How to plan a 17th century capsule wardrobe for a UK vacation

Stop by and say hi and chat while I plan my capsule wardrobe to be all historybound-y during my
vacation.

[blktauna]

What an interesting idea. Peasant clothing FTW. Reversible vest/bodices, a few chemises, skirts, Roman basics (ie some fabric lengths and fibulae). I think choosing a restricted time period is easier. I would not use synthetics, you will sweat and feel clammy.

[ReinaElizondo]

This sounds super exciting!

For anything tailored or structured you can use organza to flatline to keep the weight low. I've used nylon before. My suggestion is keep in mind the nylon will shrink with direct ironing especially at higher settings. But it's pretty ok with a press cloth or ironing from the fashion fabric side. Test swatches are your friend. I've also bought silk organza but haven't tried it yet. I got them at fabric mart and have seen more occasionally since.

I'm in the middle of making butterick 4669 stays-ish vest. Very history bounding essence. And it's looking pretty cute so far. I could only find the smaller size range option at my store but it was fairly easy to size up with an extra panel in the side back and changing the strap angles. I'm doing mine reversible.

I also had a thought for tops like a drawstring or elastic neckline blouse with tie on sleeves? You can wear off the shoulder or tighten the neckline higher. Also you could maybe adapt chemisettes or dickies.

If you make the dresses 2 piece you can swap the skirts. Skirts can double as cloaks or cowls.

A scarf could be a waist tie, fischu or head scarf.

There's also something to be said for seersucker fabric for embracing wrinkles.

[habituscraeftig]

The decorative pockets on a justacorps are low, but you could have hidden pockets higher up, or even on the inside! I feel like jacket-interior pockets are one of the great losses of modern clothing. I often only see them in classic menswear, and there's really no reason it out to have died out. You can have a zillion very specific pockets, on the *inside* of a coat. It's like wearing a hussif!

[sewchaotic]

Have you considered making a Tudor Smock (shift) with the high neck and cuffs on the sleeves, they typically come down to below knee, it could be worn as a dress with a belt, or like a shirt if you put a skirt with it. Obviously you can also wear it under your kirtle 😊