Women's Fashion:
1. Gowns: Women wore gowns that were form-fitting at the bodice, with a wide, flowing skirt. The bodice often featured a low-cut neckline and was decorated with elaborate embroidery, lace, and trimmings.
2. Overgowns: Overgowns, also known as kirtles, were worn over the gown. They were typically made of a rich fabric, such as velvet or silk, and often had a contrasting color.
3. Ruffs: The ruff was a distinctive feature of Elizabethan fashion. It was a wide, circular collar that framed the face and was made of starched linen or lace.
4. Sleeves: Sleeves were often puffed and slashed, creating a dramatic effect.
5. Corsets: Corsets were used to cinch the waist and achieve the desired hourglass figure.
Men's Fashion:
1. Doublets: Men wore doublets, which were fitted jackets with sleeves and a low neckline. They were often elaborately decorated with embroidery and metallic trim.
2. Breeches: Breeches were the equivalent of modern-day trousers. They were typically knee-length and made of wool or leather.
3. Stockings: Stockings were worn underneath breeches and could be made of silk or wool.
4. Codpieces: Codpieces were decorative flaps of fabric attached to the front of breeches to cover the male genitalia. They often featured elaborate embroidery and were a symbol of virility and fertility.
5. Hats: Men wore a variety of hats, including the feathered cap and the flat cap, which were popular during the Elizabethan era.
Common Fabrics and Colors:
1. Fabrics: Rich fabrics such as velvet, silk, satin, and brocade were commonly used in Elizabethan clothing.
2. Colors: Bright and vibrant colors, such as red, blue, green, and yellow, were popular. Dark colors, like black and brown, were also used but to a lesser extent.
Elizabethan clothing was a reflection of the social, cultural, and economic changes of the time. The wealthy and upper classes used clothing as a means to display their status, power, and affluence. The sumptuary laws, which regulated the type of clothing that different classes could wear, also influenced the development of Elizabethan fashion.