Would you consider a nod to 1864 by wearing something from that period to our Autumn Fair in September?
Ladies
Do you have a frilly or lacy blouse? Do you have a cape which might be suitable or a square of fabric which could be folded into a triangle and pinned with a broach? Ladies day dresses in 1864 had high necklines with lots of lace and frills. Skirts were long and full – maybe an old velvet curtain from the attic!
Popular colours were mauve/purple but many strong colours were worn.
Hair was parted in the centre and pulled over the ears. It was either platted or put in a bun at the nape of the neck. Hairnets were used to hold the chosen style together and the hairnets were decorated. If wearing a hat it was usually of the straw or fabric bonnet type.
Gentlemen
Would you consider a moustache, beard or side burns? Men wore suits with a waistcoat, high upstanding or turnover collars and wide neckties tied in a bow or looped into a loose knot and fastened with a stickpin. Hair was worn short (lucky for us)!
Joan Beck