Fall is in the air, and Halloween is coming! Already I'm seeing advertisements for
masquerades and costume contests.
Marissa has posted in the past about the types of costumes our
nineteenth century lads and lasses might have worn. They enjoyed playing dress up. Today’s author of nineteenth century romance
is not immune, and, I'm betting, neither is her readers. So, to get you thinking about how you might design your own outfit, here are some examples
from my sister romance authors.
You can, of course, pay a seamstress to design you
a costume. I am so envious of these
amazing gowns worn by the talented Collette Cameron and the wonderful Ella Quinn. Looking good, ladies!
Or, you might be handy with a sewing machine yourself. Several patterns are available these days. Immediately below is acclaimed Regency author April Kihlstrom in a
fetching red gown. And farther down is Golden Heart Award winner Kristi Ann Hunter in one she and her
mother made together.
Then again, you might find a costume awaiting you in your
favorite thrift store. Doesn’t the
delightful Georgie Lee look festive in her frugal find?
Finally, some fashions from earlier years can be readily
adapted to “faux Regency.” When I wear
this one with the flocked orange roses next to Marissa in her seamstress’s creation, I always say I must be
the poor relation. J
What do you think?
Any of these approaches appeal to you?
Many thanks to my models, most of whom are members of my beloved Beau Monde Chapter of Romance Writers of
America.TM
