Some authors would have you believe that Regency style was overly immodest or even exposed. I beg to differSome authors (not to mention book covers) would have you believe that to dress in Regency style was to be overly immodest or even exposed. I beg to differThe favorite fabric for a Regency gown was undeniably light-weight, being muslin-a very thin, soft cotton. Yet the Regency lady was no more exposed than she wanted to be. An amusing scene from the 1996 BBC "Pride and Prejudice" (Starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth) is when Lydia has rushed into the hallway wearing only a chemise

The strait-laced Mr. Collins is forced to pass her on his way to the staircase, I believe, and is clearly scandalized. The scene is quite funny, and Lydia herself cannot stop laughing. But what did he find so shockingHalf a century earlier, such a sight would likely not have brought the slightest blush to even the most prudish, for during the 18th century, women were required to wear layers and layers of clothing consisting largely of underclothes