How to Thrift Regency Costume DIY (Jane Austen Dress)

Thrifting and DIY’ing the perfect Regency costume is a fun and budget-friendly way to step back into the early 1800s. 

Start with a base dress from the thrift store that has the right shape to mimic the fashionable silhouette of a regency gown, then adapt it into a complete regency outfit. 

Adding simple strings of pearls is always a must-have fashion item, while a regency bonnet or shawl can tie the look together for outdoor events or cosplay. 

With a little creativity, you can transform secondhand finds into a stunning regency ensemble that captures the cultural mental image of the regency period. 

This general overview shows how similar trends still inspire us today, from the Jane Austen Festival to modern cosplay or Halloween costumes. 

It’s a good way to celebrate the regency period while creating your own DIY masterpiece.

Here's everything you need to know, look for and accessories with as you thrift your DIY regency costume.

WHAT IS THE REGENCY?

The Regency is a period of British history that lasted from 1811 to 1820, though people often use the term more broadly to describe the early 1800s. 

It officially began when King George III was deemed unfit to rule and his son, the Prince of Wales, acted as regent. 

The era is remembered not just for politics, but for its distinctive fashion, architecture, literature, and social customs.

In fashion, the empire waist gown with its high waistline and flowing skirts became the iconic silhouette, replacing the heavier styles of the 18th century. 

Society was highly influenced by manners, elegance, and refinement, with writers like Jane Austen giving us a snapshot of life in that world. 

This dress would be great with a high neck shirt or sash wrapped around the neck and bust. Add some accessories for the perfect regency dress!

Architecturally, London and Bath flourished with neoclassical design, while social life revolved around assemblies, balls, and outdoor gatherings.

So when we say "Regency," we’re talking about much more than just years—it’s a cultural moment, a romanticized image of refinement and elegance that still inspires fashion, films, and costume enthusiasts today.

GENERAL RECENCY LOOK:

Thrifting a Regency-style costume can be super fun, especially if you know what key pieces to look for.

The look of the regency era is envisioning any of the Jane Austen books (Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion) and the popular Bridgerton series.

This shirt with a tall high waisted skirt and tied with a wide ribbon or sash would be lovely!

Here’s a detailed guide to help you  assemble a stylish Regency-era outfit on a budget and in a simple way:

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• Wrist Length Satin Gloves
• Stretch Satin Elbow Length Gloves
• Simple String of Pearls
• Regency Dress (in 9 colors)
• Regency Ball Gown (in 6 colors)
• Regency Dress with Lace Overlay
• Cameo Brooch Pin

The Regency Silhouette:

The Regency was a fascinating fashion era that followed the rest of the 18th century and introduced a very different, elegant silhouette. 

Instead of heavy skirts and layers, a fashionable Regency woman often wore an empire-waist dress, sometimes paired with regency stays or a bodiced petticoat for structure. 

This dress would look great with the flared sleeves gather  and a high neck shirt or wrapped sash underneath it at the bust and high waist line.

Flat skirt backs replaced the fuller shapes of earlier periods, and evening wear often featured an endless variety of ribbons for trimming and decoration. 

This dress has some fun detailed sleeves and with the right styling would definitely pass for regency...it's all about the accessories!

To really understand a particular part of the Regency, specific year research is needed, since styles shifted quickly and require much more specialized knowledge to recreate accurately. 

Still, history leaves us with many lovely examples of gowns and accessories that continue to inspire today.

• Women: Empire waist dresses (high waistline just under the bust), light flowing fabrics, small bodices, short sleeve, sleeve gussets or puffed sleeves, often with square or scoop rounded necklines.
• Men: Tailcoats or frock coats, waistcoats, breeches or slim trousers, cravats or scarves.

REGENCY FASHION:

Regency fashion is one of the most recognizable and beloved aspects of the period:

During the Regency period (1811–1820, early 1800s), fashion shifted dramatically away from the stiff, ornate, and structured garments of the rest of the 18th century. 

Women’s clothing in particular took inspiration from classical Greek and Roman art, leading to the famous empire-waist dress. 

