Let us understand from the beginning that the term
“Undressing” did not mean being undressed. Equally,
“Half Dress” did not mean that one was literally half
dress. The terms are categorical, not literal.
Like Full-Dress, its name referred more to function
than a state of being. In which case you can ask,
‘What does this all mean?’
It means that there had to be many dresses in an elegant
The Regency lady’s wardrobe, regardless of the size of
his fortune. In fact, to be active in society the
the need for a large wardrobe could hardly
be avoided. In a little town like Longbourne (where
the Bennett lived) the categories certainly
overlapping more than they would, say, for a
debutant in London.
However, several categories of clothing were necessary and, of course, there would have to be variety within each category, and this, regardless
where you lived, because there were different uses for
the different categories, as we will see.
Having said that, it could be argued that there is
only two main categories of clothing for the Regency
precious: Naked and Full dress. In this
“model”, Nude includes all dresses worn during
the day, and what is also called Half Dress.
(That is, most of the clothes for the day,
and maybe even casual evening wear).
Day dresses include any dress worn for the morning,
go out, go shopping, ride a carriage or do
calls. Full Dress, on the other hand, was for him
Evening dance, very elegant dinner, opera or
court appearance. (The Royal Court, not a court
Of law.)
The main difference between Undress and Full was a
lower bodice for the night, but in full practice
the dress implied a complete ensemble; One short sleeve
plunging neckline empire waist dress (usually muslin
but by no means restricted to such) and including night
gloves, a fancy headdress of some kind, some jewelry,
a fan, maybe a purse, and satin slippers. Other
Accessories can also be worn or hand-held: feathers,
boas, shawls, scarves and fans, to name the most common.
The following constituted dresses Naked.
See the difference? In theory, you were in Naked
in the morning, half dressed in the afternoon, and
Full dress for evening events. (For example, a dinner or
night, opera, ballet, theater, concert or dance).
The court dress was also considered a full dress, although
had extravagant requirements that no other
occasion requested.
According to the Georgian index, a wonderful
resource for fans of Regency, Dinner Dress and Opera
The dress falls into the category of “half dress”.
And only “Evening, dance and court dresses” were approved.
as a full dress. Is your head still spinning? Not,
Consider that the habit of riding may not fit into
any of the above, but they simply constitute a category
in their own right!
Ah, so many dresses, so little time! No wonder the
The all-important “season” of the Regency was a roller coaster
ride of entertainments, diversions and delicacies.
A lady must have enough events to make use of such an extensive wardrobe and enough dresses in her
possession to serve them in “mode”. Pity the
poor girl who couldn’t follow protocol or dress for
The occasion. Such was the challenge for the families
with more pretense than means, who wished
Throw a buck or a Regency beauty into the whirlpool
of the fashion elite.
The Regency. There has never been a time like this.
You have to love it!
PS: (I didn’t forget Headdress. Item comes
early!)
copyright Linore Rose Burkard 2006