1809 Cheltenham Summer Dress, English. Relaxed Empire style high-waisted green dress with long sleeves and red hem trim, long aqua blue draping scarf, wide brimmed hat and holding a red book. Fashion Plate via  John Belle’s ‘La Belle Assemblee’, London.

Seaside clothing was very popular. High-waisted dresses, usually of white muslin, were loose and flowing for the summer heat but ladies could easily add colorful accessories, such as shawls, hats, and parasols. In the early 1800s, it was fashionable to parade along the shorefront or in parks, to see and be seen. These are the sort of ensembles that Jane Austen and her family and friends would have worn at seaside towns or at sea bathing resorts.

 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