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The Early 1600's
Video: Clothes in the 1600'sThe 17th century was filled with political and religious wars and perhaps this is why it was not quite the best era for fashion advances. Women’s clothing remained quite similar, lacking a real feminine element and was rather rigid until the idea of the farthingale, the hoop frame used beneath the skirt of a dress to spread the fabric, came about. During the early 17th century, women’s shoes were about the same shape as men’s footwear and lacked any real feminine detail or elegance. -
Early 1600's continued.
Men’s fashion was also quite drab with conservative ideas of fashion still considered to be in. More delicate fabrics were beginning to come out as well as petticoat breeches, which actually resembled skirts! Men’s outfits became a deal more simple and flowing, allowing further comfort. (Byrnes) -
Mid-Late 1600's
Women’s gowns did become lighter as the century progressed and different styles emerged. Long, flowing sleeves and lace necklines emerged, the tight fitting bodice adorned with ribbons and gold silk also became popular. A more feminine shape for shoes also came around and small feet become the latest trend of the 1600’s. Under-petticoats also got a revamp, with more detail and elegance added to their design. -
Mid-Late 1600's continued.
During the late 1600’s, women’s shoes received a makeover so that they no longer resembled men’s shoes and had a more feminine shape. Lace and satin details were added to these shoes and small feet became all the rage at this time. As for men, rounded waist lines and open, flowing sleeves emerged as well as the infamous neck ruffle detail. For shoes, boots became a large hit as well as shoes with stocking and a high heel with a red heel (Byrnes) -
Early 1700's
In the 1600’s, men’s fashion had lost some of its former flamboyant details however as we entered the 18th century that decadence returned in all its glory. Jeweled and bedazzled buttons were worn on coats which had grown in length and fullness as time moved on. The skirt like britches from the previous century became tight fitting pants that ended at the knee, where the stockings began. Men’s boots disappeared only to be replaced with buckled black, pointed and heeled shoes. -
Early 1700's continued.
As the men’s clothing became more flamboyant, so did the women’s. Farthingales became wider and hair do’s become taller and more elaborate. Corsets become tight, fashioned out of whale bone, to keep the ladies looking prim and proper. Skirts became so wide that “two women could not walk side by side without taking up the entire walk” (Byrnes). -
Mid 1700's
The middle of the 1700’s, most commonly in France, fashion had become extreme! Hair do’s were sky high and wigs were filled with pearls and jewelry, even bird cages became hair accessories at this time. Make up on women was heavy and pale and body scent became a much bigger deal during this time and perfumes became increasingly popular. To go along with their extravagant dresses, high heeled shoes with ornate designs were created. -
Mid 1700's continued
From colorful leather heels to decorative silks with fancy broach decorations, shoes were quite a big deal (Byrnes). Women also began to wear bustle, hip, and bum padding as a trend. Dresses generally had a low neck and waist line with elbow length ruffled and lacey sleeves. Also, for the most part underwear was not worn save for petticoats for warmth in colder regions. (Mich´Art) -
Late 1700's
As the 18th century came to a close, the crazy styles that had been seen in the middle of the 1700’s seemed to wrap up and a more simple style of dress came back around. The gowns lost their width and merely became longer with fitted sleeves and simple decorations. Shoes also lost their glamorous side and instead of embroidered silk and colorful, bejeweled details were replaced with plain leather and the high heels slowly faded away. Attire had become entirely more realistic for life (Byrnes). U -
Early 1800's
Video: Trends in 1800's; The beginning of the 1800’s clothing was simple, no corsets or bustle pads, no farthingale but rather long flowing skirts. Gowns had a high waist, often cinching beneath the bust, or as we know it today the empire waist. As for women’s shoes, they became more of a kind of slipper to go along with the softer gowns. -
Early 1800's continued
The shoes were often made in light, soft colors and women no longer scrunched their feet into their shoes to get that in demand look of small feet. For men, once again, those extremely embellished styles went out the door and were replaced with a simple look. Top hats became fashionable as well as walking with a cane around town. Typically, men wore a black coat with long lapels, a neutral colored shirt with perhaps a faint ruffle detail, neutral breeches, stockings and a black shoe. -
Early 1800's continued (more)
The shoe styles being seen around the beginning of the century were riding boots and lace up shoes (Byrnes). -
Mid-late 1800's
While men were strolling around with their top hats and canes, women began to wear embellished bonnets and walking with parasols, or lavish umbrellas. Later into the century, women’s sleeves were both puffed out, short sleeves just covering the shoulders or long and fitted to the elbow much like those from the previous century. However, unlike the early 1800’s, during later years the Grecian style flowing gowns moved away and corsets made a come back. -
Mid-late 1800's continued
Women once again sucked themselves into their corsets to create that hour glass figure. Farthingales also returned to create those wide, hoop skirts. Bloomers, full cotton pants, were worn beneath dresses to further widen the skirts. Hair styles remained long and curly, never returning to the giant powdered wigs seen earlier in history. Men’s clothing remained quite typical during the 1800’s, not experiencing much change but rather creating trends that would stay (Kashmira).
