DIY Jane Austen Costume

Learn how to make a DIY Jane Austen costume. This regency dress works for Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma.

My daughter had to do a biography project in school this year. She got to pick someone from history, research, write a little bio, and then act out the person for the presentation.

She chose the author, Jane Austen, and I decided to make her a regency inspired dress that she could wear for the presentation.

I wasn’t going for historical accuracy when I was designing and sewing this dress. I was aiming for a dress that would look similar enough that it would be seen as Jane Austen.

DIY Jane Austen Costume

Regency Style dress

Regency style dresses have an empire waist and a long skirt. There are often small puff sleeves, square or curved neckline, and details on the bodice and skirt hem.

Dress Sewing Pattern

I use the Seraphina dress sewing pattern by Violette Field Threads. I’ve used this dress pattern before and it’s easy and straight forward. It had almost all the details I wanted, but I did do some pattern alterations.

Pattern Alterations

I left the waist where is was which is in between an empire waist and a natural waist. It’s a great in between spot so that the skirt still looks really long.  I changed the front neckline to a curve instead of a v-neck.

Fabric Choice

I had this beautiful blue and green floral fabric in my stash. I was going to use it for a dress for me, but it was just too perfect for this sewing project. It’s a cotton woven fabric, but it has a beautiful drape and smooth hand.

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