Court Dress

Debutantes were expected to wear an ordinary short-sleeved evening gown; white was traditional, but delicate shades of ivory or pink were considered permissible.

A train was de rigueur. These were anything between two and three and a half yards long, and were held over the arm until the debutante was ushered into the Royal presence. At this point the train was lowered to the ground, with the mother (or other presence) hovering in the background to ensure that there was no tripping.

A veil also had to be worn. It was no longer than 45 inches, and fell from a feathered headdress - this would normally consist of three white ostrich feathers, which were mounted in the same way as the Prince of Wales's plumes.

The emphasis was on girlish jewellery - a simple string of pearls was considered appropriate. For mothers accompanying their daughters, however, a Court presentation was an opportunity to pile on the family heirlooms.