(Here are descriptions of costumes for a Fancy Quadrille carried out by a matched set of eight ladies and gentlemen. A subset of the costume descriptions could also be used for a group of men or women or for a couple.)
THE SEASONS QUADRILLE
SPRING. — A very Young Lady. — Short dress of primrose tulle, with satin bodice of the same colour. Skirt, trimmed with bunches of primroses, and bouquets of same on shoulders; primrose wreath on the head; shoes and stockings and gloves all of the same colour.
Attendant Gentleman — Angler — Izaak Walton. — A brown, velvet doublet, with brass buttons up the front and along the square side-pockets. Full knee-breeches of brown velvet, with brown or yellow silk stockings. A high pointed beaver hat, with yellow feather.; fishing-rod in hand. Hair tied in a bag-wig with brown or yellow bow.
SUMMER. — Pale pink tulle, over satin of the same shade. Low bodice, edged with garland of roses. Wreath of ross on head, and a long garland of the same flowers on the skirt.
Attendant Gentleman — Haymaker. — Smock frock of cream-coloured soft silk, brown corduroy knee-breeches, and pale blue stockings, with Oxford shoes. Rustic hat, and square-cut hair. Sleeves tied in three places with pale blue ribbon.
AUTUMN. — Amber tulle dress, trimmed with long garlands of poppies and corn. Bunches of same on shoulders Wreath of poppies and corn. This is a most becoming dess for a brunette.
Attendant Gentleman — Reaper. — Same as haymaker, but with green corduroy breeches, instead of brown. Brown stockings and Oxford shoes. Belt and sickle.
WINTER. — White satin short dress, edged with swan's-down. A robin perched on left shoulder. Leonardo da Vinci cap of white plush, trimmed with swan's-down, and a robin stuck at one side. High white satin boots edged with swan's down at the top.
Attendant Gentleman — Polish Skater. — Dress of purple velvet, edged with fur. Small skates slung to his belt.
Source:
Armstrong, Lucie. The Ball-Room Guide. London and New York: Frederick Warne & Co., c1880s.
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