Costume Guidelines
Here are some inspiration images to get your creative juices flowing! Obviously, for the Francaise Dinner, a francaise (sack or sacque) gown is a great choice, but it is not required. There are also a variety of beautiful styles that appeared in the second half of the 18th century. Remember, 1740-1800 period costumes are required for this event. Period-appropriate evening and formal attire is appreciated, but not required. Neither is full historical accuracy: there will be ladies in silk taffeta, and in cotton, and in polyester, sometimes all in the same outfit. The goal is to create a particular mood and have fun doing so, not to recreate an exact historical event.
Gender presentation at this period was binary but also contingent - between Mme the Chevalier d'Eon and the molly houses of London, Charles Hamilton and Deborah Sampson, both trans people affirming their gender and cis people making gender nonconforming choices are period accurate. Your presentation should be however you feel most comfortable or feel like playing with.
**A note on changing space: Gadsby's Tavern is a historic structure, and thus only has a small basement restroom available to their diners. As we are only occupying part of the tavern that evening, we ask people not to change on site. We do not wish to inconvenience the restaurant nor its other patrons. This is a fabulous venue for hosting a costumed event, and we would very much like everyone to have a great time, while still respecting the needs of the restaurant and of its other visitors.
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| Robe a la Anglaise, Unknown, circa 1770's, Private Collection |
