The French Revolution and Napoleonic era corresponded to the last years of the reign of George III and the Regency of George IV in Great Britain. The most vivid and lively descriptions of English manners and fashions of this period can be found in the novels of Jane Austen. While the French and British were enemies, they shared common interests in fashion, and the two cultures influenced each other. British observers described Parisian modes in the Times and other periodicals, and some English fashions reached France.

For example, during the 1780's, stylish French women wore simple, graceful gowns inspired by clothing in the portraits of English gentry. Like French men who copied meticulous British tailoring, French women began to adopt British coats and jackets, like the Redingote (far right above). The most popular English jacket was the Spencer which appeared in the 1790's. The Spencer (above left) was a short, somewhat masculine garment, designed to accommodate the increasingly high waisted gowns. It usually featured long, tight sleeves and was most often worn buttoned up. The Spencer became a basic component of fashionable wardrobes in both Britain and France during the early 1800's. (Illustrations on this page done by Holly Hess, all other illustrations were done by Dr. Melanie Byrd.)

Color Plates:

British Costume Plates
Fashion During the Empire

Back to Part 3: Temperance Follows Excess

The Other Installments:

Part 1: From Extravagance to Elegance
Part 2: One Excess Follows Another

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