Until the regulations of 1812 fixed the uniform as green with Imperial Livery lace, the dress of the musicians was extremely fanciful, often bearing no relationship to the rest of the regiment, especially in the infantry. The Cavalry, with more restraint, used the dress of the trumpeters, sometimes with a change of headdress-bicorne hat, busby or fur bonnet.

The dark blue worn by the French Army of this period was not quite as dark as the British army blue, while the brass used was of a distinctly coppery tinge.