These gowns had a high waistline right under the bust, long flowing skirts, and lightweight fabrics like muslin or silk, which gave them a graceful, almost ethereal look. 

Evening wear often featured short sleeves, low necklines, and delicate details like embroidery, lace, or ribbons. For daywear, women might add spencers (short jackets), shawls, or a Regency bonnet for warmth and modesty.

This dress has an overlay of lace and with a high waisted sash and possibly an undershirt with puffy sleeves, could look fabulous with pearls or a cameo brooch...this one is an evening look for sure, add some long gloves and pull your hair up with a pearl hair pin.

Undergarments were also key: instead of bulky corsets, women wore regency stays (a lighter form of support under-most garment) and a bodiced petticoat, which created a smooth shape without the exaggerated curves of earlier fashion. 

The result was a fashionable silhouette that emphasized natural lines, elegance, and refinement.

Find a long straight dress, this high-neck dress in velvet would work if styled correctly...add a sash right under the bust for the empire waist and a cameo on the neck right under the chin.

During the Regency era (early 1800s), fabrics were chosen to reflect elegance, social standing, and the occasion. 

Daywear for women often leaned toward lightweight muslins, cottons, and silks for that airy, classical Grecian look, but for evening wear, outerwear, or colder months, heavier, luxurious fabrics like velvet were used.

Velvet gowns, spencers (short jackets), pelisses (long coats), and men’s tailcoats or waistcoats were common, especially in darker classic colors like deep green, burgundy, navy, and black. 

Velvet conveyed wealth and refinement, so you’d often see it in portraits of aristocrats or at formal events.

Look at this velvet dress with puff sleeves and button lower half sleeves! This dress could absolutely be accessorized to match a very elegant regency vibe, no gloves needed!

There are so many puff sleeve tees at the thrift store, that paired with the right long skirt or dress would be a perfect match!

Accessories played a huge role in finishing a regency ensemble—gloves, reticules (small handbags), parasols, jewelry like simple strings of pearls, and an endless variety of ribbons for trimming gowns or bonnets. 

Together, these created a look that defined the cultural mental image of the Regency, and one that remains closely tied to the elegance of Jane Austen’s world.

How to Thrift and DIY the Perfect Regency Costume

The Regency period (1811–1820) gave us some of the most graceful and timeless fashion silhouettes, and the good news is—you can recreate a regency outfit today without needing an entire wardrobe of antiques. 

With a little imagination, some smart thrift store shopping, and DIY tweaks, you can bring the cultural mental image of the Regency to life for cosplay, Halloween, or even the Jane Austen Festival.

This dress is peasant style, but has the gathered puff sleeves and high waist, it just needs the right accessories, tweaks and shoes to complete the regency look.

Start with a base dress that mimics the empire waistline of a regency gown. 

Look for dresses in light fabrics, with the waistline right under the bust and flowing skirts. 

If the fashionable silhouette isn’t perfect, don’t worry—a good way to adjust is by adding a wide ribbon or sash tied just below the bust to create the right shape. 

Lightweight curtains, sheets, or maxi dresses can be excellent finds for this step.

For layering, add a short jacket or shawl to echo a regency bonnet and outerwear look. 

Gloves, simple strings of pearls, and lace-trimmed scarves can be found in fabric stores or party shops to complete the effect. 

Pay attention to accessories: the must-have fashion items of the early 1800s were delicate jewelry, ribbons, and small handbags (reticules). 

Even a thrifted pouch purse can be adapted with fun ways of trimming and decoration.

To pull together a full regency ensemble, keep your eye on different points of the outfit: the accessories, the seam allowances of thrifted items you might alter, and the overall harmony of the look. 

While this isn’t strict historical accuracy, it provides wonderful support for crafting your costume on a budget—and it will make a huge difference when you step into character. 

Whether you’re attending outdoor events, showing off at a costume party, or just exploring the regency period through fashion, you’ll have the perfect regency costume ready to impress.

Regency Costume for Women:

Dresses

Dresses are the most important piece, and surprisingly easy to thrift, I found a dozen in less than 5 minutes that would easily work for a Regency Era Ball.

