Elizabethan/Renaissance 16th Century

Over this time period the silhouette stays very much the same but some of the key elements become noticeable and pronounced later in the period.

All the fabrics from the Tudor period were used in this period as well with the addiction of small floral details on fabric being very popular. Stripped fabric starts to be used.

Techniques which came popular during this time were ribbon decorations (creating shapes and patterns), latticework trim, quilted fabric with pearls in the centre,  ruffs with wired frames.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Bodices fronts get longer and more pointed or shaped peplums. Sleeves much puffer but drawn tighter at the cuffs, double epaulettes were very popular and often decorated with ribbon strips or lace. Small cap sleeves were often worn on sleeveless coats over the dress sometimes worn for hunting or outings. The front bodice panel was decorated with embroidery and lace. Necklines were kept high with big neck ruffles wired and heavily pleated to keep the neck up right and tall, creating the illusion of a longer neck. Heart shaped covers were worn on under the collar and looks like a hood.

Skirts got much bigger on the hips, aided by hip pads. The skirts are made of two layers again with under skirts. 

Hats and headdresses were very popular mostly consisting of small head caps with pearls, men's hats with feathers and small decorative headdresses. For jewellery simple pearl earrings were very common, long strands of pearl ropes made up necklaces and belts. Feather fans were attached a the waist by a belt for keeping them cool. France started to make white make up popular with red lips.

Key differences later:- bigger and more notable peplums on the bodices some times double ones, pleated fabric, skirts off the ground to show fabric or fine leather shoes with heels. Wired lace edge wing collars. Velvet trims, puff long sleeves sectioned off and slashed. feather and pearl hair decoration.

How many layers did they wear?:-
 http://www.elizabethancostume.net/overview.html

Movies and TV shows to watch:- Elizabeth 1998, Elizabeth the Golden Age 2007, Shakespear in Love 1998, Elizabeth I 2005, Casanova 2005, Merchant of Venice 2004, Gunpowder, Treason & Plot 2004, Much Ado About Nothing 1993, Luther 2003, The Borgia 2006

References:-
http://www.historyonthenet.com/Tudors/tudor_costume.htm 
http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-clothing.htm

Patterns of Fashion: C1560-1620: 1560-1620 v. 3 by Janet Arnold

Costume 1066-1990s by John Peacocks

Key Events:-  Mary Queen of Scots is executed for an assassination plot. Spanish Armada is destroyed.