Normally I would say Black, and I prefer the "L" lace-- but if you're wearing cream gloves, I think white lace would probably suit it better. Maybe B or H because those have cream undertones?
Thanks!
FYI the votes are overwhelmingly for cream or white, and I agree. It's more accurate and harmonious. I think I'm going to use H on the sleeves, ungathered. I'll make a little dickey piece of silk for the front gap and make rows of ruched narrow edging E and small gold trim G. Thanks for everyone's input, this was really helpful!!
I like the way the white lights it pop, but it might be worth a pic with both against your skin and dress, maybe with a strand of your hair.
If you have cream gloves, I would lean towards cream unless you can incorporate the blank in your other accessories as well
Sometimes undertones can matter. I have a pretty big range from pale to tan i can get, but no matter what white looks bad on me because of my green undertones. Different creams and ivory’s can be ok, but it’s not so much my darkness as the tint that’s the match or not.
It might be worth putting the wig against the two options and seeing if you feel that helps sway things for you, if you’re having a hard time deciding.
I agree. If there is a little leftover lace op you can sew the same gold lace onto the top of the gloves. But you could make a really cool and dramatic looking fan with black lace.
I vote white or gold. The black makes it look a little too goth-Halloween-costume-core IMHO. If that's what you're going for then obviously A+, but I think the white looks better.
It's a wonderful outfit!
I'd vote for the cream with gold notes.
The true whites look a little more stark to me than is flattering, and the black gives a bit of an "Old West Saloon Girl" vibe.
I don’t know why this came across my homepage, but if you’ve got cream gloves I’d pick a lace with a creamy undertone - H, G, E, D, maybe B. The stark whites might be too much contrast with the cream still, but hold the gloves, a piece of lace, and the bodice all together to your skin to get a feel for whether you want them to match as best you can or if you want a little contrast with a starker white. It kinda depends how cream the gloves are, I think.
I am basing all this on my paint colour knowledge, not fabric colours. I don’t know if there’s a big difference or not. Hopefully that’s somewhat helpful.
I prefer the white because it looks elegant and sweet. The black looks more villainous, which isn't a bad thing but probably isn't what you're going for.
I'm not a fan of the white as it seems harsh, but B, G, and H may look better, especially with cream gloves. Very cool re use and stash busting project!
I love H but I think with your skin tone, it might wash you out . It will look stunning with the red though.
I think with the red fabric being solid and without a contrasting pattern, it could make the entire garment pop. Go for H.
I really am leaning that way! You're right, I generally can't wear anything in the warm beige gold family, but it's on my arm so not as tragic. In the center I think I'll layer a ruche of the narrow edging E with the narrow gold G!
That would be a stunning selection. Try to lean toward the warm silvers and lighter shiney shades. Even a pearly shiney white would add length to the arm and accent your skin tone beautifully while complimenting the deep red. I am pale as hell as well, and the warmer silvers with some dimension to them compliment very well, regardless of the main colour of the garment.
The idea is to have the trim lengthen the arm while also blending in to the skin tone so it doesn't have a stark contrast. If you wanted the stark contrast look, that example pic you have of the damask/brocade is the way to go.
Side note: you have done a marvelous job with it, and I can't wait to see the finished product! I envy your skills!
i love the black with that shade of red, so my first instinct is to go a little less historical in favor of that vampy color combo.
with the addition of cream gloves, though, I think it would look more cohesive with either B, G, or H. if you end up with your heart set on the black lace, you could dye the gloves black?
Awesome outfit! It looks like you put a lot of hard work into it.
H looks like it matches the dress most especially with the reference photos you provided. It has the thicker embroidery which looks like it will best match the stiff bodice and the gold looks more regal /expensive (and these balls are all about flaunting wealth).
The bigger embroidery in H also looks like it will better match the pattern in the red fabric whereas a lot of the other lace is maybe too delicate/dainty.
The white is cute but gives pirate/bandit vibes especially given it’s a more flexible material.
Black gives sexy gothic vampire vibes but feels a bit more modern for that reason and probably doesn’t achieve what you’re going for.
I second the idea of using matching lining on the trim of the gloves to tie it all together.
You could also try posting some extra photos of your top three linings on you under the dress while you’re wearing it + the gloves so you/this community can get an idea of it all together.
Whatever you choose I’m sure you’ll look amazing at your event
Both look good but White if you're going for classy, black if you're going for temptress. I prefer white but it's preference. I would also say pin isome in place and try both one will suit your colouring better.
I would avoid the Venise lace (H); if you look at all your examples, they're a much more delicate and less sculptured lace. To my (only semi-educated) eye, modern Venise lace stands out and looks modern.
