..Updated October 9, 2006 ..

The airing of the mini-series a few years ago has sparked an interest in the Romantic period and its costumes, but I have not been able to find detailed stills, sketches and diagrams of the gowns online. I hope to remedy that! I will first walk you through selected gowns from Molly's wardrobe and then Cynthia's. I will also share some photographs of how costumes from the movies have been interpreted for modern wear by several seamstresses.

Please note: I have not covered all Molly's and Cynthia's gowns, as their wardrobes were extensive and cataloging their individual peculiarities would be near impossible. In preparing this article, I did compile a substanstial list of details and sketches. If you need more information about a gown not listed here, please e-mail me. I'll see what I can do for you!

That said, I have included fairly comprehensive notes on the gowns I have featured. From fabric styles to piping, bodice treatments to trims. This is included for your inspiration. You do not have to copy the gowns exactly. In fact, I encourage you to take design elements from gowns that you like and incorporate them into dresses you'll feel comfortable wearing everyday.

Cordially, Miss C.

P.S. If you have recreated a costume from our featured film or another historical movie, we'd love to see your pictures and comments on construction! Send photos and notes, along with the title (and version, if applicable) of the movie that inspired your creation and your name to In Timely Fashion. All material will be considered for future inclusion in this column unless specified otherwise.

~An Historical Note, a brief glance at Romantic-era fashion sensibilities.

~ Molly's Dresses, inspiring suggestions for recreating her girlish wardrobe

~Cynthia's Gowns, lovely and lavish, these designs would be perfect for a wedding!

~ Inspired Interpretations, Romantic era dresses by modern seamstresses

~ Pattern Reviews, the low-down on patterns available to the do-it-herself seamstress

~Glossary of Terms,

~Sources

~Regency I & Regency II, easy-to-do, these hairstyles are worthy of Miss Gibson herself!!

~Wives and Daughters (1999) (DVD) Wives and Daughters (1999) (VHS) available from Critics' Choice Video.

About the Editor

Miss C. is a self proclaimed clothing addict with interests ranging from Regency finery to the sophisticated 1950s. She enjoys studying costumes both in films and books, and has enjoyed being able to write for ITF and watch a great movie at the same time! When she is not immersed in such pursuits, she enjoys working on her website, which is about--what else-- historical fashion!