Adorable Regency Ball Gown with a pattern of feathers

I was just thinking today that I have been writing now for almost ten years. Which makes me think that writing is for the writer and then secondly for the reader. I think Jane Austen, one of the greats, was able to tell a simple story by weaving in and out of daily life. There is something highly rewarding to create a world and then invite people to come in.

Here is one of the most adorable gowns, yet. I would love to wear this dress myself. 

How much would a Regency England gown cost today?

When I describe my heroine’s gown, I give little thought to what it would have cost. So yesterday, for fun and to take a break from writing, I began researching prices in the early 1800’s.

Just a simple gown of silk - a day dress like this one would cost around 1 pound 6 shillings for the material, which would equate today to be about $90.00. Add in the ribbons and the other essentials to make the dress, thread, interfacing, the pattern etc as well as the fee for the seamstress.

In my estimation in today's currency including silk stockings, at 20 shillings which is 1 pound $98.00, shoes at 11 shillings $36.00 and cotton undergarments at 6-10 shillings or $33.00. The total for just a gown to be worn in the morning would be $257.