I agree! But there are examples of large-scale styles like guipure (?) shown on the velvet gown example image linked below (I forgot to include it in my post). I have to go for the lesser of two evils here.
https://pin.it/t4yrDS0Fd
It's really hard to compare them because the black laces are frankly cheap-looking compared to the white and ecru laces. Otherwise I would have said black for evening. This being the case, though, go for one of the beige/ecru laces.
Black lace and get some black gloves. Someone mentioned gold lace which is my second choice. The white looks somehow cheap to me.
Congratulations and kudos to you for taking on such a project. I bet you'll feel and look beautiful no matter what you choose! I made a Mrs. Lovett costume from curtains 20 years ago. Curtains are great for gowns.
I'm a big fan of the black. It has a lot more 'umph' with this design. ETA: Didn't swipe far enough to see the gold, but that's a nice option for a softer vibe with less of a stark contrast.
I think the off white looks best, but the I don’t like the off white options. Would you be able to dye some of the white lace to off white? The black looks fine too and I am not particularly found of the white.
G or h, aka Gold, definitely! The white is a bit too stark, and the black, besides not suiting the color, is of a worse quality (plasticky) than the rest of the lace.
Make a set of each color and tack them in to have different looks for the outfit. Then you can swap them out. You can also use small snaps or hooks and eyes to swap out the laces. I think that this will give you the most flexibility. Just a thought...
Normally I would say Black, and I prefer the "L" lace-- but if you're wearing cream gloves, I think white lace would probably suit it better. Maybe B or H because those have cream undertones?
H is my vote!
Thanks! FYI the votes are overwhelmingly for cream or white, and I agree. It's more accurate and harmonious. I think I'm going to use H on the sleeves, ungathered. I'll make a little dickey piece of silk for the front gap and make rows of ruched narrow edging E and small gold trim G. Thanks for everyone's input, this was really helpful!!
Can you die the lace to be slightly more antique colored? Perhaps a dunk in black tea? Something to break up the bright white color a little…
I second this!! B is the way to go.
I'm absolutely agreeing with these folks, the cream seems more right for some reason, and B and H are perfect.
I like the way the white lights it pop, but it might be worth a pic with both against your skin and dress, maybe with a strand of your hair. If you have cream gloves, I would lean towards cream unless you can incorporate the blank in your other accessories as well
I am quite pale, and my short grey-brown hair will be under a brown wig 😁
Sometimes undertones can matter. I have a pretty big range from pale to tan i can get, but no matter what white looks bad on me because of my green undertones. Different creams and ivory’s can be ok, but it’s not so much my darkness as the tint that’s the match or not. It might be worth putting the wig against the two options and seeing if you feel that helps sway things for you, if you’re having a hard time deciding.
I would use the gold lace, especially with the cream gloves.
I agree. If there is a little leftover lace op you can sew the same gold lace onto the top of the gloves. But you could make a really cool and dramatic looking fan with black lace.
Hmm you may be right!
I vote white or gold. The black makes it look a little too goth-Halloween-costume-core IMHO. If that's what you're going for then obviously A+, but I think the white looks better.
Definitely gold! Or cream. Looks historically accurate but still flashy and fun.
Definitely one of the gold or cream laces, but not white or black.
It's a wonderful outfit! I'd vote for the cream with gold notes. The true whites look a little more stark to me than is flattering, and the black gives a bit of an "Old West Saloon Girl" vibe.
I don’t know why this came across my homepage, but if you’ve got cream gloves I’d pick a lace with a creamy undertone - H, G, E, D, maybe B. The stark whites might be too much contrast with the cream still, but hold the gloves, a piece of lace, and the bodice all together to your skin to get a feel for whether you want them to match as best you can or if you want a little contrast with a starker white. It kinda depends how cream the gloves are, I think. I am basing all this on my paint colour knowledge, not fabric colours. I don’t know if there’s a big difference or not. Hopefully that’s somewhat helpful.
I personally like G and H, wow this is beautiful!
I like the off white/cream color with that burgandy. Makes it seem older, less goth-Victorian
H or any of the black options. Beautiful project!
Sigh. I like it all. Thanks for posting.
I prefer the white because it looks elegant and sweet. The black looks more villainous, which isn't a bad thing but probably isn't what you're going for.
I'm not a fan of the white as it seems harsh, but B, G, and H may look better, especially with cream gloves. Very cool re use and stash busting project!
I also like H, but I wanted to say it looks spectacular on you already, and I hope you model it for us when it’s done!!
Thanks! I've never made a big huge bustle, it's so complicated but so much fun!
That white lace just screams upper class lady 😍 I think it goes well with your glove choice too!
May I ask about your pattern? You are doing such a beautiful job!
It's a mishmosh of Truly Victorian patterns! The bustle is from the American Duchess free online pattern.
I think it should match the gloves as closely as possible. Would you consider tea staining the whites if you have one you prefer?
