Svartsjö ball 2025 - ladies
Below is a costume guide that we encourage you to follow. If this isn’t possible, try to dress in the finest attire you have and put your hair up. Please try to avoid anachronisms such as glasses, nail polish, excessive makeup, mobile phones or other modern accessories.
Good luck, and feel free to reach out to us for support – we’re here to help!
Costume guide for ladies
Want to dress in women’s attire? Then the robe à la française is the one to wear.
This dress was the most popular for formal and ceremonial occasions throughout much of the 18th century. If you don't already have a robe à la française, it’s a great addition to your historical wardrobe as it’s suitable for any ball. As Svartsjö is a royal castle, as a guest, you will be expected to follow the etiquette of the period in your attire as well.
Characteristics of the robe à la française:
- Open at the front over an underskirt.
- Stomacher at the front, often decorated with rosettes and ribbons.
- Worn over panniers – padded hip supports that give the skirt its characteristic width.
- Watteau pleats at the back, a train that falls from the shoulders to the floor.
- Half-length sleeves with ruffled cuffs called engageants.
There is loads of information about this garment online. To complete the look, below is some inspiration on how you could style your hair:
Hairstyles
In the early 1700s, women's hairstyles were powdered and worn relatively low with curls and small decorations. Hairstyles had not yet become high or overly styled with ships and similar decorations.
Common hairstyles are characterised by:
- Airy/puffed front
- Ponytail at the back, often in loops or braids
- Side hair in curls usually placed below the ears and upwards
Women always wore something in their hair, and small caps or small flowers and ribbons were common. Feathers and plumes could also be worn, but only the shorter variety.
Inspo
The Metropolitan Museum has many examples of hairstyles from this era. Though many may be difficult to recreate, we hope you can find some inspiration!
Makeup
During this period, women wore a light layer of foundation, blush and light red lipstick, and perhaps filled in their eyebrows a little. Otherwise, makeup is not appropriate.
Although it may feel strange to skip eye makeup, in this context, it is more authentic to go without. You'll get used to it!
Tip!
Here’s a great video from American Duchess that shows how you can dress in detail:
Below is even more great reading about this beautiful style of gown: