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History of Fashion Essay

Decent Essays

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 …show more content…

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

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