Fabrics:
* Velvet: A luxurious fabric often used for her gowns and jackets, often in rich jewel tones like burgundy, green, or blue.
* Silk: Used for undergarments, gowns, and accessories, creating a flowing, elegant silhouette.
* Brocade: A woven fabric with intricate patterns, often incorporating gold or silver thread, used for gowns and embellishments.
* Lace: A delicate, intricate fabric used for ruffs, cuffs, and decorative embellishments.
Silhouettes:
* Gowns: Elizabeth I wore gowns with a high, structured waistline and full, flowing skirts. They were often richly decorated with embroidery, jewels, and pearls.
* Stomacher: A decorative piece worn over the bodice of the gown, often with a pointed or rounded shape.
* Sleeves: Sleeves could be tight-fitting, puffed, or with a "ruffled" effect.
* Ruffs: Elizabeth I's signature accessory, a stiff, starched collar that stood high around the neck. Ruffs were made of lace, linen, or cambric, and were often embellished with jewels or pearls.
Accessories:
* Jewellery: Elizabeth I adorned herself with lavish jewellery, including pearls, diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. She wore necklaces, earrings, rings, brooches, and hair ornaments.
* Hats: Elizabeth wore a variety of hats, including feathered bonnets, caps, and veils.
* Gloves: She wore gloves made of leather or fabric, often with elaborate embroidery or embellishments.
* Shoes: Elizabeth's shoes were typically made of leather or velvet, with pointed toes and high heels.
Color:
* Elizabeth favored rich, vibrant colors, particularly red, gold, and purple. These colors represented power, wealth, and royalty.
Important Considerations:
* Power: Elizabeth's clothing served as a powerful symbol of her authority. The elaborate costumes, jewels, and rich fabrics projected an image of strength and dignity.
* Image: She used clothing as a way to control how she was perceived by the public. By carefully choosing her outfits, Elizabeth could project an image of confidence, intelligence, and piety.
* Fashion Trendsetter: Elizabeth I was a fashion trendsetter, and her styles were copied by women across Europe.
Overall, Elizabeth I's wardrobe was a dazzling and significant aspect of her reign. It was a powerful tool for projecting her image and shaping public perception.