Time for the Ladies . . . Regency Ladies from 1810 to 1820

Here’s a silhouette of the next two decades of fashion . . .

After 1810 the Neoclassical and Grecian styles waistlines began to drift downwards.

Sleeves were gathered, twisted, and tied, influenced by Romantic and Gothic designs. The “mutton leg” style, large at the top and tapering to the wrist, became popular. As the sleeve increased in bulk at the shoulder, so did the collar.

The decoration along the hems and necklines were becoming more extravagant. Layers of ruffles covered corded or flounced petticoats, added to the newly popular cone-shaped skirts. The hem cleared the ground, showing the feet and ankles.

I know, exposed ankles . . . that is very shocking!

Shawls were still popular. The spencer, which stopped at the waistline, and the pelisse with three capes were much in demand. These had long sleeves to the wrist and were high at the neck.

In addition to the more ornate styles, hats and hairstyles climbed higher to balance the widening skirts. Hair was ornamented with small artificial flowers, in bunches or wreaths, for full dress, and even in the house during the daytime.

Hair was worn parted in front, and made into puffs or curls which extended on either side of the face. In the back, it was drawn up, tight and smooth, from the nape of the neck and arranged in a high loop or bow at the top of the head. From this towered all sorts of decorations, such as feathers, flowers, and bows of ribbon.

I suppose one could grow accustom to this.

I have to confess that I’m partial to the much simpler, early 19^th century ladies’ fashions.

But this blue frock is lovely, is it not? I'm glad the period in which I write does not go beyond the '20s.

But I have to warn you . . .

This is where the 1830s fashion is headed!