Of course you could sew a dress, there are regency time period dress patterns, but I find it easier to alter an existing dress, and cheaper with just a bit of patient work.

This velvet shirt can be worn under a dress or with a high waisted skirt...if you are even more creative, it can be cut into a cropped vest and worn over an empire waist dress.

Similar styles of dresses can still offer a very different look when finished off with the right accessories.

You can also remove the sleeves from an empire-waisted dress and add gusseted sleeves or puff sleeves.

• Look for long, flowing, satin or velvet dresses or maxi dresses with a high waistline.
• Empire-waist (high regency waistlines) or some formal dresses often work perfectly.
• Blouses with puff sleeves or ruffles can be paired with a high-waisted skirt.
• Sleeve lengths can vary, puff short sleeves, long sleeve with lace around the wrist.

This crop top with puff sleeves would be the perfect piece to put under a sleeveless dress or with a high waisted skirt tied with a sash--a drawstring neckline works great too.

Skirts

• Long, high waisted, A-line skirts in lightweight fabrics (cotton, linen) can mimic Regency skirts.
• Skirts can be worn directly under the bust with a blouse to give the empire waist Regency look.
• The style of the skirt should be tapered and long, skirt shapes can be altered if there's enough fabric as well.

Accessories

• Shawls, pashminas, or lightweight scarves for the period wrap-over look.
• Spencer Jacket, empire waist corset (think velvet) or blazer cut to match the empire waist dress can be worn as a outer layer.
• Gloves: short with lace or pearls or elbow-length for formal Regency style.
• Simple jewelry: cameo brooches or delicate necklaces with a single gemstone.
• Pearl or Gold beads are a great addition to the era styling.
• Flats, low-heeled shoes, or ballet-style shoes.

Or really fun velvet stilettos, just for funsies!

Regency Costume for Men:

For men, the look was equally distinctive: tailcoats with high collars, waistcoats, breeches or trousers, and cravats (neatly tied neckcloths) became standard. The style leaned toward clean, sharp lines that reflected sophistication.

Coats / Jackets

• Look for fitted blazers, tailcoats, or older-style coats in dark or neutral colors.
• Shirts: White or cream button-ups with a soft collar; ruffled or puffed-front shirts work if you find them.

Pants

• Slim trousers or khakis; slightly cropped pants can mimic breeches if paired with tall boots.

Men's Regency Accessories

• Scarves or fabric strips can be tied as cravats.
• Pocket watches or belts for detail.
• Dress shoes, loafers, or boots (tall or ankle boots).

DIY Regency Attire Embellishments:

• Use fabric scraps or lace to add delicate details, like lace trims around the wrist, ribbon sashes, or simple ruffles.
• For skirts, add a ribbon or elastic to create a gathered empire waist.
• For men’s coats, a fabric strip can mimic a cravat or waistcoat accent.

Thrifting Tips

• Go through multiple sections: Don’t just check the formal dresses—look at wedding dresses, prom dresses, blouses, men's shirts, skirts, and even costume sections.
• Check colors and fabrics: Stick to lightweight, flowy fabrics for dresses and natural fibers for authenticity, with simple patterns like small florals in muted colors.
• Repurpose creatively: Scarves, belts, or table runners can become sashes or cravats.

Thrifting a Regency costume is a rewarding project that allows you to explore different points of style and creativity while staying true to the timeless elegance of the era. 

With a little imagination and wonderful support from thrift stores, fabric shops, and DIY tricks, you can pull together an ensemble that feels both authentic and personal. 

Even small details—like pearls, gloves, or a bonnet—can make a huge difference in creating a look that captures the grace and charm of the Regency period.

That's it!

There are so many easy and wonderful ways to DIY or Thrift a regency costume, cosplay, Halloween costume or outfit for the Regency Ball!

Add some lace, add a ribbon around the waist, sweep your hair up in a pearl pin, add a string of pearls, add some wrist length or elbow length gloves, some ballet flats, perhaps a bonnet and a fan!

This regency DIY costume guide is perfect for guiding you through thrifting costume ideas, regardless of size, dress up and enjoy the season!

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