Remember that English Country Dance was common up until 1870 and is believed to date back to about 1400 (Playford started publishing these around 1650 because it had become so popular). That's a 400 year span of costume possibilities. I've made myself dresses that give a nod to the era of Marie Antoinette and as far back as the Renaissance eras, but I attribute the revival of ECD to Austen’s books (and for anything hosted by the Jane Austen club, definitely aim Austen-era). That puts us right around the beginning of 1800… say 1810 or 1820. Easiest period to make or fudge, but hardest to buy.
Fudging the time period:
Women: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KKViqeaD9c
Men: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLTQtgsM1CI
Or... buy a long suit jacket at thrift store, crop off the front from the waist down but leave the back as tails. Then buy plain baseball pants and pair them with soccer socks. Will try and find a picture of one of the two gentlemen who have done this... I should note that while this looks very dashing, a suit jacket can be overly warm to dance in. A billowy shirt paired with a vest can be a good bit cooler than the jacket.
Making your own gown:
Patterns: Any Joann’s or Hancock’s will have pattern books: Simplicity, McCalls, Butterick, and Burda usually each have at least one empire waisted dress with poufy sleeves. For anything with undersleeves, I’d recommend making undersleeves with a fabric that has a good bit of give… helps with the ability to raise your arm. I've heard the Sense and Sensibility patterns are more authentic and quite comfortable.
Handmade:
You can find people making Regency outfits on Etsy (suggested search combinations: Regency/Austen dress/gown).
We have the occasional dressmakers in our group:
DeeDee Smith is a member of the local Jane Austen club. She makes historical clothing. Find her at www.facebook.com/shopThimbles
Susi Matthews designs and creates costumes and whatnot. I haven't seen her lately, but she is hopefully still in the area. Contact her at [email protected]
Costume Store possibilities:
***New Edit: Search Regency Dress or Bridgerton costume on Amazon or google.
Prior to Bridgerton, Regency wear was difficult to find.
Costumes likely to require some modification, like shortening sleeves, but should be close enough to work for Regency.
CostumeDiscounters: Emerald Juliet
Amazon: Katarina, Medieval Queen, Maiden Suede, Charades Camelot or Lady of Camelot elsewhere
Purchasing menswear:
Take a look at the Anthony Bridgerton costume...
While Victorian is on the later side, some of the items should work for Regency attire. Consider some of the Victorian and steampunk coats. Remember, high waistline, and lower tails. Perhaps something like this tailcoat. If you have skill with a needle, find a thrift store, buy a cheap coat, and crop the front of it. Vest should be slightly longer than the coat so as to be visible underneath. The vest shown with it should work. Wearing a blousier shirt and the vest would make it so you're less likely to overheat when dancing, rather than attempting the full ensemble.
You CAN actually order a cravat online... They come in an array of colors.
I'd imagine the mid-calf baseball pants rather than full trousers would also aid in keeping cooler, but I must admit a lack of personal experience.
More suggestions: if you found something I did not, please go ahead and comment. :)