Fashion in the time of Jane Austen

A woman wearing a yellow dress with a dark jacket, green sash and white hat stands in a gallery in front of a marble statue

Talk

Fashion in the time of Jane Austen

A gold horizontal flourish

 Saturday 14 March 2026

  12.30–14.00 (GMT)

 At the Weston Library and online

  Free, booking required

Book now – in person

Book now – online

About this event

Jane Austen’s lifetime, from 1775 to 1817, coincided with one of the most striking revolutions in fashion history. During these years, women’s dress evolved from the extravagant gowns of the late Georgian era to the lighter, high-waisted, and classically inspired styles of the Regency period. By examining these changes, we gain valuable insight into the social world Austen observed and wrote about in her novels.

In this talk Alicia Martin presents an overview of the changes that occurred within fashion during Jane Austen's lifetime, influenced by the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and changing ideas about femininity and society. 

Speakers

Alicia Martin has studied fashion history for over a decade, specialising in eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century dress in the Atlantic world. Her work focuses on clothing construction and the women who made wore and lived within these garments. She has presented talks on women’s dress history and advised a range of groups on historical accuracy. Her work has also been a part of an event at Windsor Castle.

Event information

  • You can attend this talk in person or watch it livestreamed online.
  • Please note that the talk will not be recorded.

Attend in person

  • You can attend this event in person. It takes place in the Sir Victor Blank Lecture Theatre at the Weston Library.
  • The Weston Library is wheelchair accessible. Find out more about accessibility at our site.
  • Please note: only bottled water is permitted in the lecture theatre. No food or other drinks are allowed.

Attend online

  • You can also register to watch the event livestream online via Zoom. You will receive joining instructions for the Zoom webinar in your order confirmation email.

Book tickets

 14 February 2026

  12.30–13.30 (GMT)

     Free, booking required

 At the Weston Library and online

Book – in person

Book – online


Contact

  publicengagement@bodleian.ox.ac.uk


Related links


Other events you might be interested in

A gold horizontal flourish