  The hot dry weather played a major role in shaping Egyptian fashion. Made of light linen, the clothing was loose and kept the body cool. The wealthy women wore finer garments, which were translucent, while the poor dressed in more coarse fabrics, due to low cost.  Archaeologists found countless pieces of fine jewellery. Egyptian women were adorned in rings, anklets and bracelets, all rich in bright toned gems. * Fun Fact: Only the rich wore earrings* Ancient Egypt

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  Wigs were an ancient trend. Hair was a nuisance in the hot climate and was a breeding ground for lice, thus women shaved their heads and modeled wigs instead.  Cosmetics were another trend. Black eye makeup was applied for protection from the glare of the sun and from disease bearing insects. * Fun Fact: Cleopatra had her lipstick made of crushed carmine beetles, which gave a deep red pigment.* Ancient Egypt

  Greek and Roman clothing was simply designed, usually consisting of two pieces. Their outfits would be sleeveless, light and resembled men’s tunic.  Most of the many various styles included forms of draping, pinning and belting the garments.  The most fashionable outfit during the Greco-Roman era was the Chiton. Ancient Greece & Rome

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  Jewellery was also worn by the Greeks and Romans- even men wore precious gems, however that appeared to only be a fad, ending a little time after.  Honey and olive oil acted as a skin care product during antiquity, to improve the skin’s overall texture  However, pale skin was fashionable; some women applied white lead (which is toxic) to lighten their complexion Ancient Greece & Rome

  Roman women’s hairstyles were ever-changing as they copied the styles of the emperor’s wives and mistresses.  Long hair was typical for most women; only slaves wore it short. Ancient Greece & Rome

  Fashion was made into three sections 1.Religious Women: wore woollen rough habits with white head pieces. Color represented their order. 2.Poor and Lower Class: wore long shapeless dresses made of rough wool. Since they were poor most women only owned one dress which they washed infrequently Fashion in Middle Ages

  Upper Class: wore heavily decorated dresses that were better formed to their bodies. The fabrics were made of finer cloth and better dyed, due to the time’s technological improvements. *Fun Fact: In 1500s lace became popular with wealthy.* Fashion of Middle Ages

  In France, the Palace of Versailles became an ever- changing fashion show; staying in style required careful attention  High fashion became a necessity - nobles spent entire fortunes on importing silks, velvets and painted linens.  Lace continued into France, becoming a big trend. *Fun Fact: Women’s dresses were cut so low, that the pictures would be considered too revealing for today* Fashion in Louis XIV’s Court

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  While the French were risqué with fashion, the English had a more conservative approach.  Women wore tight corsets (a petite torso remained a popular trend), padded sleeves and high collars.  Their dresses were very full, had lots of layer and the gold embroidery was very intricate. Fashion in England

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  Women use the contraption of a farthingale, a stiff metal coned shaped article worn to widened their skirts.  The ruff, was a large stiff collar worn at this time.  Wearing jewellery was another trend; the more one wore the higher the class-it exposed one’s wealth.  Then in 1600s, during Puritan Revolution, the reaction to decoration set in. Wealthy and poor women alike wore simple black dresses, sometimes with white linen collars. Married women usually wore hair in linen cap. Fashion in England

 How has women’s clothing been used to demonstrate wealth and importance in society?  The more elaborate and fancy reflected a higher class and wealth. The excess of jewels also revealed a woman’s status. Was more effort taken to hide or highlight the female body?  Highlighted certain areas-tight corsets accentuated and promoted a tiny torso; while curves were hidden under the large skirts.  Fashion reflected the social values-during Puritan revolution the women wore simple concealing garments and hide hair under bonnets. Ask Why?