White Cotton Regency Dress – Simplicity 4055
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This is my very first attempt at a Regency dress. For my inspiration I looked at earlier Regency dresses from 1800-1810, influenced by the classical statuary of ancient Greece.
I used Simplicity 4055, view A, without the overskirt and with extra fabric in the back for fullness. I lengthened the bodice, thinking it would be too small, not realising that tiny bodices were, in fact, the fashion. Silly me. The pattern went together beautifully. Although I was put off by the photos on the pattern envelope, it turned out to be a good basic regency pattern, with clear instructions and relatively easy construction.
The fabric is a white cotton with a thin woven stripe, and the contrast ribbon is a green vintage velvet ribbon that I found at a garage sale. The buttons in the back are covered with the same ribbon. I used plain white cotton for the lining.
I made a matching reticule, using an extant French example as my inspiration for the shape. I had to do this twice, because the first one came out much too small! The larger version came out beautifully and it is now one of my favourite bags. I have also made two more! For my hair, I made a turbanesque headband. This was perfect for the first event I wore this to – an evening ball.
The next event was an afternoon garden party, so, to be proper for daytime, I needed a bonnet and chemisette. I found the plain straw bonnet on Etsy and the lace is white Chantilly. I draped the lace over the bonnet and tacked it a few times to keep it in place. It is gathered and secured under the chin with a popper. The chemisette was something of an experiment. It is essentially a square with a slit for the neckline, and ties under the arms to keep it in place. I used white point d’esprit and white lace that I happened to have already. It did work, but could use some refinement.
For my next regency dress I will make the bodice the proper length, and also wear the proper undergarments. I am working on a bodiced petticoat, which should help achieve the correct look.
Pattern Number
Simplicity 4055, view A, minus overskirt
Description
Ladies Regency era dress
Difficulty
Intermediate – You are happy wearing the things you make. You can put in a zip and do buttonholes. You have used more fussy fabric such as satin or floppy/silky fabrics.
Fabric and Trim
Main: White cotton with stripe
Lining: Plain white cotton
Trim: Green velvet ribbon
Instructions
The pattern went together beautifully, the instructions were clear and easy to follow. The construction is also relatively easy. Don’t skip the staystitching!
Alterations
I added extra fabric in the back of the skirt and lengthened the bodice. I should not have lengthened the bodice, and subsequently went back and shortened it.
Conclusions
This is a good basic regency pattern, despite the less than inspiring photos on the pattern envelope.
