This will be a formal ball of the 1810s; please wear your best approximation of evening costume of the era so we can party like it’s 1814!
For ladies, that means a high-waisted dress with short sleeves and a long skirt (falling to the ankle, not the floor) full enough for dancing worn with long gloves. Here are some examples of ballgowns from 1812-1814:
- A very thorough page about creating every element of a period evening outfit with many helpful illustrations may be found at Vintage Victorian.
- Simpler dress instructions may be found here.
- There are often inexpensive gowns for sale on sites like ebay and Etsy.
- Take inspiration from films based on Jane Austen novels (too many to list) and the less flamboyant costumes in series like Bridgerton.
For gentlemen, the look was a tailcoat (often, but not always, blue or black) with a waistcoat and high collar and cravat worn with breeches (white, black, or buff) and stockings (usually white, but sometimes black with black breeches). Here are some examples of men’s evening wear from 1806-1817:
- The Regency Gentleman website has an abundance of inspiring pictures and articles on making various pieces.
- There are many images of military uniforms from the War of 1812 here.
- Past Patterns offers patterns for a State Militia Regimental Coat and an Army Issue Artillery Coat. These are very authentic but this line is not for beginners at sewing!
- There are often coats and breeches for sale on sites like ebay and Etsy.
- The closest modern equivalent is “white tie and tails”.
- Again, inspiration from one of the many Jane Austen films and shows like Bridgerton (but don’t skip the cravat!)
- We know men’s wear is harder to improvise and more expensive to purchase. Modern business attire is acceptable in a pinch!