| Let us understand from the start that the term | | | | evening gloves, a fancy headdress of some sort, a |
| "Undress" did not signify being unclothed. Likewise, "Half | | | | few jewels, a fan, perhaps a reticule, and satin slippers. |
| Dress" did not mean one was literally half- dressed. | | | | Other accessories could also be worn or on hand: |
| The terms are categorical, not literal. Like Full-Dress, | | | | feathers, boas, shawls, scarves and fans, to name the |
| their name referred more to function than a state of | | | | most common. |
| being. In which case you may ask, 'What does it all | | | | The following gowns constituted Undress. # Morning |
| mean?' | | | | dress # Walking-out dress # Carriage dress # |
| It means there had to be many gowns in a genteel | | | | Promenade dress # Afternoon dress # Riding dress |
| Regency lady's wardrobe--regardless of the size of | | | | (or Habit) # Half-dress |
| her fortune. Indeed, to be active in society the | | | | See the difference? In theory, you were in Undress in |
| necessity of owning a large wardrobe could hardly be | | | | the morning, Half-dress in the afternoon, and Full Dress |
| avoided. In a small town such as Longbourne (where | | | | for evening events. (Such as, a dinner or soiree, opera, |
| the Bennett's lived) the categories no doubt | | | | ballet, theatre, concert, or ball). Court Dress was also |
| overlapped more than they would, say, for a | | | | considered Full Dress, though it had extravagant |
| debutante in London. | | | | requirements that no other occasion called for. |
| Nevertheless, a number of categories of dress were | | | | According to the Georgian Index, a wonderful online |
| necessary, and of course there would have to be | | | | resource for Regency fans, Dinner Dress and Opera |
| variety within each category--and this, no matter | | | | Dress fall into the category of "Half Dress." And only |
| where you dwelt, for there were different uses forthe | | | | "Evening, Ball and Court Dresses" passed as Full |
| different categories, as we shall see. | | | | Dress. Is your head swimming, yet? If not, consider that |
| Having said that, one could argue there are only two | | | | the Riding Habit might not fit into any of the above, but |
| main categories of clothing for the Regency belle: | | | | simply constitute a category in its own right! |
| Undress and Full Dress. In this "model", Undress | | | | Ah, so many dresses, so little time! No wonder the |
| includes all of the gowns worn during the day, and | | | | all-important Regency "season" was a roller-coaster |
| what is otherwise called Half Dress. (Which is to say, | | | | ride of entertainments, diversions and delights. A lady |
| the majority of clothing for daytime, and even perhaps, | | | | must needs have enough events to make use of such |
| informal evening wear.) | | | | an extensive wardrobe, and enough gowns in her |
| Day gowns include any gown worn for the morning, | | | | possession to attend them in "the mode." Pity the poor |
| walking out, shopping, carriage riding, or making calls. Full | | | | chit who couldn't follow protocol or dress for the |
| Dress, on the other hand, was for the evening Ball, | | | | occasion. Such was the challenge for families with |
| very fancy Dinner, Opera or appearance at Court. | | | | more pretension than means, who wished to launch a |
| (The Royal Court, not a court of law.) | | | | Regency buck or belle into the swirl of the fashionable |
| The chief difference between Undress and Full was a | | | | elite. |
| lower bodice for the evening, but in practice full dress | | | | The Regency. There's never been a time quite like it. |
| implied a whole ensemble; A short-sleeved | | | | You've got to love it! |
| empire-waisted, low-necked gown, (generally of muslin | | | | PS:(I didn't forget about Headdress. Article coming |
| but by no means restricted to such) and including | | | | soon! |