For friends who might not have heard yet and might be interested, there will be an 1880s [decade of the bustle] themed ball in New Haven on Saturday, 27 March.
It's being themed as a costume party, about which more information should appear on the website shortly. Apparently Victorian costumes were frequently more about thematic coloring with possibly some accents inspired by the idea than literalism [so a "tree" might feature brown and green with a garland of leaves or somesuch], and they were highly into historical costumes. They were also apparently not very particular about historical accuracy. The goal here is to be low-stress for costuming: not only do you not have to make an all new outfit, but if you have anything historical-ish for the 19th century or earlier, or have, say, a kilt, or a white sheet for the Grecian look, you already have fancy dress for this event.
More details at the website; there's apparently also a Facebook group if you're into that sort of thing.
I'm thinking I'll likely attend as "a ridiculous Victorian notion of a Regency-era British fop", which could be my most historically accurate costume ever.