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A Comprehensive Guide to Dressing Like a Common Woman in Early Elizabethan England

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Published in 16th Century Early Elizabethan Common Women S Getting Dressed Guide (Getting Dressed Guides)

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16th century Early Elizabethan Common Women's Getting Dressed Guide (Getting Dressed Guides)

by Kass McGann

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2146 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	46 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

If you're planning on attending a Renaissance fair or simply want to learn more about the fashion of the past, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about dressing like a common woman in early Elizabethan England.

The Basics

The clothing of common women in early Elizabethan England was simple and functional. It was made from natural materials such as wool, linen, and hemp. The colors were typically muted, and the garments were often undecorated.

Women's clothing consisted of a chemise, a petticoat, a gown, and a head covering. The chemise was a long, loose shirt that was worn next to the skin. The petticoat was a skirt that was worn over the chemise. The gown was a long, loose dress that was worn over the petticoat. The head covering was a simple cloth that was used to cover the hair.

The Chemise

The chemise was the most important garment in a woman's wardrobe. It was made from a lightweight fabric, such as linen or hemp. The chemise was typically gathered at the neck and wrists, and it could be either long or short.

A Woman Wearing A Chemise 16th Century Early Elizabethan Common Women S Getting Dressed Guide (Getting Dressed Guides)

The Petticoat

The petticoat was a skirt that was worn over the chemise. It was typically made from a heavier fabric, such as wool or linen. The petticoat was gathered at the waist, and it could be either long or short.

A Woman Wearing A Petticoat 16th Century Early Elizabethan Common Women S Getting Dressed Guide (Getting Dressed Guides)

The Gown

The gown was a long, loose dress that was worn over the petticoat. It was typically made from a fine fabric, such as silk or velvet. The gown was gathered at the waist, and it could be either long or short.

A Woman Wearing A Gown 16th Century Early Elizabethan Common Women S Getting Dressed Guide (Getting Dressed Guides)

The Head Covering

The head covering was a simple cloth that was used to cover the hair. It was typically made from a lightweight fabric, such as linen or silk. The head covering could be tied in a variety of ways, and it could be either plain or decorated.

A Woman Wearing A Head Covering 16th Century Early Elizabethan Common Women S Getting Dressed Guide (Getting Dressed Guides)

Accessories

Common women in early Elizabethan England often wore a variety of accessories, such as jewelry, shoes, and stockings. Jewelry was typically made from simple materials, such as silver or gold. Shoes were typically made from leather, and they were often low-heeled and flat.

Common Women Often Wore A Variety Of Accessories, Such As Jewelry, Shoes, And Stockings 16th Century Early Elizabethan Common Women S Getting Dressed Guide (Getting Dressed Guides)

Getting Dressed

Getting dressed in early Elizabethan England was a time-consuming process. It could take up to an hour to put on all of the necessary garments.

To get dressed, women would first put on their chemise. They would then put on their petticoat and gown. Finally, they would put on their head covering and accessories.

Getting Dressed In Early Elizabethan England Was A Time Consuming Process 16th Century Early Elizabethan Common Women S Getting Dressed Guide (Getting Dressed Guides)

Dressing like a common woman in early Elizabethan England is a great way to learn about the fashion of the past. It's also a fun way to add a touch of history to your wardrobe.

If you're interested in learning more about the fashion of early Elizabethan England, there are a number of resources available online, in libraries, or at historical museums. Thanks for reading!

16th century Early Elizabethan Common Women's Getting Dressed Guide (Getting Dressed Guides)

by Kass McGann

5 out of 5