Jane Austen Costume
Bring the elegance of the Regency era to life.
Jane Austen is one of history's most celebrated novelists, famous for capturing the romance and social nuances of the Regency era. Dressing as Austen or one of her beloved heroines is a popular choice for book lovers, historical reenactors, and literary events. The signature look features a high-waisted empire gown, a classic bonnet, and delicate period accessories.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
See yourself as Jane Austen
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What you need for a Jane Austen costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Jane Austen costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
Empire waist gown
A lightweight cotton or linen maxi dress in white, cream, or a pastel floral print, featuring a high waistline sitting directly under the bust.
DIY: Use a simple white maxi dress and tie a wide satin ribbon tightly just beneath the bust to create the empire silhouette.
Spencer jacket
A cropped, long-sleeved jacket that ends right at the high waistline, typically in a contrasting color like navy, green, or burgundy.
DIY: Drape a lightweight knit shawl or pashmina scarf over your shoulders and secure it with a vintage brooch.
Poke bonnet
A classic straw or fabric bonnet with a wide brim that frames the face, decorated with silk ribbons that tie under the chin.
DIY: Take a straw sunhat, gently fold the sides forward to create a bonnet shape, and hot-glue wide satin ribbons to tie under your chin.
White gloves
Wrist-length or elbow-length matte cotton or satin gloves in solid white.
Reticule bag
A small, fabric drawstring pouch used to carry personal items, often decorated with embroidery or tassels.
DIY: Thread a ribbon through the casing of a small fabric jewelry pouch to make a quick drawstring purse.
Ballet flats
Simple, flat slip-on shoes in black, nude, or white fabric or leather.
Quill and journal
A prop feather quill pen and a small, leather-bound notebook or journal.
DIY: Trim a large craft feather to a point at the tip and carry a vintage-looking book from your bookshelf.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Jane Austen costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the empire waist gown, ensuring the waistline sits directly and snugly beneath the bust.
- 2
Layer the cropped Spencer jacket over the dress, or drape your shawl elegantly over your arms.
- 3
Style your hair into a high bun with face-framing curls before putting on the bonnet.
- 4
Place the poke bonnet on your head and tie the ribbons into a secure bow under your chin or slightly to one side.
- 5
Slip on the white cotton gloves.
- 6
Put on your flat ballet slippers.
- 7
Loop the reticule bag over your wrist and carry your book and quill pen as props.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair in a classic Regency updo by pulling it into a high bun or curly topknot, leaving soft, ringlet curls to frame your face. Keep makeup minimal and natural, featuring a fresh complexion, a light sweep of pink blush, and a neutral lip.
Jane Austen for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Mr. Darcy wearing a Regency-style tailcoat, high-collared shirt, cravat, and tall riding boots.
- group
- Gather friends to dress as the Bennet sisters from Pride and Prejudice in coordinating pastel empire gowns.
- kids
- A miniature empire waist dress with a ribbon sash and a small straw hat.
- Plus size
- Empire waistlines are highly accommodating; choose a gown with an adjustable drawstring under the bust for a comfortable, custom fit.
- pet
- A small dog wearing a miniature lace collar or a tiny bonnet.
Tips
- If buying a Regency gown is out of budget, look for modern empire-waist maxi dresses at thrift stores.
- Wear comfortable, broken-in flats, as Regency-era shoes were completely flat and lacked modern arch support.
- For outdoor events, a Spencer jacket or a heavy wool shawl is essential to stay warm while keeping the historical silhouette.
Jane Austen costume FAQ
- What style of dress did Jane Austen wear?
- Jane Austen wore Regency-era fashion, characterized by empire waist gowns (high waistlines just under the bust), short puffed sleeves, and simple, lightweight fabrics like muslin or cotton.
- How do I make a DIY Jane Austen costume?
- You can DIY the look by taking a simple white or pastel maxi dress, tying a satin ribbon tightly under the bust to simulate an empire waist, and pairing it with a straw sunhat bent into a bonnet shape.
- What accessories do I need for a Regency costume?
- Essential accessories include a poke bonnet, wrist-length white gloves, a small drawstring reticule bag, flat slippers, and a book or quill pen.
Did you know? Jane Austen herself was known to be very interested in fashion, often writing detailed letters to her sister Cassandra about buying fabrics, trimming hats, and updating her gowns to match the latest trends.