1700–1750 in Western fashion
Fashion in the period 1700–1750 in European and European-influenced countries is characterized by a widening silhouette for both men and women following the tall, narrow look of the 1680s and 90s.
The new fashion trends introduced during this era had a greater impact on society, affecting not only royalty and aristocrats, but also middle and even lower classes.
Clothing during this time can be characterized by soft pastels, light, airy, and asymmetrical designs, and playful styles.
Wigs remained essential for men and women of substance, and were often white; natural hair was powdered to achieve the fashionable look.
[1] Distinction was made in this period between full dress worn at court and for formal occasions, and undress or everyday, daytime clothes.
Fashion designers became more recognizable during this period, as men and women were eager to be dressed in the latest trends and styles.
A closed (or "round") petticoat, sometimes worn with an apron, replaced the open draped mantua skirt of the previous period.
The robe à la française or sack-back gown had a tight bodice with a low-cut square neckline, a decorated [stomacher], wide panniers, and was lavishly trimmed with all manner of lace, ribbon, and flowers.
This version of the gown was unfitted both front and back and called a sacque, and was typically made in heavier fabrics such as satin or velvet.
Later, for formal wear, the front was fitted to the body by means of a tightly laced underbodice, while the back fell in loose box pleats called "Watteau pleats" from their appearance in the paintings of Antoine Watteau.These gowns were often made from lighter fabrics such as Indian cotton, silks, and damasks in pastel shades that gave off a warm, graceful and childlike appearance.
[3] This gown featured a snug bodice with a full skirt worn without panniers, usually cut a bit longer in the back to form a small train.
The skirt of a robe à l'anglaise could be closed in front (a "round gown") or open to reveal a matching or contrasting petticoat.
The resulting silhouette, with shoulders thrown back, very erect posture and a high, full bosom, is characteristic of this period and no other.
Riding habits consisted of a fitted, thigh- or knee-length coat similar to those worn by men, usually with a matching petticoat.
In the early years of this period, pastel silk hoods and light colors became fashionable at the French court for mature women, under the influence of Madame de Maintenon.
Younger women also wore light or bright colors, but the preference was for solid-colored or floral silks with ornamentation.
Silk gowns and stomachers were often intricately embroidered in floral and life motifs, demonstrating great attention to detail and care for an accurate portrayal of nature.
[8] Women, particularly in France, began wearing a boutonnière, or a small bouquet of fresh flowers in a "bosom bottle."
About four inches in length, these glass or tin bottles were small enough to discreetly tuck into the bosom or hair, but also just large enough to contain water to keep the flowers from wilting.
The fashion is thought to have originated as a way of disguising pox scars and other blemishes, but gradually developed coded meanings.
In the early 18th century the Breeches usually stopped at the knee, with white stockings worn underneath and heeled shoes, which usually had large square buckles.
They were also worn more open to showcase the elaborate waistcoats...[12] The skirts of the coat remained wide and were stiffened by buckram, horsehair, and other means to fan out over the hips.
The front edges of the coat, which previously had been cut straight, began to curve slightly towards the back to reveal more of the waistcoat [13] Fabrics for men were primarily silks, velvets, and brocades, with woolens used for the middle class and for sporting costumes.
[17] Upper-class men often wore a cane as part of their outfits, suspending it by a loop from one of their waistcoat buttons to allow their hands to properly hold snuff-boxes or handkerchiefs.
The "domino" style consisted of a mask, a long cape, and a tricorne hat, all usually constructed of dark colors.
Leading strings—narrow straps of fabric attached to the gown at the shoulder—functioned as a sort of leash to keep the child from straying too far or falling as they learned to walk.
The girl sitting holding a fan is displaying her leading strings that her mother would have used to make sure she didn't fall when learning to walk.
