Some of you may remember that last year I attended the Jane Austen Society of North America’s AGM (national conference) in Louisville, where I had the chance to dress up in this beautiful, modified court dress made by our niece, Jennifer S. Klassen.
With Hannah and Matti (of Matti’s Millinery & Costumes) and their husbands last year.
This year, Lord willing, my husband and I will attend the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, England. In preparation, I am having a spencer jacket and bonnet made. Here are a few photos of spencers I like from Pride and Prejudice (1995):
Since it would be a challenge to fit another full-length dress into my suitcase, I’ve decided to try to be packing-efficient and wear the gold underdress for two events. I’ll wear it with the blue overdress for the evening dance, and with a spencer jacket and bonnet for the daytime “Grand Regency Costumed Promenade,” along with gloves, reticule, and perhaps a parasol as well.
Bath’s Jane Austen Festival holds the Guinness World Record for “The Largest Gathering of People Dressed in Regency Costumes” (officially 409 in 2009 and numbers up to 550 in 2014). Who knows? Maybe we’ll set a new record this year.
Photo Credit: Kevin Baths, Bath Chronicle
Our talented niece Jenni has made both of my Regency dresses so far. But I have also wanted to have Matti’s Millinery & Costumes 
make something for me ever since these two Minnesota sisters made the costume for the cover of my book, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall. They make such beautiful gowns and accessories for several time periods. Check out their website and you will see what I mean.
Since Matti and Hannah live within driving distance, they invited me to come over and try on some of their creations in person, to help choose a style and fabric. I thought the navy was a bit too dark on me, but I really liked the color and style of this red spencer. Since the blue lining of the dress shimmers through the gold stripes, I decided a bright blue velvet would be even better.
Here is the bonnet I chose. Hannah or Matti will re-trim it with blue ribbon and decoration to coordinate with the spencer. My husband saw this photo and said, “It’s Little Bo Peep.” Everyone’s a critic. 🙂
I will be sure and post a photo of the finished spencer and bonnet when I can. Until then, the question is: Will I get my husband to dress up in period costume as well? You’ll have to “tune in” to future blogs to find out.
Would you dress up and participate in such an event? Have you? Do share.
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Way to go, Julie! I have always wanted to be an extra in a Jane Austen film. I don’t need any lines. Just someone walking in the street would be fine. Wearing these pieces would be heavenly! I would do it if I could!
Thanks, Courtney. I had not thought about being an extra in an Austen film. That would be memorable for sure!
Hi Julie, that looks like so much fun! Yes, I was wondering if your husband would also dress up with you. I can’t wait to see the photos and hear more about your trip to England.
Thanks, Carrie. And yes, I’m sure I’ll be posting lots of photos. Do you have plans to return to England one day soon as well?
Love playing dress up! And the regency costumes are so elegant and gorgeous. Please take lots of pictures in Bath and show them off. What a fun event to attend!
Thanks, Karen. Will do!
I participate in English Country Dancing like in the ball scenes of P&P and Emma, but have not dressed up in period clothing as I do not have access to it nor skill to make it, but it sure looks like fun!
Hi Callie. Fun! I have thoroughly enjoyed the English Country Dancing I’ve done, though it hasn’t been a lot. I couldn’t sew a gown to save my life, but thankfully these days many seamstresses are offering their services online.
How much fun is that?!! You look lovely! I think it would be great fun to participate in those events. Now my husband, hmmm, he may be outside tinkering with an engine or mowing the lawn or cleaning the garage – anything to avoid wearing period pieces! Best wishes!
Thanks, Angie! And I hear you about your husband. Mine would probably prefer all of those things, too, but he’s become accustomed to my strange ways. 🙂
I would dress up an attend an event like this one if we had one in my area of the midwest. This sounds like so much fun.I like the red jacket on you better than the blue one.I have the movie with the 2 actresses that you showed it is one of my favorites with the dreamy Colin Firth as Mr.Darcy in it…I have also read several of your books including the one pictured.The regency period is my favorite time to read about.Hope you have a wonderful time.Keep the good books coming.
Thanks, Diana. And yes, that’s my favorite P & P version, too.
That looks like such fun, Julie. In fact, I borrowed your idea and bought an old-fashioned Dutch dress (and wooden shoes) to wear when my book comes out in October. The book is about Dutch immigrants who come to America. Have fun in Bath!
Now THAT sounds great, Lynn. Please do post photos.
I love the bonnet you picked! Beautiful. I can’t wait to see future pictures.
Thanks, Becky! Just call me “Bo” for short.
Looks like fun!
Would I dress up in period dress? In the past, in a heartbeat!
I have a friend that attends this affair as well and loves it.
Enjoy!
Is your friend going again this year? Glad to hear she would recommend it, as it will my first time at the Bath festival.
Gorgeous. I’ve been decorating a spare bedroom with a ‘literature” theme, so I’ve got my Jane Austen books front and center on the cabinet in there. And I found a great “etching” in an antique store of an inn with carriage and characters who could have stepped out of the books! You look lovely. Have a great time on your trip!
Ohhh! The literature room sounds heavenly, Lenora! I’d love to see that etching sometime, too.
What a great idea for decorating a bedroom!
I think it would be fun to dress up for that event. My husband, however, would be extremely hesitant to dress up, unless it was a western cowboy event! You’re going to look very elegant and stylish for your trip! 🙂
Yes, I would. I think it would be fun to both dress up and be a part of such a large group of people like this.
I love the style of your Spenser and the hat is very becoming. Looks like a load of fun! I would love an excuse to dress up! I like to sew. I’ve often thought about making a revolutionary era outfit. That is my special era, though I do dearly love Regency too!! Have fun!
Mary
I have never dressed up in costume for an event; it sounds kind of intimidating. If I were able to attend a Jane Austen festival I might go. Hm. Now, if I were a tour guide in a Georgian house I might consider wearing a costume. However if I were only a visitor I wouldn’t have the nerve to show up in costume. All of these pictures look fascinating and it would be fun to choose a Regency gown and spencer. By the way. Were spencers, in Regency times, only worn when one was cold like we wear jackets nowadays? Did they always wear them (even if they weren’t cold) as an out of door garment? I know the men always wore their coats even if they weren’t cold or in a formal setting.
Julie, you look fabulous! I’ve never had the opportunity to dress in costume for an event. It looks like so much fun! Thank you for sharing these fun photos! 🙂
Yes, Julie, you look wonderful! I love the red spencer, too. Sounds like such fun. I would love to dress up in Regency wear if there were an event. Long ago my husband and I dressed in Roman togas for an event.
Here’s hoping your husband dresses up. Have a great trip! Looking forward to the photos.
How lovely that you get to go to the Jane Austen festival! It’s one thing I really want to do as well someday.
I do get to dress up now and then in my Medieval dress/costume for medieval/fantasy fairs that I attend with a group of friends. It’s great fun and I love my costume which is getting more and more complete. I bought shoes at a festival I attended two weeks ago.