Fashion plate of mid-Regency bonnets. Note the tall crowns, which became quite the rage through the early 1820s.

Here is something quite unique. These photographs were taken in the late 1800s. The young woman pictured is wearing an 1820s dress with a "calash" bonnet (very typical of the late 18th century through the early 19th). Perhaps she is modeling what her grandmother wore?

This is an original ballgown from 1818. Note the beaded fabric and gold trim details. The sleeves are very large, which points to the late Regency period.

These paintings were done in the Victorian era but showcase the fashions of a generation before. The gorgeous portrait on the left shows the Grecian influence so prevalent during the Regency period (particularly early on). Note the trim on the sleeves and the gold band in the lady's hair.

Here is a Regency lady dancing in her ballgown.

Note the asymmetrical overskirt with tasseled trim.

These illustrations are from a 1910 novel, D'Ri and I, by Irving Bacheller. The story is set during the War of 1812. I think the gowns illustrated here are just lovely.

This illustration is from a 1911 cover of Ladies Home Journal.I love this very accurate and beautiful painting of a young woman in a pink bonnet. Note her reticule and beautiful, colorful shawl.

English fashion plate of a woman wearing a Spencer jacket, circa 1818. Note the long scarf tied around the high neck of the jacket.

Here is a scrumptious early 1820s ballgown (when all the puffs and furbelows really came into style with a bang!). Look at all the detailing on this gown and imagine the work! The slashed sleeves are simply a feast for the eyes, and the cording on the bodice just amazes me with its perfect stitchery. This is another gown you can see in Jane Ashelford's book,

This is an original woman's day dress, circa 1810, which is on display in the Danish Museum. The fit of the dress has a very modern flair to it. This is another extant gown that directly inspired my original Regency Gown pattern, particularly when it came to the shape of the skirt, which I love on this gown.

This is a beautiful French empire evening gown which is also displayed on Cathy Decker's Regency Fashion Site. This gown was a direct inspiration for my original Regency Gown pattern.

Here is a group of Regency gowns featured in Jane Ashelford's Book, The Art of Dress. Note the crossover bodice of the early 1800s day dress, the fantastic details of the sleeve embroidery on the 1810 evening gown and the full skirt back of the 1795 day dress. It's nice to be able to see the actual colors, too. Dispels the myth of pastels and drab colors!

Here is a wonderful evening gown from the Museum of Costume in Bath, England. I love the long train and shimmery look of the material!

This is an original gown from the early Regency, accented with a delicate tulle overlay and featuring slim sleeves. Back when I sewed professionally, a customer sent me this photo so I could reproduce the dress, which was a really fun project. I believe the original garment is in the

These beautiful gowns are from the McCord Museum in Canada.

Aren't these gorgeous? These are from the textile collection at Kent State University

This is a color illustration from Mansfield Park. Fanny's aunt is "helping" her with her sewing.

An illustration of Henry Crawford helping Fanny Price into her shawl from the 1895 edition of Mansfield Park

English fashion plate showing a lady wearing a cape over her gown.

An English fashion plate from 1810. I love the gent's crisply tailored suit. This is when trousers really came into vogue for men, displacing breeches for all but formalwear for the young bucks of fashion.