England

(This type of costume could be made for any nation by using flags and the national colors as drapery over a simple gown.  It appears in both the 1887 and 1896 editions of a single manual, perhaps initially inspired by the Victoria's 1887 Golden Jubilee celebrating the 50th anniversary of her rule.)

Skirt of cream bunting, the lions of England painted on each of the battlements in which the edge of the skirt is cut; the Union Jack and Standard of Scotland draped with Prince of Wales' plumes, ostrich feathers; dark blue velvet bodice, made quite plain, and trimmed with gold and small Union Jacks; fan covered with Union Jack; headdress a helmet; effigy of St. George and the Dragon round neck.  (Click the image to enlarge.)

Sources:
Holt, Ardern.  Fancy Dresses Described, 5th Edition.  London: Debenham & Freebody, 1887.
Holt, Ardern.  Fancy Dresses Described, Sixth Edition.  London: Debenham & Freebody, 1896.

Comments

[Bellatrixed]

One thing I'm noticing about these illustrations is that many of them are quite short. Is that to facilitate dancing, or is it a property of these being costumes, or both?

[Neil W]

England... or Britain? Using the Union Jack I find barely acceptable; but the Standard of Scotland and the Prince of Wales plumes put this costume beyond the pale. Grr! Rawr! Hulk Smash! etc.

This is of course an old and honourable misinterpretation of the various acts of Union, even after the Scotland Act (1998), the Government of Wales Act (1998) and the Good Friday and St Andrew's Agreements.

[Susan de Guardiola]

Bellatrixed:
The short dresses are characteristic of fancy dress costumes. It facilitates dancing, but ballgowns in general are not short. It's the Victorian version of going wild in costume. :)

[Susan de Guardiola]

Neil:
Yup, I noticed that. "Standard of Scotland" is pretty much Not England by definition.

[Bellatrixed]

Susan: OH SNAP! Now we're getting SAUCY, showing our ankles and all.