You said it was a ball, right? and you're going to style your long
hair into something big? In that case, my suggestion is to add a
couple of ostrich plumes. Pearls, silk flowers and the like could be
used, too. There is one charicature of a lady with a ship in full
sail worked into her do! But caps, not so much.
Although a neck-handkerchief (fichu) would help the style of the
gown, they were worn less in the evening than the daytime and less by
younger women compared to older. So you may prefer to not bother
with that, either, although the neck frill (gathered fabric or lace
as a choker) would be nice. At pirate events, women tend to show off
their charms quite a lot.
As for polonaise on an open gown, that's what they did! You wear a
petticoat underneath (what we would call a skirt). Ball-wear would
have a petticoat of the same fabric as the gown. Sleeve ruffles or
cuffs would also be the same fabric, with white fabric or lace for
the engegentes.
A fan is a nice accessory, but I would not bother with a bag. Ladies
wore pockets under their petticoats, and they were accessed through
slits at the side of the petticoat (leave the side seam unstitched
for the top 8"). That way your personal items stay with you and you
have your hands free to dance.
Much depends on the part of the 18thC you are going for, and many
movies are all over the place with that. The ball may also have a
wide era for what's expected on the participants.
You can probably get away with wearing knee socks (don't wear
horizntal stripes) which would be white or colors depending on the
era and your sense of style. Wear black stockings & shoes if you
think the footwear is not "right" and you want it to disappear.
Oh, and a thin coat of clown white for a base, rouged cheeks, and a
few black patches to complete the look.
-Carol
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