Modern Regency-inspired formal

A modern formal dress with a few romantic, old-fashioned details—like a square neckline, puff sleeves, a higher waist, and a flowing skirt. Rich colors such as burgundy, along with embroidery or a little sparkle, make the look festive and elegant without feeling like a costume.

Burgundy Embroidered Square-Neck Dress - Etsy

Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4541738497/vintage-cottagecore-midi-dress-for

Style: Modern Regency-inspired formal

Historical Victorian-Inspired Ball Gown

A more immersive period look with a fitted, boned bodice, corset-style back, off-the-shoulder neckline, and full ball-gown skirt. This is a great example for guests who want to fully embrace the historical theme.

Link:https://www.etsy.com/listing/4483542572/handmade-victorian-inspired-ball-gown

Modern formal with 19th-century-inspired details

A modern formal gown with soft puff sleeves and a flowing A-line skirt. The romantic sleeves give it a subtle old-fashioned feel, while the overall look stays simple, elegant, and easy to wear.

A great option for guests who want to join the theme

without wearing period clothing.

Link: https://www.ever-pretty.com/products/chiffon-puff-sleeve-a-line-evening-dress-ee02823

Lulus Romari Burgundy Velvet Puff-Sleeve Maxi Dress

Style: Modern formal with Victorian richness

Website caption: Burgundy velvet, small puff sleeves, a fitted bodice and an empire-style waist create a beautiful winter formal look. The velvet adds Victorian richness while the silhouette remains completely modern and easy to wear.

Why it works: Excellent example of modern formalwear that still feels special for a Victorian Christmas setting.

Link: https://www.lulus.com/products/romari-burgundy-velvet-ruffled-puff-sleeve-bow-maxi-dress/2766651.html

Men's 19th-Century-inspired formal attire

Men can participate as much or as little as they like. A guest may choose a full historical outfit or simply wear modern formal clothing with one or two old-fashioned details such as velvet, a waistcoat, a cravat, a pocket watch or dark tartan.

Style: Full historical look

A full historical option for guests who want to completely embrace the 19th-century theme. The long dark coat, matching waistcoat, cravat and fitted silhouette create an unmistakably period-inspired look.

In simple terms: Best for someone who wants to dress fully in the historical theme.

Style: Modern formal with a historical touch.

An easy way to participate in the theme without wearing period clothing. The black velvet adds a rich, old-world feel, while the tuxedo, white shirt and bow tie keep the outfit familiar and formal.

In simple terms: A great choice for guests who want a normal tuxedo with just a little historical character.

Style: Modern formal with a festive historical touch

A simple and stylish way to join the theme. Pair a burgundy velvet dinner jacket with black trousers, a white dress shirt and a black bow tie. The velvet and deep color feel festive and old-fashioned, but the overall outfit is still modern formal eveningwear.

In simple terms: Ideal for someone who wants to look festive and formal without dressing historically.

Link: Mens Victorian Clothing at Historical Emporium

EASY 19TH-CENTURY-INSPIRED ACCESSORIES

Simple ideas guests can add to formal clothes they already own

You do not need to buy a new outfit to join the theme. Start with the formal dress, suit or tuxedo you already own and add one or two vintage-style accessories.

One or two accessories are enough - there is no need to wear everything at once.

FOR WOMEN

Easy idea: Wear your normal formal dress and add just one vintage-style accessory.

Cameo Brooch

Website description: Pin a cameo brooch to a dress,

wrap or jacket. It gives a clear old-fashioned touch

without changing your whole outfit.

Example link: Etsy example

https://www.etsy.com/listing/187799368/victorian-lady-cameo-brooch-antique-gold

Black Velvet Gloves

Website description: Long black velvet gloves can

make a simple evening dress feel more elegant and

historical. They work especially well with sleeveless or

short-sleeve gowns.

Example link: ieie Bridal example

https://www.ieiebridal.com/products/long-black-velvet-opera-gloves-for-formal-evening-dress-ac1017

Faux-Fur Wrap or Stole

Website description: A faux-fur wrap adds warmth

and vintage winter glamour to a modern formal dress.

Ivory, black, brown or deep jewel tones all work well.

Example link: Etsy example

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1421225385/ivory-white-faux-fur-wrap-shawl-shrug

FOR MEN

Easy idea: Wear your normal suit or tuxedo and change just one or two details.

Pocket Watch and Chain

Website description: Wear a pocket watch and chain with a vest or suit. It is a small detail that immediately gives a formal outfit a 19th-century feel.

Example link: Historical Emporium example

https://historicalemporium.com/products/quartz-lacy-design-pocket-watch-silver

Patterned Brocade Waistcoat

Website description: Swap a plain vest for a patterned brocade waistcoat. Wear it with a white shirt and a dark suit or tuxedo for an easy historical touch.

Example link: Etsy example

https://www.etsy.com/listing/4377973848/mens-black-brocade-victorian-waistcoat

Burgundy Ascot or Cravat

Website description: Replace a regular tie with an ascot or cravat. Burgundy, black, gold, navy or dark green work well with a black, navy or charcoal suit.

Example link: The Ascot Shop example

https://www.theascotshop.co.uk/products/burgundy-red-ascot-cravat

Tartan Bow Tie

Website description: A tartan bow tie is an easy way to add a festive, old-fashioned touch to a suit or tuxedo. Keep the rest of the outfit simple.

Example link: Nordstrom example

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/trafalgar-nicholas-tartan-plaid-silk-bow-tie/7221466