Upper Class Womens Renaissance Clothing
Finer linens were bleached in the sun embroidered or block printed.
Upper class womens renaissance clothing. Style was paramount and both men and women in the renaissance wore clothing we would consider costumes similar to the costumes we wear in formal occasions today. Style was a function of status so both men and women chose attire that stood out particularly for formal affairs. Fashionable embellishments included braiding borders embroidery lace guarding ribbon trim and gems or pearls sewn onto the fabric. Upper class during the renaissance period there were sumptuary laws meaning that there were rules that dictated what types of clothing fabrics and even colors that certain classes could wear.
Although we dont know her identity we can tell that she is wearing the latest fashions and is likely from the florentine upper class. Our hoop skirts bum rolls and bustles help to create an authentic period look as well. In fact the purpose of clothing in renaissance times was to make a statement or establish ones social status. The standard image most people conjure when imagining renaissance costume is clothing worn by the upper class.
Women during this time were only allowed to wear their bridal clothing and jewelry for a short period after their marriage. Italian governments formed sumptuary laws to control showy public displays of wealth. The upper classes wore garments made of silk satin velvet damask and taffeta in addition to wool and linen.