Gaelen Foley, Historical Romance, History

5. Formal or "Full Dress" - Eveningwear for balls, soirees, court occasions. A couple of ball gowns could cost as much as the rest of the woman's entire wardrobe put together, which was why it was so very expensive for a young lady to have a "Season," as there were such occasions constantly and new gowns needed for each of them. These extravagant gowns featured low-cut necklines and featured train in the first half of the period.

6. Outdoor Wear - Coats - If Regency women were always "catching their death" in cold weather, it was because it was highly unfashionable to cover up a gorgeous gown with a sensible coat. Instead they preferred some sort of delicate 'wrap' such as a Kashmir shawl. A "Spencer" was a tiny bodice-hugging, longsleeved coat like a bolero jacket. Very chic! In the coldest months, however, the Regency miss had a number of choices:
Pelisse - general term for a light overcoat. Could be of tailored kerseymere (used for men's tailcoats) or even light, flowy muslin. Could be an open or closed garment, with either arm-holes or sleeves, floor-length or just below-the-knee.
Redingote - a long, fitted outdoor coat with a belt, often trimmed with fur
Mantle - large, long, shapeless cloak with arm slits and a hood
Cape - also popular, or hooded cloaks known as Capucins.

7. Accessories Reticule - the lady's purse. The name comes from the French word "ridiculous." Dresses of the earlier period had been provided with pockets or chatelains; since pockets would have ruined the sleek, clean line of Regency gowns, women needed someplace to carry their stuff.
Shawl - THE Regency must-have accessory, best if imported from the Kashmir region of India. The best quality scarves were so fine they could be pulled through a wedding ring. Paisley designs based on ancient Indian fertility symbols. The shawl was used for warmth but even more importantly, as a prop to help a young lady stand with it artfully draped over herself in alluring "attitudes."
Bonnet - endless varieties, but the most popular was the "poke" bonnet which hid the girl's face behind a long brim that looked rather like a huge duck bill.
Betsy - a detachable sort of collar made up of lace ruffles could be worn with different dresses. Fashionable way to keep your neck warm.
Tucker or Fichu - a bit of muslin or lace "tucked" into the low neckline of a gown during the daytime for added modesty.
Gloves - usually white or tan, of kid leather for outdoor or satin for evening
Fan - another must-have accessory for the Regency woman. (Though men could carry fans, too.) Came in all shapes and sizes. For example, an opera fan had an opera glass built into the handle.
Parasol - sun-shade umbrella of a delicate material on a cane skeleton. Handles could be of bamboo or fancier ones of ivory.

8. Shoes Slippers - basic shoe pattern looked like a ballet slipper (without points, of course). Could be made of kid leather, satin, or velvet.
Mules - backless slip-on shoes with a slight heel
Half-boots - an ankle boot. Of sturdy leather for outdoors or velvet/satin for evening.
Pattens - a metal contraption strapped onto the lady's shoes in inclement weather, to lift her above the mud, snow, or rainwater in the street.

9. Bridal Gowns - The fanciest style and fabric of gown one could afford, not necessarily white. Veils were worn but did not cover the face, instead, trailed down the back.

To Learn More About the Romantic Regency Era, Visit These Fabulous Websites