There is hardly anything in the world more glamorous and healthier than the thinking of women in the southern United States in the 1860s. While it is not possible to go back in time to live in the right time and be a true southern beauty, you can always try to impersonate one at a carnival, or at a masquerade party. All you have to do is assemble a suitable costume and imitate the lifestyle of a true southern beauty.
Steps
Step 1. Remember that the dress rules of 1860 were very strict
Here are some rules that always had to be followed:
- A lady was never supposed to show the skin under the collarbones before five in the afternoon.
- A girl under 21 couldn't wear anything red.
- Outside the house, you always had to wear a hat or a cap.
- A lady never had to take off her gloves, not even on the dance floor. Eating with gloves, on the other hand, was considered very rude.
- The hair was styled at the nape of the neck, securing the unruly tufts with bobby pins. The only exception was when a woman was on the dance floor.
- Stud earrings, or any other type aside from hooks, had not yet been invented.
- Sleeves always had to cover a lady's wrist, unless she was on the dance floor.
- Unmarried women could not wear feathers in their hair.
Step 2. Put on a slip
While your undergarments don't have to be authentic, a slip is needed to keep the corset from pressing painfully against the skin. A true petticoat would look like a short-sleeved cotton blouse. If you're in a hurry, don't feel like wearing one or just don't want to spend those extra thirty euros just to be "more authentic", you can always use a white short-sleeved shirt or tank top of the same color. Remember that since you will be wearing a corset, you will not have to wear a bra unless you think it is absolutely necessary.
Step 3. Put on a corset
To put it on, start by undoing it completely. Then thread the laces into the lowest pair of holes, making sure to match the length on both sides. Slip the corset through your head. This garment is available in different types and can be fastened in many different ways. If you have a smooth, shapeless canvas corset, you can lace it up in the front - it will definitely be easier. On the other hand, if you have a custom-made corset or a model with a skeleton, you will need to tie it on the back. It may be advisable to get help from a friend. Stick to the edge of a door or the headboard and let your friend tuck the laces into the holes in the corset, just like you would a pair of sneakers.
Step 4. Fasten the sling
To fasten it, first make a simple knot on the top of the garment, after having threaded the ribbon through the holes. Hold the knot with your finger pressing as hard as you can and once again get help from a friend to tie the ribbon into a bow. Furthermore, if the bodice were to slip, it would constantly annoy you. For this reason it is advisable to attach a safety pin on the top and one on the bottom edge of the corset, in order to secure it to the petticoat.
Remember that the corset is optional. If you don't have a lot of breasts or are thin, you can very well do without them. Simply put on your bra and petticoat. However, remember that while this option is certainly more comfortable, the corset will allow you to have a more refined look and will help you keep your posture under control
Step 5. Put on the socks
Any type of sock will do as long as it comes above the knees. Modern tights you can find in any supermarket will do just fine. Pull them on by pulling them as high as possible, then also wear a garter and bring it about 2 cm from the top of the stockings. Fold the tights over the garter and roll the garter together with the stockings until both are below the knee. This way the socks will stay in place throughout the day.
Many ladies wore ankle socks over their socks to prevent blisters. It's up to you to decide
Step 6. Put on some underwear
These were long garments like capri pants and made with a very light cotton. In 1860, underwear pants were often equipped with a drawstring to tie them at the waist, but nowadays you might find models with an elastic waist very well. The most authentic version of this garment did not feature a crotch but, again, a modern model could have one. Most women today would also wear a pair of panties under their underwear pants, but real southern beauties didn't wear them. Wear them at the height a pair of jeans would reach and slip the slip inside them. If you are in a hurry or want to save money, you can simply buy some cropped pajama bottoms to use as underwear.
Step 7. Lace up your shoes
The most common pattern at the time would probably have been a simple pair of self-tie boots, black or brown. These boots laced up like regular trainers, but putting them on took a long time. If you only intend to dance at the social event you are attending, wear whatever you prefer, such as white slippers, pink ballet shoes or a pair of ballet flats.
Step 8. Tie the underskirt
This type of garment can have three to eight bones (plastic circles arranged horizontally along the fabric, at different heights), although the patterns worn by southern beauties typically had six. There are many variations of this garment. The circles of some petticoats can be covered with ruffles or tulle, while other models could be composed only of simple cotton flaps that join one bone to another. Tie the petticoat as tightly as possible at the front or back and pin it to the petticoat to keep it from slipping.
Step 9. Lace up your blouse
Slip it on and button it on the front or back, depending on the style. Remember that southern beauties generally wore cotton shirts similar to those worn nowadays, although the patterns and colors may vary. Don't forget to cover all the skin below the collarbones and above the wrist.
Step 10. Put on the skirt
Slip it on, slide the shirt under your waist and tie it. Remember that a lady's petticoat should never be visible. The skirt should reach 2-4 cm from the ground, without crawling.
Step 11. Put on gloves
The variations in terms of gloves are many, while the fixed rules are few. Generally those of the time came on the wrist and were often fitted with a button, but they could also have none at all. They could be of silk and cotton and of almost all possible colors and patterns, as long as they matched the dress worn. Some gloves had fingers, while others did not; still others, on the other hand, were "net" (some net models had fingers, others did not). You should be able to source practically all of these types; However, remember that generally in stores, in winter, you will be able to find simple silk gloves, if you think they are the less complicated choice.
Step 12. Style your hair
Generally the women of the time rolled or braided the front tufts backwards, and then knotted the rest of the hair in a chignon at the nape. Hair was never combed higher than four or five centimeters above the neck.
Step 13. Put on a hat
In the summer, women wore straw hats with bows or flowers to match their dress. In winter, however, they wore headphones made of heavier materials. Straw bonnets were sometimes also worn in the summer. A woman never went out hatless and was always bareheaded indoors - unless she was in church.
Step 14. Have good posture, a warm smile and an open heart:
by doing so you will truly be a southern beauty!
Advice
- Wear light makeup. A pinch of foundation, a thin swipe of mascara and a touch of lipstick is the best you can afford on any occasion.
- Pay attention to your posture. Nothing is less feminine than a slouching walk!
- Always keep a handkerchief with you. Not only is it historically accurate, it is also very useful!
- Pay attention to any "opening" of the safety pins. If one of them were to unhook by mistake, in fact, the pointed part could sting you more than once.
