One thing I've always found remarkable is how comparatively plain (austere if you will), so many aspects of Regency life were, at least compared to previous and later periods. Perhaps "simple elegance" would be a better descriptive term.

It wasn't limited to civilian men's clothing. In cut, colour and trimmings, women's clothing was also much simpler than the overly decorated dress of the 18th Century, or the bulk of the Victorian. Even military uniforms were less elaborate than those in bordering time periods.

Architecture emphasised a rather simple, but very proportional style (granted this was coming in before the Regency), with just enough ornamentation to make it interesting and break up an otherwise unbroken facade. No riots of gingerbread all about. Furniture was similarly more restrained.

While to the modern viewer Country Dancing seems very complicated, the style during the Regency emphasised rather basic patterns. Use of particularly fancy footwork was seen as "showing off" and better not done unless one had the proper training, if done at all. For want of a better term, there were a lot less of the "fiddly bits" I've encountered in the few Baroque or Victorian era dance lessons I've had.

While I'm not so familiar with all the distinctions of those areas of endevour, it seems music and the visual arts were also relatively "simpler" in form and style.

In short, it strikes me that "something simple done with great elegance" was the approved style for almost anything. Just why, I'm not really sure. It's easy to point out some of the pioneers in each area, but as for why it became so widely accepted I'm often left wondering.

Something to ponder, when I really have the time.

I remain, etc.
Jason E.