1812 High-waisted dress of Yellow Virginie and cashmere shawl in Jane Austen style. #RegencyFashion #JaneAusten #HistoricalFashion

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Suzi LoveSeptember 25, 2026

1812 Dress of Yellow Virginie, French. High waisted dress trimmed with lilacs, cashmere shawl, high white neck frill, high flowered bonnet. Fashion Plate via Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien.

Typical of the Empire dresses worn by Jane Austen and her contemporaries. Low necklines and skirts that started directly under the bust and flowed into the classical relaxed wide styles of Greece and Rome. These high-waisted dresses were worn most days and cotton, silk or taffeta were the popular fabrics.

Definition Empire Style Dress: Named after the First Empire in France. Empire dresses had a low neckline and skirts started directly under the bust and flowed into the classical relaxed wide styles of Greece and Rome. This style of dress is associated with Jane Austen and her contemporaries as a high-waisted dress was worn most days. Cotton, silk or taffeta were the popular fabrics. Only the very wealthy could afford white dress in this style as the cottons were imported from India and had to be carefully cleaned, usually by a lady’s maid.

Fashion Women 1810-1814 History Notes Book 27 This book looks at what was fashionable for women in Jane Austen’s or the Bridgerton family’s times, or the early 1800s, or the Regency Era in Britain. Wars were being fought around the globe so women’s fashion adopted a military look in support of soldiers. Fashions, like the lifestyle, became progressively more extravagant and accessories went from colorful to over-the-top.

1812 Dress of Yellow Virginie, French. High waisted dress trimmed with lilacs, cashmere shawl, high white neck frill, high flowered bonnet. Fashion Plate via Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien.

HN_27_D2D_FashWomen1810-1814https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashion1810-1814

Looking for an Historical Romantic Comedy? “For the sake of propriety,” Lady Jamison informed the Earl. “I was ensuring your garments were intact.” #HistoricalRomance #RomCom #RegencyRomance

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Suzi LoveOctober 13, 2026

The Earl of Winchester’s mouth widened into a roguish grin. “I’m flattered by your scrutiny of my anatomy and amused by your blush, especially after your studies into animal reproduction.”

Lady Laura Jamison’s hand flew to her cheek and her heavy reticule knocked her arm. “I never blush.” To have him observe her ogle him was embarrassing and gave her another reason to be irritated by his company, petty though her reasons might be. She tugged, but her hand was imprisoned under his. With her nose raised a fraction, she said, “For the sake of propriety, I was ensuring your garments were intact. You’ve a reputation for disappearing into dark corners and re-emerging with your clothing askew. As though hasty hands ripped your garments from your body.”

“Tut, tut, my pet. Has jealousy driven you to spying?”

“Jealousy? Over the class of females you consort with? I was reassuring myself your clothing was intact for the sake of my elderly aunt. The entire congregation watched that woman, the Countess, beckon you to the back of the church. Heaven knows what you were doing while the bride and groom were signing the register.”
Scenting Scandal Book 2 Scandalous Siblings “For the sake of propriety,” Lady Jamison informed the Earl. “I was ensuring your garments were intact. You’ve a reputation for disappearing into dark corners and re-emerging with your clothing askew.” #HistoricalRomance https://books2read.com/suziloveSS

SS_Scenting Scandal For the sake of propriety

SS_D2D_ https://books2read.com/suziloveSS

1825-1835 ca. Cotton Corset With Cording And Widely Spaced Straps. #RegencyFashion #Corset #RomanticEraFashion.

Posted on October 14, 2026 by Suzi LoveOctober 5, 2026

1825-1835 ca. Cotton Corset, Possibly American. Waist shaping at the almost natural waistline, flared hips, cording, widely spaced shoulder straps with front ties. Via Winterthur Museum Collection museumcollection.winterthur.org.

