Nowadays when we think of dressing up in costume, we think of Halloween. Back before the 20th century, costume parties were a social occasion for any time of year. In the 18th century, masquerades – as they were called – were held usually by the social elite. It was a way to show off your classical knowledge and wealth.
Most of the costumes in the 18th century were based on classical literature and poetry. All the well-known heroes and heroines had characteristics that had been agreed on decades and even centuries before. Like Comedia D’Arte, one would only have to see a symbol and color combined on a person to devise what the costume was.
Masks also played a big part in a character’s recognition. Unlike modern masquerades and costume parties, the masks were often worn all night and were an excuse for less-than-model behavior. If you were dressed as a satyr or Bacchus for the party, lude behavior was expected. And since you didn’t have to take off your mask, no one would know who you were.
Depending on a person’s wealth, a costume could be made specifically for an event. Often before a masquerade the tailors and dressmakers in town were very busy with wealthy clients trying to out shine each other at a party. They would never divulge who was which character and might even discourage some if another person had already claimed that character.
For those who didn’t have the money, they would take clothing they already had in their wardrobes and – with additions of sashes, trims, and props – would turn themselves into someone else for the evening.
While it’s fun to dress up in shiny new costumes, don’t lose the ingenuity of creating your own out of what you already have.
Leslie Lambrecht, Historical Clothing Interpreter