In the late 1500's during the Elizabethan period, the fashion code was strict.People in this era weren't to wearwhat they like. They had to follow a certain law called the Elizabethan Sumptuary Law, which dictated that you had to wear a certain gown or jewlry. For women they had to wear stockings/hose, corset/bodice, a hooped skirt, stomacher, kirtle, gown, separate sleeves, cloak, shoes, and hat. For the men, they had to wear obviosly a shirt, corset, doublet, separate sleeves, breeches, belt cloak, shoes, and hat. This law governing the dress code was also used to control behavior and that a specific class system was in order. If this law was disobeyed, the penalties include fines, loss of property/title, and in some instances, death. This law also specified what colors and types of clothing that was allowed to be owned. The types of clothing identified a persons social standing or whatever title someone had. Despite the wealth of an individual, everyone had to follow this law and dress accordingly.
http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-clothing.htm
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An example of what women were allowed to wear.
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An example of men wore. |