Edwardian dress, where to wear it?

[NicolettaRose]

http://myweb.cableone.net/rosaroma/silk.jpg

I recently got this dress on Ebay. It's ankle length, silk with black jet beading. I want to get some use out of it, and not just store it away in my closet.
I have 1930's/1920's stuff that I can wear on a day to day basis, but I am afraid this might be a little costumey to wear. Does anyone else have Edwardian dresses? Where can one wear one?

 

[Elaina]

The short answer: Wherever I want. But then my winter coat is a modified 1860's one.

Now if you're really wanting a real answer, because I realize most people don't dress like I do: it would be good for an evening out. Not anything terribly upscale, either. I just wore one to Olive Garden a few days ago.

 

[RetroModelSari]

I think it´s really perfect for going out or for a little afternoon tea with a matching hat...

 

[Mojito]

I have a nice, fairly simple white lawn Edwardian dress that simply says 'summer garden party!'

I have friends that have worn Edwardian evening gowns - and even worn long slips underneath to lengthen the lines on tea gowns to wear as evening dress - to gala events at Titanic conferences. I've never gone that far, though, as I'm usually attending as a maritime researcher and often present papers. I often wear a few pieces, though, and sometimes Michal Negrin designs which are influenced by the Victorian/Edwardian period.

I understand there is a 'Somewhere in Time' community, who sometimes hold events where Edwardian dress is de rigeur.

I'd just wear it, though! I usually wear something gloriously extravagent for my own birthday party - we only get one spin on this merry-go-round, and nothing is going to stop me wearing a flash dress from time to time!

 

[Tourbillion]

Well for Edwardian clothes, there is the opportunity to find vintage reenactments, like teas and balls. It seems more evening to me, so any evening event is a possibility (well teas might be okay, but not so much in summer since it's black). I used to know a guy from SF who wore Victorian suits frequently, so anything is possible.

Although I can't think of any Edwardian events offhand, I've seen Ragtime era teas here in Los Angeles if you care for a drive. That dress would be perfect.

You might try asking the folks at www.fridaynightwaltz.com or maybe http://dancecard.tribe.net, I believe both are in the Bay area. They may know of more appropriate costume or vintage events in your area.

 

[Folly]

What a simply beautiful dress!

 

[Paul]

The occasion for wearing Edwardian are such more limited than other periods of vintage which is a great shame.

Well for Edwardian clothes, there is the opportunity to find vintage reenactments, like teas and balls. It seems more evening to me,

Are the right occasion but might be limited locally

Not that I like the fashions butI admire Goths and punks for having the courage to wear they choose styles in public and even when peoples head turns they do not take any notice.


So if it is a choose of having your very nice dress packed away or wearing it you could think in a slightly different perspective.
and wear it around your house first to get use to it, them then maybe ask one or two close friends around for tea, show them your dress then slip out and change into it
in my view it is all about getting use to peoples reaction around you when your wearing it and been comfortable with yourself for been a little more of a centre of attention than you normally are.
Then maybe you could go to another town then say on a holiday wear in public in say a park.
I do not know if this is any help but it a shame if you do not get any use out of it.

 

[ohairas]

What a gorgeous dress! I don't think it's *that* formal tho. I think you could get by wearing that to many functions. But if you have to *make* an occasion I would do a tea party as others have said, or meat friends at a tea room.

I have a few edwardian gowns and plan to wear them to the Titanic museum in Branson, MO. I've worn them to the traveling museums when they came through St. Louis.

I think you'll get more use out of it than you think, and it's fun to get comments and be able to educate others on your garb at the same time! Enjoy!

Nikki

 

[Flitcraft]

Beautiful Dress!

I'd say wear it when you feel like it- especially for a night out.
Have to concur with Mojito's comments above: "Carpe Diem!"

 

[Miss Brill]

I remember in the early 1990s, model Helena Christensen was always photographed wearing these fancy vintage dresses, but she looked very casual doing do, because of her long hair, and the cardis she'd wear, and the way she'd mix decades. There was one article about her where she said people would tease her to the effect of "you are coming to work in a ballgown?" and then the designers she worked with started copying her vintage style. If you love something, wear it wherever you want, and know that someone's wheels are turning because you are an inspiration, because you stand out from the masses. [huh]