Elizabethan Era History Of Fashion example essay topic

History of Fashion Fashion has changed a great deal over the past three centuries. As history changes it seems that fashion in some aspect changes with it to adapt to the era. Even today fashion continues to change as the years go on. Looking at fashion even 20 years ago we can see a difference from what we see in our everyday lives. For the purpose of this essay Fashion will be divided into three centuries, since not every era of clothing can be touched upon. The first era of fashion history includes 500 BC- 1450 AD.

Near the beginning era fashion was relatively simple, since it was more about practical function than style. This era was referred to as the Ancient Time Period. Garments were always loose fitting, never tight. Tunics were the main clothing choice. Usually tunics would be covered with other layers of fabric, and this was worn by both men and women. Fabrics were usually always plain which meant they had no pattern or vibrant color (white and off-white were the most popular.) Near the fifth century clothing began to include a wider range of colors.

Even though clothing was relatively simple, women adorned themselves with jewelry such as bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings fashioned from earthy materials. Cosmetics were also around in this era. Women's hair would usually be seen braided or draped fabric covering the face like a hood. As it moved into the Medieval Time Period it then evolved into militaristic for men, which incorporated tunics, capes, and trousers. Women's clothing was a loose tunic worn over a sleeved, fitted tunic. Europe learned how to make velvet which resulted in Western clothing becoming more lavish.

There are numerous factors that contributed to extravagant and highly decorated clothing. Increased trade from the East was one, and improved textile-making techniques. The upper class nobles grew during this era; personal health was gained by survivors of the Black Plague. Wealthy classes often experimented often resulting in extreme styles. The second group of fashion history includes 1350-1700. The first era of this time period was the Renaissance.

This included about 150 years, in which the style was influenced by Medieval and Gothic Designs, and Italian Renaissance in art. Women's fashions became a more natural appearance. Dresses lost their long trains and flowing skirts became popular. The long, rigid corset that extended to a V shape made its debut in the early part of this period. Women began to show their hair again, they decorated it with gorgeous veils and dazzling jewels.

After the 15th century Renaissance Fashion began to follow German styles. Women's gowns became voluminous; skirts were heavily pleated and supported of hoops made of wire or wicker. Men's clothing adopted a similar style, balloon sleeves, padded doublets, large collars, and puffed trunk hose. Women began to wear headdresses again and men wore broad hats that were sometimes trimmed with gemstones. Fashion reached its high point under the Elizabethan period by the end of the Renaissance. In the year 1550 the Elizabethan Era arose.

Fashion in this time served as a mode for self-expression for all social classes. Near the beginning of the ear women's clothing was relatively modest, with garments covering almost every inch of the wearer's body. Ruffles tended to indicate a higher social status. Headdresses became popular at this time.

Men's fashion during the Elizabethan era changed immensely. At the beginning they dressed in vest like shirts and looser fitting pants. This evolved to cloaks, fine silk stocking's, and beaver hats or bonnets. The Baroque period came next which included the years of about 1620-1660. During this era the dress became popular, replacing those starchy, stuff fabrics from previous eras with natural satins and silks.