By Julia Tiseo // December 11, 2023
For my History of Costume Fall 2023 course, we were asked to do an in-depth study on the historically famous Marie Antoinette. In this assignment we were instructed to picture she were alive today, and style her in three different looks. Here are my imagined looks for her formal, casual, and nightwear.
What would Marie Antoinette wear if she were alive today?
Julia Tiseo, 11/03/2023 Look 1: Formal
LightInTheBox $227.99
Olive & Piper Blair Fink’s Jewelers
Drops $45.00 David Yurman Pearl Necklace with Diamonds 18” $1,600
Bella Belle
Mirabelle Ivory Ankle Strap Pearl Bow Heels $350.00
Look 2: Casual
CIDER
SilkySilky
Silk V-Back Nightgown Slip Dress $79.95
Bowknot Lace Trim Over The Calf Socks $6.00
UGG Women’s, Fluff Yeah Slide $49.97
Look 3: Night Out
$6,900 / GRAFF (platinum & white gold)
$128 Milla
$5,655 WEMPE
Putino necklace
Edikted
Layered Ruffle Mini Skirt $54.60
L’Amour Sylvie Laced Leather Flat $52.00
You do not have to be a historian to understand Marie Antoinette’s love for extravaganza. As queen, she upheld her role as a fashion icon by rebelling against the Frenches’ expectations of her dress.
I believe in today’s day and age; she would remain of wealthy descent. She would not take on an active role in the French government, however, but she would most definitely make the absolute most out of her money. Her friends were also historically known to rebel and not involve themselves in the best situations. I believe her friends would remain this way in the 21st century. They would all be wealthy, go on extravagant excursions, and would have frequent nights out. Marie Antoinette was always looking for a good time, and I believe in 2023 she would be able to live that lifestyle with minimal, if any, backlash.
Although she would not want to partake in her family’s royal duties, Marie Antoinette would be the first to RSVP attendance at formal gatherings. Since she is infamous for her love of pastels, lace, ruffles, diamonds, and bows, I have decided to incorporate all of those items frequently within her looks today. I believe her formal look would consist of a flowy pastel blue
gown, draped off the shoulders to give her that elegant, revealing glow. To accessorize, she would wear real diamond drop earrings with a long pearl necklace. For shoes, I believe she would wear a pair of elegant white heels with silk bows on the heel, to match the bow on the back of her gown and the white ribbon tying her voluminously curled blonde hair back and out of her face.
Marie Antoinette’s idea of loungewear would be a little different than your typical teenager. She was never historically one to dress down, and I believe that her casual attire would remain consistent with luxury items. Pajamas would consist of pastel pink silk nightgowns with a laced neckline, along with white lacey high socks. This would be paired with some white/cream comfortable UGG slides, and two pastel pink ribbon tying her hair in braids; always loosely curled.
Lastly, I have decided to imagine a look from Marie Antoinette for a night out. Marie Antoinette received much hate for her clothing; in that it was considered too rebellious /revealing for her time, and I believe she would find much comfort in the trends of today’s youth; being that “revealing” is considered sexy and empowering, rather than shameful. This look would consist of a form-fitting off-the-shoulder cropped white top, with a flower bow in the center. This would be paired with two layered diamond necklaces and a ruffled white mini skirt. As a pastel lover, she would most definitely be highly involved with the ballet flat trend, with pink ribboned bows on the heel. To finish off the outfit, her hair would be slicked back into a voluminous bubble ponytail, with some face-framing pieces left in front.
