Dress for the ball:
Fantastical-historical costume inspired by the style of the late 18th to early 19th centuries and the Masquerade in Season 4, Episode 1. The narrower silhouette of early 19th century gowns make them easier to dance in, but if you want to go full Queen Charlotte, we will be thrilled and admiring! Your masking can be simply adding a domino mask to an existing outfit or going all-out with a fantastical costume like those in the show: Titania, Zeus (male or female!), Joan of Arc, a pirate, a mermaid, or, of course, a mysterious Silver Ingenue!
It’s easy to find photos from the shows online, but scroll to the bottom for a few pics to inspire you, plus some actual 18th and 19th century masquerade images! For those interested in accurate ladies’ costume of the 1800-1820 period, this site has a good summary, including undergarments and accessories.
Modern formalwear (nice suit, black/white tie, evening gown, etc.) is also acceptable. Gowns should be mid-calf or longer – no short cocktail dresses, please! National dress, religious dress, and military uniform are always acceptable.
Some specific tips:
Please wear a mask for the first part of the evening – we will un-mask at the refreshment break.
Enormous plumes are dramatic for court presentations but are not very practical for dancing! Many of the dances involve underarm turns, so maybe leave the plumes at home.
A well-tied cravat was characteristic of the aristocratic gentleman of the early 19th century. Watch a quick video demonstration of ways to tie one.
Everyone of any gender should wear gloves to dance – but remove them to eat!
Please bring clean, indoor-only shoes to protect the dance floor. Flat or low-heeled with leather soles will be easiest for dancing.
For the safety of yourself and other dancers and the protection of the dance floor: no spike heels or stilettos!
Changing space is extremely limited (bathrooms). Arriving already in costume will be the easiest!
Inspirational Images
Our best advice is to watch Season 4, Episode 1, and be inspired by the amazing masquerade costumes shown!
For the base of your costume, many Bridgerton costumes are more-or-less historical style:
Some…not so much. (Maybe that’s why they’re wringing their hands in these photos?)
There’s also the Queen Charlotte (young or old) look, though it will be harder to dance in:
And, of course, there really were masquerades in the 18th and 19th centuries. You can go with a simple domino cloak and mask or get much more creative! Here are a few actual historical images to inspire you. Click the images to see larger or expanded versions!
