Regency Ladies Fashions: Half Dress and Full Dress

As I discussed in a previous post, the Regency lady had a very regimented day dictated by fashion. She habitually changed clothes three or four times daily, and as the day progressed, uncovered a little more each time. After the Regency lady changed out of her morning attire, which was called "undress" she would then put on either a riding habit or a gown appropriate for "half dress."

RIDING HABIT
Unlike ladies' gowns which were made by dressmakers and modistes, riding habits were made by tailors. Ladies wore riding habit during rides in the park or the country. Made of sturdy cloth, riding habits were very tailored with form-fitted jackets and wide, long skirts to ensure modesty while riding. For the final touch, ladies accessorized with the right boots, hats, gloves, and riding crops.

HALF-DRESS
No, it's not what you think! Half dress was more formal than the casual morning gown. Ladies wore half dress in the afternoon and into early evening -- roughly between five and seven o'clock. Half dresses had lower necklines and often came with those lovely trains. They were perfect for the casual elegant look where one wanted to be seen. Activities one did while wearing half-dress included walking outdoors--probably not for the gowns with trains--shopping, going to an exhibit, riding in a boat or carriage, promenading in Bath or at the seashore, visiting friends, and making calls. Depending on the time of year and weather, Ladies also wore shawls or spencers (a short jacket) . Other accessories included bonnets, fans, gloves or muffs, and of course reticules.

HALF FULL DRESS
With the right accessories, meaning much more elaborate, a half dress could transform into half full dress for dinner or the opera after seven o'clock. Never underestimate the importance of fine jewelry, shawls, gloves, and fans. True today too, is it not?

FULL DRESS
Full dress were the most formal and ornate gowns, and, I am certain, the most expensive. Worn later in the evening, full dress gowns revealed the most décolletage and sometimes were fairly low on the shoulder, although her shoulders were never completely bare. Evening gowns usually had short sleeves so ladies wore long gloves with them, and the very best accessories --reticules, fans, headdresses, satin slippers, and scarves. Ladies also wore full dress to balls at Almack's Assembly Room, pleasure gardens like Vauxhall, evening concerts, ore more private parties such as soirees, balls, and card parties.

There are days when I wish it were fashionable for women to wear beautiful dresses every day, because, let's fact it, most of us look better in a skirt, and plus I feel more feminine in one, but seriously, I'm so glad I don't have to change multiple times a day just to avoid gossip and scandal!

On average, how many times a day to you change?