When we launched Take Back Halloween last year, we invited readers to suggest other costumes they’d like to see. The number one request was for Ada Lovelace, visionary computer genius and patron saint of women in technology. So this year we put Ada at the top of our list of costumes to add. Voilà: Ada Lovelace.

We decided to model the costume on the famous 1836 portrait of Ada in court dress. Not only is it the best portrait of her in existence, but the clothes are much easier to replicate than the fussy, fitted daytime outfits she wears in other portraits. There was still a bit of Regency flavor to court dress at that time, with long simple white gowns and ballet flats. A belted satin chemise and a velveteen robe is all you really need.

Ada Lovelace Day is a new holiday started a couple of years ago; this year it’s going to be on Friday, October 7. According to the sponsors: “Ada Lovelace Day is an international day of celebration focused on the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths.”

We’re sensing a twofer possibility here with the costume. You can dress up as Ada Lovelace twice in the month of October!

0 Comments