Discover the many eras of fashion through Jane Austen's lifetime

The 42 years of Jane Austen’s life saw dramatic changes in fashion. During her childhood in the 1770s, the fashion was outlandish with the grand Robe à la Polonaise, wide panniers and towering wigs.

As Austen grew into adulthood the classically inspired, simple empire line gowns of the Regency came to the forefront of fashion. Gentleman also saw a change in their fashion from the extravagant macaronis to Beau Brummel and the great masculine renunciation. These changes in fashion had various causes including the French Revolution, patriotic pride, the popularity of novels and archelogy.

There were also cultural norms to take into account, such as mourning wear and wedding attire, as well as the differences in day and evening wear, how to dress your servants and when was appropriate to wear hats and gloves.

The talk will cover all of this and more; providing an overview of late Georgian and Regency fashion and giving detail to Jane Austen’s world.

Members pre-sale Tuesday 21 June, 10am
General on-sale Friday 24 June, 10am