Regency Costume
Channel the elegance of Jane Austen and Bridgerton with timeless Regency style.
The Regency era (roughly 1795 to 1820) is a highly popular costume choice, revitalized by historical dramas like Bridgerton and Jane Austen adaptations. The signature look features high-waisted empire gowns for women and sharply tailored tailcoats with cravats for men. This guide helps you assemble an elegant, high-society historical ensemble.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $50–200
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What you need for a Regency costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Regency costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Empire Waist Gown
A lightweight, high-waisted dress in white, pastel, or floral print, featuring short puffed sleeves and a straight skirt.
DIY: Use a maxi dress and tie a wide satin ribbon directly under the bust to simulate the high empire waistline.
Regency Tailcoat
A double-breasted coat, short in the front with long tails in the back, typically in dark blue, green, or burgundy.
DIY: Modify a modern tuxedo jacket by pinning the front hem up and securing it with brass buttons.
White Cravat or Ascots
A long strip of white cotton or linen fabric wrapped around the neck and tied in a neat knot.
DIY: Cut a strip of white cotton fabric or use a white silk scarf tied neatly at the collar.
Waistcoat
A sleeveless vest worn under the tailcoat, often in a contrasting brocade pattern or solid cream color.
DIY: Use a modern formal suit vest, ideally with a high-cut collar.
Elbow-Length Gloves
White or ivory satin or matte fabric gloves worn with the short-sleeved empire gown.
Regency Bonnet or Reticule
A straw bonnet decorated with ribbons, or a small drawstring pouch bag (reticule) made of satin or velvet.
DIY: Create a simple drawstring pouch using a circle of satin fabric and a ribbon.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Regency costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
For the feminine look, put on the empire waist gown and tie the sash firmly just beneath the bust.
- 2
Put on white elbow-length gloves and slip on flat ballet slippers or low-heeled boots.
- 3
For the masculine look, put on a high-collared white dress shirt, followed by the patterned waistcoat.
- 4
Wrap the white cravat around the shirt collar, tying it in a neat knot at the front, and tuck the ends into the waistcoat.
- 5
Put on fitted trousers or breeches, tucking them into tall black riding boots.
- 6
Put on the double-breasted tailcoat over the waistcoat to complete the gentleman's silhouette.
Makeup & hair
For women, style hair in a high bun with soft curls framing the face, keeping makeup natural with rosy cheeks. For men, style hair with a slightly tousled, forward-swept look and clean-shaven or neat sideburns.
Regency for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair a high-society lady in an empire gown with a dashing gentleman in a tailored tailcoat and cravat.
- group
- Assemble a full promenade party with members in various pastel gowns, tailcoats, and top hats.
- kids
- Dress children in miniature empire-line dresses or simple waistcoats with flat caps.
- Plus size
- Empire waistlines are highly flattering; choose structured undergarments to support the high-waist silhouette.
- pet
- A small dog can wear a miniature ruffled collar or a tiny velvet top hat.
Tips
- Wear flat shoes like ballet flats or low boots, as high heels are not historically accurate for this era.
- If wearing a gown, wear a slip underneath as lightweight cotton and chiffon fabrics can be sheer under bright lights.
- Keep accessories simple: a delicate pearl necklace or a small drop earring fits the period perfectly.
Regency costume FAQ
- What is the difference between Regency and Victorian fashion?
- Regency fashion (early 1800s) features high empire waists and slim silhouettes, while Victorian fashion (mid-to-late 1800s) features corseted natural waists and massive crinoline hoop skirts.
- Can I wear a modern suit for a Regency look?
- A modern suit jacket won't have the correct cut. You specifically need a tailcoat that is cut short in the front to reveal the waistcoat beneath.
- What kind of shoes should I wear?
- Women should wear flat leather or fabric ballet slippers. Men should wear tall black leather riding boots or dark dress shoes with white stockings.
Did you know? The iconic high-waisted 'empire' silhouette of the Regency era was inspired by classical Greco-Roman statues, reflecting the period's obsession with antiquity.