Fashion of the 18th and 19th century

Jacob Maples

HIS 102-W1

1/27/12

Fashion of the 18^th and 19^th century

During the 18^th century a popular style of shoe was the Mule. The mule was often backless, closed toed and square toed as well. This style of shoe was worn mostly indoors and it looked quite uncomfortable to wear. In today’s world it was often associated with prostitutes until the 1950's when Marilyn Monroe helped break its bad image. Men's shoes of the 18^th century often had buckles, I would associate them with pilgrim style shoes. They had fairly pointy tips, were low cut in the heel and appear to be more comfortable than the Mules.

During the 18^th century a distinction was made between the full dress worn at Court and the undress worn during normal activities. Formal dress for women consisted of stiff-bodiced mantua, a corset, and very white makeup sometimes made from white lead and egg whites. Casual wear for women consisted of a close-bodied gown, also referred to as the nightgown. Men continued to wear the same three piece suit which consisted of a coat, waistcoat, and breeches. During the decades of the 18^th century fewer occasions rose for a person to wear full dress and it had almost completely disappeared by the end of the century.

In the early 19^th century as revolutions were taking place another one happened with the fashions that people wore. Women's fashions followed classical ideas and tightly laced corsets and the stiff-bodiced mantua was abandoned for highly waited and natural figures. While men's fashion was also changing. As fire arms became more common and swords were disappearing a concealed sword was favored, such as the sword cane. Men adopted dandyism which was placing importance on physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies.

The trend of Romanticism with its strong emphasis on emotion was reflected in fashion as much as other forms of art. The world of fashion was changing immensely in the 19^th century. The Victorian era of fashion was eloquent. Delicate floral prints on light backgrounds became popular, instead of the solid colors of earlier eras. Women's and men's fashion showed width at the shoulder above a tiny waist. Men's coats were padded at the shoulders and across the chest, while women's shoulders led to huge sleeves.