19th Century Costumes of the Public Domain
In the late 1800s, costume parties were full of creativity and fun. These parties, which were often part of masquerades and carnivals, allowed people to dress up and pretend to be someone else for a night. Upper- and middle-class people loved these parties because they were a way to show off their style, imagination, and knowledge of history. These parties were not just for fun—they were a way to make a statement about yourself. The costumes people chose said a lot about their taste, their education, and even their place in society.
Two important books from this time give us a look at the kinds of costumes people wore and how they created them. Masquerade and Carnival: Their Customs and Costumes (1892) by Jennie Taylor Wandle and Weldon’s Practical Fancy Dress for Ladies (1888) by Walter Weldon were popular guides for people looking to dress up for these grand events. These books not only offered costume ideas, but they also gave advice on how to make the perfect outfit. The costumes they describe were a mix of history, culture, and fantasy, showing how much effort people put into stepping outside of their daily lives.
The Cultural Context of Late 19th-Century Costume Parties
In the late 1800s, the world was changing quickly. Cities were growing because of new factories, and with this change came new ways to have fun. Costume parties were a great way for people to escape the strict rules of society and have a little fun. At these parties, people could let go of their usual roles and act like someone else. The rules that controlled everyday life were put aside for a night, and creativity could take over.
The costumes people chose at these events were often based on the past. People loved dressing up as characters from history, such as from the Renaissance or the Middle Ages. However, these costumes were not just about history—they also included characters from books, plays, and myths. Parties often had themes, and people enjoyed showing off their knowledge and creativity by picking costumes that matched these themes. Wearing the right costume could make someone stand out for the night, showing off not only their money but also their smarts.
Unlike today, when you can easily buy a costume from a store, in the 1800s people had to make their own outfits. They would plan their costumes carefully, sewing them by hand or reusing clothes they already had. Making these costumes took a lot of imagination, and it was something people enjoyed doing. Women, in particular, loved these opportunities to be creative and push the limits of what was considered fashionable at the time.
"Masquerade and Carnival: Their Customs and Costumes" by Jennie Taylor Wandle
Jennie Taylor Wandle’s book Masquerade and Carnival: Their Customs and Costumes, published in 1892, was printed by the Butterick Publishing Company. Butterick was a big name in the fashion world. The company was famous for creating sewing patterns that helped women make their own clothes at home. Founded in 1867 by Ebenezer Butterick, the company changed the way women sewed by making it easier for them to follow patterns and create stylish clothing. By the time Wandle’s book came out, Butterick had grown into a major publisher, known for helping middle-class women stay fashionable. Their name was recognized all over the United States.
Wandle’s book was not just about costumes—it also gave readers a look at the parties and social life of the time. Wandle described all sorts of popular events, like tea parties, Japanese-themed parties (which were trendy at the time), and even quirky events like Mrs. Jarley’s Waxwork Collection, where people dressed up and pretended to be wax figures, staying completely still for long periods of time.
The book’s illustrations were just as interesting as the text. The drawings showed all sorts of costume ideas, from historical figures to mythological creatures. Wandle wanted readers to be creative and really think about the character they were dressing up as. Instead of just buying an outfit, she encouraged people to research the character’s background and make their costume look as realistic as possible.
One interesting costume from the book is a woman’s Jeffersonian-style outfit. This outfit, inspired by the clothes of early American leaders like Thomas Jefferson, was a mix of historical fashion and modern style. The costume featured a high-waisted dress with detailed decorations, plenty of ruffles and frills, and fingerless gloves. Women wore this costume to honor the early days of the United States, showing pride in the country’s history. At the same time, the costume was designed to make women look graceful and refined. It wasn’t just about looking pretty—it was about showing respect for the country’s past.
Anonymous (1892)
Anonymous (1892)
Anonymous (1892)
"Weldon’s Practical Fancy Dress for Ladies" by Walter Weldon
Walter Weldon’s book, Weldon’s Practical Fancy Dress for Ladies, published in 1888, was different from Wandle’s guide. While Wandle’s book was full of cultural details, Weldon’s book was all about helping women create stylish costumes. Weldon’s focus was on making costumes affordable and easy to put together. He knew that not everyone could spend a lot of money on fancy fabrics, so his guide gave practical tips on how to make impressive costumes using simple materials.
Weldon’s book was written specifically for women who wanted to create their own costumes. His advice included how to reuse clothing they already had, so they didn’t have to buy new fabric. This made it possible for women from different social backgrounds to create beautiful costumes without spending a fortune.
The costumes described in Weldon’s book covered a wide range of ideas, from historical figures to characters from books. One fun example is the Norwegian Fish Girl costume, which was inspired by traditional Norwegian clothing but had a maritime twist. This costume let women pretend to be someone from a far-off place, which was very exciting in the 1800s. Another costume, the Mascotte, was inspired by popular plays of the time. It had a playful and theatrical look, perfect for someone who wanted to add a bit of fun to their costume. The Carnival costume, with its layers of bright fabric, was made for women who wanted to stand out in a crowd.
Weldon also knew that women didn’t always want to be delicate or graceful. Some women liked bold, dramatic costumes that allowed them to play different roles. Costumes like Lady Macbeth or Joan of Arc let women explore strong, powerful characters. For many, these costumes were a way to break out of the limitations placed on them in everyday life, giving them a chance to express parts of themselves that were usually hidden.
Anonymous (1888)
Anonymous (1888)
Anonymous (1888)
The Role of Costume Parties in Late 19th-Century Society
Costume parties in the 1800s were more than just a way to have fun—they were important social events. People used these parties to show off their creativity, intelligence, and sense of style. The costumes people wore said a lot about who they were and how much they knew about culture and history. In a time when people had to follow very strict rules about how to act and dress, costume parties allowed them to step outside of those rules, even if just for one night.
For women, these parties were especially freeing. Society expected women to act a certain way, but at a masquerade or carnival, they could dress up as someone else. These costumes gave them a chance to explore different roles and try out new ways of expressing themselves. Women could dress as powerful figures from history or as mythical creatures, allowing them to be more adventurous than their everyday lives allowed. Costume parties were one of the few times when women could break the social rules of the time without facing judgment.
Both Wandle’s and Weldon’s books show us how important costume parties were in Victorian society. These books gave people the tools they needed to create stunning outfits, but they also reflected the culture of the time. In a world where following the rules was important, costume parties provided a fun and creative escape. Through these books, we get a window into the world of the late 1800s, where fashion, culture, and creativity came together in ways that shaped social life for many people.