Corsets 1810-1830 History Notes Book 17: For Readers or Writers of historical fiction, the corsets worn during the Regency Era, or Jane Austen’s lifetime, or the Bridgerton years when dresses were lowcut with square necklines. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveCorsetBook17

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https://books2read.com/SuziLoveCorsetBook17

1800-1819 Women’s Fashions In Bridgerton’s and Jane Austen’s Times In A Box Set. #Bridgerton #RegencyEra #JaneAusten #HistoricalFashion

Posted on October 14, 2026 by Suzi LoveOctober 9, 2026

An overview of women’s fashions in the first twenty years of the 19th century. What was fashionable for women in Jane Austen’s times, or the early 1800s. Wars were being fought around the globe, so women’s fashion adopted a military look in support of soldiers. In Britain, the Prince Regent ruled instead of his father, King George III, so fashions, like the lifestyle, became more extravagant and accessories went from pretty to opulent. This set includes books 12, 25, 26, 27 and 28. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomenBoxSet

Ladies clothing in the early 1800’s featured a high waist line called an Empire Line, or Empire style dress, with a waist line just under the natural bust line and much higher than the natural waist. The high-waisted, or short-bodied, Regency styles shifted focus away from the natural waist and so left the natural waist unconstricted, in direct contrast to previous and future styles. Britain took these simple European styles and progressively made them more elaborate by adding more and more complicated embroidery onto white fabrics to create the white on white look popular for many years.

The empire look of fine muslin dresses left women more exposed than in the Georgian Era when fabrics had been thicker and styles bulkier. Women, especially in England, preserved their modesty by adding lace, frills, flounces, ruches, and fabric plaits to dresses to adequately cover any parts that might inadvertently be exposed. Outer layers, such as Spencers, Redingotes or Pelisses or coats, and shawls, were also added for warmth and to brighten outfits.

This Empire fashion was totally dependent on a supply of fine, translucent cotton muslin – at first imported from India, then later, less exclusive imitations often woven and printed or embroidered in Britain. Fabrics were soft and lightweight and muslins and other cotton fabrics from India and other Asian countries were in high demand.

HN_24_Fashion Women 1800-1819 Box Set History Notes Book 24 An overview of the first twenty years of the 19th century. These books look at what was fashionable for women in Jane Austen's times, or the early 1800s. Wars were being fought around the globe so women's fashion adopted a military look in support of soldiers. In Britain, the Prince Regent ruled instead of his father, King George III, so fashions, like the lifestyle, became more extravagant and accessories went from pretty to opulent. This set includes books 12, 25, 26, 27 and 28. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomenBoxSet

HN_24_D2D Fashion Women 1800-1819 Box Set
https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomenBoxSet

What do you know about Chatelaines and Chains worn in Jane Austen’s and Bridgerton times? Women in charge of households carried important items with them. #Bridgerton #JaneAusten #RegencyEra #GeorgianEra #VictorianEra

Posted on October 14, 2026 by Suzi LoveOctober 13, 2026

Chatelaines and Chains History Notes Book 9 By Suzi Love. What do you know about Chatelaines and Chains worn in Jane Austen’s and Bridgerton times? Women in charge of households carried important items with them. History Notes Book 9 Chatelaines and Chains. books2read.com/SuziLoveChatelaines

Personal Necessities, keys, or chatelaines was a set of useful items hung from waist by decorative chain. Chatelaines and Chains. History Notes Book 9 By Suzi Love. Women in charge of households dangled long chains from their waists to keep essentials within easy reach e.g. keys, notebook and pen, watch, sewing items, vinaigrette or perfume, or magnifying glass. Early chatelaine were simple essentials. Later chatelaine were decorative and expensive. http://books2read.com/SuziLoveChatelaines

Definition Chatelaine: The word Chatelaine is French and means the keeper of the keys. Chatelaine” derives from the Latin word for castle. In Medieval times, the chatelaine was in charge of the day-to-day running of the castle. Women in charge of households dangled long chains from their waists to keep essentials within easy reach e.g. keys, notebook and pen, watch, sewing items, vinaigrette or perfume, or magnifying glass. Early chatelaine were simple essentials. Later chatelaine were decorative and expensive. books2read.com/SuziLoveChatelaines

What did a chatelaine do? Most important task was keeper of the keys. Also ordered supplies, did bookkeeping, supervised servants, taught castle children, and organized guests.

What were chatelaines used for?

