not a good idea. Day wear would consist of a perfectly fitting dark blue coat with brass buttons (there were specific shops for buttons!). Leather breeches would compliment (can you imagine; leather trousers?!). A stiff white cravat (plenty of starch!) and top boots would complete this ensemble.
Beau Brummel, who was actually more middle class managed to
befriend Prinny, so rose in popularity like nothing before. Viewing him about
his toilette (dressing not going for a pee) was considered a privilege. What
can I say? They clearly lacked actual entertainment!? Thank heavens for TV and
Netflix, eh? 😉
He was so narcissistic that he infamously didn’t indulge in
sexual activities (although there may be other reasons for this, but I venture
no comment). His opinion could make or break the Season for young ladies; a
smile of approval from him was a prized recommendation, but heaven help you if
he raises his quizzing glass!!
Ever hear of “It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do
it”? He’s quoted as saying that. And other such gems as “It’s my folly that is
the making of me.”
To be perfectly honest, he sounds like a complete bore.
Happily, he fell rapidly out of favour, supposedly in 1814 when he asked,
“Alvanley, who’s your fat friend?” – that would be the Prince Regent. Let’s
just say that he beat a hasty retreat to France after that, but he was facing
ruin anyway. He was aged 38, in case you want to know.
You’re more than welcome to browse my Pinterest board by the way. There’s Regency Aesthetic, Regency Ballgowns and even
Fancy Dress boards. Oh, and check out the Dreamcasting Board. The Regency section was created during my research for this book and
will give you an insight into what Lady Anne’s world looked like.
Of course, Regency Love – Reflections of a Young Lady is available itself on Amazon and all good stores.
Until next time, I bid you a fond adieu.
Always in love and light,
TL
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