Gigi here! I’m looking to wear 1790s Round Gowns & Open Robes for the #costumersofcolor #Venice2024 trip this coming February. This is my project plan and wish list for getting my outfits ready for the trip. I’ll keep you updated on progress each quarter of 2023.

First, the foundations. I have 1780s stays from RedThreaded and 1790s transitional stays that will work for the look. I also have a 1780s shift from Willoughby & Rose to wear under the stays but will add a 1790s one to my wish list. I probably need a petticoat to go over these two items for warmth (and fullness) to wear in the cold of Venice in February.

Then, accessories. I have one pair of silk stockings and a pair of red Kensington’s from American Duchess. However I am worried about all of the walking we will be doing and think perhaps I should add a pair of Emma boots to my wish list because the rounded toe will be more comfortable (even more than the Hartfield since it looks to have a narrower pointed toe). I’ll also need more stockings. I will begin searching for necklace and earring sets that work for more than one dress. I’ll look for ostrich feathers and any tips on how to pack them for a international trip so they stay intact.

You can view my spread of foundations and accessories in an IG video here https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdCKjLuLbN7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Next, the dress. I’d like to note that a good starting point is the Simplicity S8941 pattern but adjustments have to be made for most bodies to make it more appropriate for 1790s. A few of the pattern notes and adjustments noted by American Duchess here will help the iteration of this dress for me – https://blog.americanduchess.com/2021/01/pattern-notes-adjustments-for.html

Finally, hair. A wig would be ideal, that way I can just put it on and go. I’ll play around with styling my own hair over the next month so see if maybe using a turban would be enough with my own curls or if I really need to go full w-i-g.

Wish me luck!

WISH LIST

Emma, navy blue size 10 – https://www.americanduchess.com/collections/regency-shoes-and-boots/products/emma-womens-regency-leather-boots-navy?variant=41109607514262

1790s linen shift with short sleeves – https://willoughbyandrose.com/collections/shifts-1/products/1790-linen-shift-with-short-sleeves-hand-sewn?variant=41553115906204

Clocked Silk Stockings – https://www.americanduchess.com/collections/historical-footwear-accessories/products/silk-clocked-stockings-pink

Petticoat – https://www.museumreplicas.com/floor-length-petticoat