Fashion and clothing from the Baroque and the Rococo period

Fashion and clothing from the Baroque and the Rococo period

Clothing during this period consisted of a number of lace, ribbons, pearls and gold embroidery.

The high class created and redefined fashion, which was copied by the middle class.

Unlike the previous centuries, clothing during this timewas not made to mix and match but matching the outfits were made as matched pairs often in the same fabric.

Women’s clothing did not remain as restricted as before.

It became flexible and soft, tight fitting corsets moved away.

Stiff ruffs were replaced by flowing lace collars.

Farthingales were removed and skirts were simply padded at the hips to produce a full and flowing look.

Two skirts were worn mostly.

An underskirt and an overskirt, which was, open at front and formed a train at the back.

Decorative aprons also became popular.

Plunging necklines were very popular and were accompanied by wide lace collars.

 

Waistlines became high and long pointed bodices and stiff stomachers came back.

Sleeves became large and were often gathered at the lace cuffs. Silks and brocades were used quite often.

Heartbreakers hairstyle was common where women wore their hair in tight curls around the forehead. Hairstyle became progressively higher.

Water was considered bad for the skin and as a result, people applied a lot of perfume to cover upon for the body odour and avoided bathing.

Pointed shoes and high heels were worn by women.

Jewellery was simple and consisted of strings of pearls or diamonds or sometimes a ribbon tied around the neck.

Men in the early baroque period wore cavalier.

High knee boots, wide brimmed hats with feathers, long and loose hair and moustaches with capes thrown over one shoulder was visible in the men’s clothing.

Pantaloons breeches were worn b the men which fell below the knee and were quite loose.

In men’s clothing the large collars were replaced by long lace ruffles at the opening of the neckline.

Square toed, high-heeled shoes with rosettes replaced boots in men’s footwear.

Men liked to curl their hair and wear a wigs of the same style.

Breeches became close fitted, wither tied , buttoned or buckled at the knee.

Long coats were worn with large sleeves.

Ribbons replaced jewels and wigs became larger.

Rich silk replaced highly decorated fabrics and elegant embroidery replaced methods like slashing and puffing.

 During the rococo time people scramble to be clothed in the latest styles and fashion designers gained influence.

Fashion magazines had emerged and were made to create knowledge amongst the readers and capturing attention amongst the lower and upper classes through their fashion illustrations and news.

New silhouettes emerged for women.

Panniers became extremely wide and were worn under a skirt that extended sideways.

Waists that were restricted by the corsets were in contrast to the wide skirts worn.

Plunging necklines remained and skirts opened at the front displaying the underskirt.

Pagoda sleeves which were tight from the shoulders to the elbow and ended with flared lace and ribbons.

Watteau gown ha a loose back which became a part of the full skirt and a tight bodice.

Women’s heels became slimmer with pretty decorations.

Their hair were tight at the head sometimes powdered or topped with lace kerchiefs.

Hair were worn progressively higher and higher until wigs were required.

Men generally wore a variety of coats, waistcoats and breeches.

Waistcoat was the most decorative piece which was embroidered or displayed patterns

Breeches stopped at the knee and white stocking were worn underneath with heeled shoes.

The cadogan style of men’s hair became quite popular. 

 

This era was mostly defined by its contrasting aspects , extravagance, heavy materials and light colours with a quest for simplicity.

The ideas of the French revolution strongly affected fashion for the future decades.