I've been meaning to post this, but hadn't quite gotten around to it. But if anyone else would like to delve into what precisely was in style at start-of-game, or what accessories or trends might make our characters slightly scandalous, here's a venue to do so!
I'm including some links I've found helpful in reacquainting myself with Regency fashion:
This really delves into specific years and the effects of the blockade between France and England during the War: https://www.fashion-era.com/regency_fashion.htm
This is very good for basic terminology but isn't quite clear on the French/English distinctionL https://www.kristenkoster.com/a-primer-on-regency-era-womens-fashion/
And here's an interesting article about dress and Austen: https://lithub.com/tight-breeches-and-loose-gowns-going-deep-on-the-fashion-of-jane-austen/
Military details and styling were are also very popular.
Oh, so I had meant to come back to this and write more specifics about the year we're in. Because we're in the middle of a war with France, there was almost no contact between France and England in terms of fashion at this time (which is likely still somewhat true in our world, although there are more potential intermediaries). So while French fashion at this time has the very traditional empire-waisted Regency look we traditionally think of, England's waistlines actually dropped a bit during this time. Also, Gothic and mock-Tudor details on gowns are very in. Ruffles are about to make a comeback, too!
In France, Egyptian detailing in super-in, as well as the neoclassical look.
I've seen some sources suggesting that white was not nearly as prevalent as we think, although it was very popular. There is some suggestion that debutantes were more likely to wear white or pastels, but probably not *everyone*, and we're not entirely certain. (And in our world, bring colours are more in due to trade, it seems!)
Also, a random note about mourning attire, if that applies to you: It was not nearly as strict as later in the Victorian era, although wearing black for a year for very close family members and then lavender afterwards was already the convention for upper-class families. Mostly, it was about fabric; you wouldn't wear anything with a sheen to it while you were actively in mourning.
This is as good a place as any to post about this. Enjoy the absurdity that is Regency Court Dress.
This is so great! Thank you for sharing it!