Rococo style in 1700s fashion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Rococo style in 1700s fashion - Essay Example Magazines that emerged catered to the curiosity of the lower class as their attention was captured by the colorful illustrations and the latest news. This is the period that saw the development of panniers, a new silhouette for women worn under the skirts and extended sideways (Heinrich, 2014). The waists were constricted by corsets which were a big contract to the wide skirts that usually opened at the front showing an underskirt. The Watteau gown is one of the dresses worn during this period, with a loose back that became part of a full skirt with a tighter bodice. The gowns were worn with short wide lapelled jackets. The introduction of a loose wide gown with a colorful silk sash around the waist was considered a shock for women as the natural figure was apparent and no corset was worn. However, this was seen by the women as a symbol of their increased liberation and they embraced the style (Heinrich, 2014). Heels worn by women became smaller by design with slimmer heels and pretty decorations as hair was worn higher contrary to the beginning where it was worn tight to the head, topped with lace handkerchiefs to contrast the wide panniers. The towering tresses of hair were often curled and decorated with feathers, flowers, sculptures or figures. As the style progressed, hair was powdered with meal and flour causing a burst of outrage in the lower classes because of the subsequent rice in price of bread. Designs worn by men only had variations in the coat, waistcoat and the breeches, with the waistcoat being the most decorative piece. They were lavishly embroidered or having huge displays of patterned fabrics. The breeches were topped around the knees and white stockings worn underneath with large square buckled heeled shoes. The coats on the other hand were often worn close to the body and lacked the earlier skirt-like design, worn with a more open air to showcase the elaborate waistcoat (Heinrich, 2014). Men also adapted to wearing white wigs