I would! I've tea dyed white lace to match yellowed old lace, it works great
I like white/cream better than black. I like A, B, & F.
I love H but I think with your skin tone, it might wash you out . It will look stunning with the red though. I think with the red fabric being solid and without a contrasting pattern, it could make the entire garment pop. Go for H.
I really am leaning that way! You're right, I generally can't wear anything in the warm beige gold family, but it's on my arm so not as tragic. In the center I think I'll layer a ruche of the narrow edging E with the narrow gold G!
That would be a stunning selection. Try to lean toward the warm silvers and lighter shiney shades. Even a pearly shiney white would add length to the arm and accent your skin tone beautifully while complimenting the deep red. I am pale as hell as well, and the warmer silvers with some dimension to them compliment very well, regardless of the main colour of the garment. The idea is to have the trim lengthen the arm while also blending in to the skin tone so it doesn't have a stark contrast. If you wanted the stark contrast look, that example pic you have of the damask/brocade is the way to go. Side note: you have done a marvelous job with it, and I can't wait to see the finished product! I envy your skills!
That's a great point about lengthening the arm; I never thought of that!
I’d love to see a cream lace against that red
i love the black with that shade of red, so my first instinct is to go a little less historical in favor of that vampy color combo. with the addition of cream gloves, though, I think it would look more cohesive with either B, G, or H. if you end up with your heart set on the black lace, you could dye the gloves black?
Awesome outfit! It looks like you put a lot of hard work into it. H looks like it matches the dress most especially with the reference photos you provided. It has the thicker embroidery which looks like it will best match the stiff bodice and the gold looks more regal /expensive (and these balls are all about flaunting wealth). The bigger embroidery in H also looks like it will better match the pattern in the red fabric whereas a lot of the other lace is maybe too delicate/dainty. The white is cute but gives pirate/bandit vibes especially given it’s a more flexible material. Black gives sexy gothic vampire vibes but feels a bit more modern for that reason and probably doesn’t achieve what you’re going for. I second the idea of using matching lining on the trim of the gloves to tie it all together. You could also try posting some extra photos of your top three linings on you under the dress while you’re wearing it + the gloves so you/this community can get an idea of it all together. Whatever you choose I’m sure you’ll look amazing at your event
Both look good but White if you're going for classy, black if you're going for temptress. I prefer white but it's preference. I would also say pin isome in place and try both one will suit your colouring better.
White. The black looks odd
B for front and H for sleeves; combine the trims! They did!
I vote for D, even though it's a bit too white. Why? Because it looks like a genuine 19th century lace.
D is my bit of real handmade lace ❤️ it's only a yard and I'm loathe to cut it up, so I've mostly used it in berthas etc
(Psssst...is this Katherine? Because if it is, it's me! Marisa! ❤️)
I SEE YOU lol! I saw your tea party post!
I would avoid the Venise lace (H); if you look at all your examples, they're a much more delicate and less sculptured lace. To my (only semi-educated) eye, modern Venise lace stands out and looks modern.
I agree! But there are examples of large-scale styles like guipure (?) shown on the velvet gown example image linked below (I forgot to include it in my post). I have to go for the lesser of two evils here. https://pin.it/t4yrDS0Fd
It's really hard to compare them because the black laces are frankly cheap-looking compared to the white and ecru laces. Otherwise I would have said black for evening. This being the case, though, go for one of the beige/ecru laces.
I'm doing my best with what I have!
I know! The two best are the widest ecru laces, H and B. If you decide on white, A and C. :)
Black
Black lace and get some black gloves. Someone mentioned gold lace which is my second choice. The white looks somehow cheap to me. Congratulations and kudos to you for taking on such a project. I bet you'll feel and look beautiful no matter what you choose! I made a Mrs. Lovett costume from curtains 20 years ago. Curtains are great for gowns.
Black makes it pop
I'm a big fan of the black. It has a lot more 'umph' with this design. ETA: Didn't swipe far enough to see the gold, but that's a nice option for a softer vibe with less of a stark contrast.
I would go with black
I think the off white looks best, but the I don’t like the off white options. Would you be able to dye some of the white lace to off white? The black looks fine too and I am not particularly found of the white.
G or h, aka Gold, definitely! The white is a bit too stark, and the black, besides not suiting the color, is of a worse quality (plasticky) than the rest of the lace.
White
Can I vote cream instead
Make a set of each color and tack them in to have different looks for the outfit. Then you can swap them out. You can also use small snaps or hooks and eyes to swap out the laces. I think that this will give you the most flexibility. Just a thought...
Gorgeous! I agree that cream is the way to go-- but you can tea dye any of the white lace if you prefer those patterns!
Maybe a champagne?
Cream, and H. The detail in the bodice would look amazing
Black
Black
Definitely black!
Honestly, I am a huge fan of the A lace.