So many of us Jane Austenites spend our lives searching for our own Mr. Darcy, only to be disappointed again and again. But not me. I have my own Darcy now, in the form of this fabulous riding coat designed by Kim Hargreaves. Sometimes a coat is much more practical than a dashing hero, and it’s sure to always keep me warm! With the trend right now in fashion towards the feminine dandy, we witty heroines don’t need a rescuer; we can dress like one!
Dolce & Gabana, Dolce & Gabana, Ralph Lauren
I do love a good “drag” outfit, when it’s all done tongue in cheek! What makes so many of these menswear turned woman’s wear so successful is the feminization of the male style—the red lipstick, the waist-cinching vest that shows off one’s feminine curves. Lady Gaga took this look to extremes in her video Alejandro, where she pairs an army jacket, black gloves and binoculars with lingerie and scarlet lips. For anyone who enjoys the feminine dandy look but doesn’t want to bare it all, Kim Hargreaves has plenty of patterns for you!
How can you not love the styling of Rebecca with the top hat? And check out her version of the male cravat with Fleur:
Imagine this paired with a knitted waistcoat! It is too Jane Austen for words! Being an enthusiast of the Regency Period in England, which is the setting of the suspenseful novels I write, I am totally excited by the glorious male dandy looks on the runways this season:
Jill Stuart, Abaete , Rag & Bone
How scrumptious are those waistcoats? I don't know if it would be possible to find a suitable knitting pattern, but I will probably be wearing my Darcy constantly, it is so light and warm and delicious. The Karabella Aurora 4 yarn I knitted it from was a breeze even to moss stitch, though the addie turbos certainly helped. Next I’m on to some more conventional feminine wear, but when I turn back to generating more dandy attire, I have this adorable little waistcoat on queue:
I’m thinking of knitting this Lana Grossa pattern, Model 5, in black wool, to pair with a scarlet or white silk blouse and some well-fitted trousers. But in the meantime, if I’m in need of a rescue, I’ll don my Darcy and ride off into the sunset in style!