Castle keepers needed keys safe, yet easily accessible.
By 1700’s, a metal jeweled ornament hung from pockets, attached to belts, or by hooks into skirt waistbands
During 1800’s, women wore large collections of tools hung from chains
Young girls sewed and did needlework and needed to carry sewing notions eg scissors, thimbles
Worn by women of all classes, from workers to nobility
Varied depending on class and finances.
Made of silver, brass, steel, leather, or fabric
During 19th century, fashionable dresses often had no waist and nowhere to hang chatelaines
Chatelaines became decorative brooches
Often given as a wedding present from a husband to bride
Later became fashion accessories

HN_9 Chatelaines and Chains History Notes Book 9 books2read.com:SuziLoveChatelaines — HN_9 Chatelaines and Chains History Notes Book 9
books2read.com:SuziLoveChatelaines

HN_9_D2D_Chatelaines and Chains — D2D_RetailerBuyLink_HN_9. Chatelaines and Chains History Notes Book 9 books2read.com/SuziLoveChatelaines

1810-1820s ca. Woman’s Green Slippers, Possibly French But Worn in America. #Regency #Shoes #JaneAusten

Posted on October 13, 2026 by Suzi LoveOctober 13, 2026

1810-1820s ca. Woman’s Green Slippers. Possibly French, worn in America. The type of shoes worn by Jane Austen and her female friends and family and by the female members of the Bridgerton family. via Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. mfa.org

Shoes in the early 1800s were flat or low heeled and occasionally decorated with a bow or floral embellishments and it wasn’t until the 1820s that square, rather than rounded, toes became fashionable. Typical Regency Era women’s footwear were shoes that had low heels, slightly rounded toes, embellished with a bow and with ribbon ties for the ankles. Made of soft kid or cloth, these delicate shoes were flimsy and wore out quickly. Slippers were often bought in multiples at a time and with no difference between left or right foot so when one slipper had a hole it was easily replaced.

1810-1820s ca. Woman's GreenSlippers. Possibly French, worn in America. via suzilove.com and Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. mfa.org

1808 Gorgeous Women’s Fashion In The Times Of Jane Austen. #Regency #JaneAusten #Fashion

Posted on October 13, 2026 by Suzi LoveOctober 13, 2026

1808 Gorgeous Women’s Fashion In The Times Of Jane Austen. Fashion plates from Journal des Dames et des Modes or Costume Parisien. Dresses, coats or Redingotes, Spencers in purple and red, shawls, fichu or shoulder cape, shoes, hats and headdresses, gloves, and Reticules or bags. Empire style, high-waisted dresses of lightweight cotton with softly falling, gathered, long skirt and with a train were commonly worn. In Jane Austen years, high-waisted and short sleeved dresses were the Neo-classical dresses which imitated the Greek and Roman clothing seen in sculptures. White muslin fabrics were either imported from India, or made in Europe to imitate Indian materials.

Fashion Women 1805-1809 History Notes Book 26 What did Jane Austen and friends wear? This book looks at early 1800s fashions, which were elegant and pretty with high waists and fabrics that were almost transparent. These Empire style gowns, named after Napoleon’s first Empress, became popular throughout Europe, and were then copied around the world. Colorful outwear was added to make an ensemble more attractive and warmer. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomen1805-1809

Definition Reticule Or Ridicule Or Bag or Purse or Handbag: Often with a drawstring to pull closed and usually made of cloth or covered cardboard and often decorated with beading or embroidery. A reticule, or purse, or handbag, was usually carried by a woman during the Regency period to carry all their daily necessities. Earlier, women used pockets that tied at the waistline and were hidden in the folds of their skirts. Empire style, or early 1800s, high-waisted dresses made it impossible to either sewn in a pocket or to tie on a pocket. So women began carrying small, decorated bags called Reticules, or ridicules, which generally pulled close at the top with a drawstring.

1808 High-Waisted White Dress, French. White Fichu over the shoulders, pale blue shoes, pink striped hat. Fashion Plate via suzilove.com and Journal des Dames et des Modes, or Costume Parisien. — 1808 High-Waisted White Dress, French. White Fichu over the shoulders, pale blue shoes, pink striped hat.

1808 White Dress With Purple Spencer, French. Fashion Plate via suzilove.com and Journal des Dames et des Modes, or Costume Parisien. — 1808 High-Waisted White Dress, French. White Fichu over the shoulders, pale blue shoes, pink striped hat.

HN_26_D2D Fashion Women 1805-1809
https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomen1805-1809 — Fashion Women 1805-1809 History Notes Book 26 What did Jane Austen and friends wear? This book looks at early 1800s fashions, which were elegant and pretty with high waists and fabrics that were almost transparent. These Empire style gowns, named after Napoleon’s first Empress, became popular throughout Europe, and were then copied around the world. Colorful outwear was added to make an ensemble more attractive and warmer. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomen1805-1809

Are you following my Pinterest Boards? Images galore for history, books, Regency Era, fashion and writing. #JaneAusten #Bridgerton #RegencyEra #HistoricalFashion #books

Posted on October 13, 2026 by Suzi LoveOctober 9, 2026

Pinterest Boards By Suzi Love.

I love Pinterest for keeping thousands of historical images in some sort of order. And I love using Pinterest Boards as inspiration for my romance books. What about you? Do you use Pinterest for planning something, or just for fun? Need more hints for what to do with your boards and pins? Take a look at these fascinating articles on Pinterest. if you want even more Pinterest information and tips for becoming a power user, check out my Suzi Love Pinterest Boards

Are you following my Pinterest Boards? Images galore for history, books, Regency Era, fashion and writing. #Regency #books #Historyhttp://www.pinterest.com/suziloveoz/

1814 April White Promenade Dress with velvet Cossack Cape in Jane Austen and Bridgerton style. #Bridgerton #RegencyFashion #JaneAusten #FashionPlate

Posted on October 12, 2026 by Suzi LoveOctober 13, 2026

1814 April White Promenade Dress with velvet Cossack Cape . A cambric round robe, with high bodice and long sleeves, not so full as of late; embroidered stomacher front and high collar, trimmed with muslin or lace; a Tuscan border of needle work at the feet. A Cossack mantle of pale ruby or blossom velvet, lined with white sarsnet, and trimmed entirely round with a broad skin of light sable, ermine, seal or the American squirrel; a short tippet of the same; the mantle confined at the throat with a rich correspondent silk cord and tassels, very long. A mountain hat of velvet, the color of the mantle, finished round the verge with a narrow Vandyke trimming; a small flower placed in the hair beneath, on the left side. Half-boots the color of the mantle; and gloves of primrose kid or pale tan. Fashion Plate via Rudolph Ackermann’s ‘The Repository of Arts’.

Definition Van Dyke Points: V-shaped lace and trims named after a 17th Century Flemish painter, Sir Anthony Van Dyck, known for painting V-shaped lace collars and scalloped edges on sitters.

Definition Muslin: Thin fabric said to take its name from Mosul or Moosul, a large town in Turkish Asia where it was first made.

What did Jane Austen wear? Her family and friends wore elegant and pretty fashions in the early 1800s. History Notes Book 26. #RegencyEra #JaneAusten #HistoricalFashion

Posted on October 12, 2026 by Suzi LoveOctober 11, 2026

What did Jane Austen and friends wear? Early 1800s fashions were elegant and pretty with high waists and fabrics that were almost transparent. These Empire style gowns, named after Napoleon’s first Empress, became popular throughout Europe, and were then copied around the world. Colorful outwear was added to make an ensemble more attractive and warmer. History Notes Book 26 Fashion Women 1805-1809.
https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomen1805-1809

The Empire waist gown defined women’s fashion during the Regency Era. ‘Empire’ is the name given in France to the period when Napoleon built his French Empire. High-waisted, loose gowns were adopted by the aristocracy as a symbol of turning away from the fussy, elaborate and expensive clothing worn in the 1700s. Jean-Jaques Rousseau advocated copying peasants and returning to a simpler life and more natural fashions. Unrestricting clothing was part of the new Democracy in France and these simpler and flowing fashions were adopted all over Europe, including Britain and despite the continual wars being fought against France during the early 1800s. Not even war stopped fashions from being copied everywhere.

HN-26_Fashion Women 1805-1809 History Notes Book 26 What did Jane Austen and friends wear? This book looks at early 1800s fashions, which were elegant and pretty with high waists and fabrics that were almost transparent. These Empire style gowns, named after Napoleon's first Empress, became popular throughout Europe, and were then copied around the world. Colorful outwear was added to make an ensemble more attractive and warmer. https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomen1805-1809 — Fashion Women 1805-1809 History Notes Book 26
What did Jane Austen and friends wear? This book looks at early 1800s fashions, which were elegant and pretty with high waists and fabrics that were almost transparent. These Empire style gowns, named after Napoleon’s first Empress, became popular throughout Europe, and were then copied around the world. Colorful outwear was added to make an ensemble more attractive and warmer.
https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomen1805-1809

HN_26_D2D_FsshionWomen1805-1809
https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomen1805-1809 — HN_26_D2D_FsshionWomen1805-1809

Suzi Love

Making history fun, one year at a time.

Category Archives: Regency Era