The Empire era

The Empire or Regency era (1800-1830)

If you heard about Jane Austen, you probably know what kind of fashion we're talking about in this post. After a very turbulent and transformative period of Revolutions, the world wanted to move away from the frivolity of the 18th Century. They wanted to show itself as serious and ernest. From an artificial to a very natural simple style and inspired by Ancient Greece or Rome, Neoclassicism was born. This movement was shown in everything visual - the arts, literature, theatre, music, architecture and fashion. Napoleon was emperor of France and George IV the Prince Regent of England. You can guess why this period was called the Empire or Regency era.

They especially liked to wear white, ivory, creamy colors, because all the statues of the Classical world were painted white, so they thought everyone of that period wore white.

Empire jackets were called 'Spencers', with puffy sleeves. They were perfect to fit an empire-waisted dress. 'Pelisses' were Empire-waisted long-sleeved tight fitting coats.

Hair was very natural, center-parted with soft curls on the sides and pulled up in the back, sometimes incorporated with ribbons. As headwear they wore a bonnet.

Shawls were also very popular.

Menswear of the 1800s-1820s saw an even more remarkable change than womenswear.

It formed a menswear standard that would endure until today!

Go have a look at Margo's Beautiful illustrations, I love her style!