A brief look at the 1820s

With the 200th anniversary of LaFayette's Triumphant Tour in full swing, I continue to get a lot of questions about 1820s styles.  Most people ask about wearing Regency clothing.  You can certainly wear what you would like and Regency is earlier than the 1820s which mark the beginning of the Romantic period.  A fashionable lady will want to wear current styles.  Let s take a quick look at some of the characteristics of the 1820s.  These slides are taken from a powerpoint that I made earlier this summer.

1820s underpinnings, most notably the shift and stays, are similar enough to Regency garments that they do not need to be addressed.  A corded petticoat is a must for this era though as it helps to create the more conical shape of Romantic Era gown skirts.

A look at fashion plates

Note the elaborate skirt trims in fashion plates and on extants.  This is a defining characteristic of the 1820s!

A look at mid 1820s exants

Note the variety of neckline depths.

Cording is frequently ncorporated into the skirt trim to create more of a flare on the gown skirts.

Good examples of 1820s roller prints which were popular. Note how the print is used to emphasize the "V" shape of the front bodice.

One of my favorites.  Note the use of large cording in the trim.

1820s bonnets are very different from the earlier poke style bonnets.  These are almost more like large brimmed hats.  The brim narrows in the back which make them sort of a cross between a bonnet and a hat.

Hairstyles consist of a center front part with curls on each side of the head.  The rest of the hair is drawn up into curls or a sculptural bun with braids and loops.  These bun styles become much more dramatic later in the decade and into the 1830s.

Footwear was similar to that of the Regency Era in that it was very flat.  The toe shapes have evolved into a rounded or squared off style instead of the pointed styles of the Regency Era.

Other items:  Caps are similar to those of the Regency Era--large with lot's of ruffles, many of which tie under the chin.  Chemisettes were also still worn.  Ruffles at the neck were still worn but many have not become more like ruffle collars that lay on the bodice.  

Hopefully this quick little guide will help those who are still planning their LaFayette event garb.  There's much more to cover but this should help with the basics.

I would urge you to try the 1820s!  I like the styles much more than Regency wear as I find it to be more flattering.  The one thing I dislike is the back closures as that means I need a helper to fasten my gown.

It's always something!