8-5Fashion

What clothes Hairstyles and Fashions Were Popular in the Elizibethian Era? Throughout the Elizibethian era, fashions, hairstyles and clothing were a very important part of society. The ideal woman in the age was one of very pale skin, an elaborate hairstyle, fashionable dress, and red cheeks and thin red lips. Hairstyles: Men: Long hair was considered quite fashionable in the elizibethian era, however if one was to wear their hair long, then it would HAVE to be curled with hot irons and then kept in place with oil wax or gum. Probably the most important men’s hairstyle was the facial hair. The beard and type (rounded, oblong, symmetrical etc.) were all statements to someone’s status in society. Wax held the beards in place. Women: The hairstyles were intentionally made to match the type of fashions for clothing that were popular in the era. Ruffs/Collars were a major fashion of the day and the hairstyles were made to compliment these. Also, wigs were very popular among the women. A high-ranking woman in this era could have as many as 60 different wigs! Also, adornments in the hair itself were quite common; for instance, on her wedding day an Elizabethian woman would wear flowers in her hair. At times the long hair was dressed into a bun and pinned as so it could stay in place. The French hood was often complimented with a middle part, however fringes were not considered in style. Women’s head coverings included the French hood (think of a fancier little red riding hood hat), The Colf (like a bonnet), Atifet (similar to the french hood), Caul (the "Elizabethan hair net") and Pill box hat (closest relative to the top hat.). Each of these had numerous hairstyles meant to be worn with them. Clothing Fashions: Men: Clothing for men was very elaborate. If one was wearing dark colored clothing, they were symbolizing their wealth by showing they have enough money to pay for dyed garments. Hats consited of the Top Hat for high class affairs and gatherings, the Coif for the elderly, the muffin cap for lower classes, tall hat for upper class, and the flat cap worn by all. Ruffs, ruffles or collars were commonly worn adorning a stained or light colored shirt. People who couldn't afford stained shirts, would buy white ones. Clothing was comonly made from silk, velvet, fur, or leather. he lower classes were forbidden of wearing some materials. Men would adorn high socks, and black pants. Women: Long dresses, often died were adorned by the upper class, while the lower classes would wear white ones. Reuffs were also commonly worn among both sexes, yet this period began to be known as the Peacock age because the men, in fact tended to dress more elaborately than the women. Women would often wear Welts which were ornamental bands. One of the most elegant forms of dress/ material was fur. Lynx, fox, bear, tiger, wolf and countless other furs were used to keep the upper class warm on cold London nights.