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How did the English dress in 1655?

English fashion in 1655 was a time of change and transition, influenced by the recent English Civil War and the austere Puritan values of the Commonwealth. Here's a breakdown of what people wore:

Men:

* Upper Classes:

* "Puritan" look: The prevailing fashion was practical and conservative, reflecting Puritan values.

* Doublet and breeches: Tight-fitting doublets (close-fitting jackets) with long breeches were standard attire.

* Coat: A long, loose-fitting coat was worn over the doublet, often with a wide collar.

* Sleeves: Doublet sleeves were often slashed and puffed, though less elaborate than earlier times.

* Stockings: Woolen stockings were worn, often with garters to keep them up.

* Shoes: Leather shoes with buckles or ties.

* Hats: Wide-brimmed, felt hats were popular, sometimes with a feather or ribbon.

* Wigs: Wigs were not as common during this period, though some men wore them for special occasions.

* Middle and Lower Classes:

* Similar styles: Men of all classes wore similar clothing, but materials were less luxurious.

* Linens and wool: Linens and coarse wool were more common fabrics for everyday wear.

* Less elaborate: Decoration and adornment were generally kept to a minimum.

Women:

* Upper Classes:

* Bodice and skirt: Bodices (corsets) were worn with a long, flowing skirt.

* Sleeves: Sleeves could be long and gathered or puffed at the shoulders.

* Aprons: Aprons were common, often made of linen or silk.

* Stomachers: Decorative pieces of fabric worn over the bodice.

* Headwear: Hair was typically covered with a cap or scarf, often of fine linen.

* Middle and Lower Classes:

* Similar styles: Women of all classes wore similar clothing, but materials and quality varied.

* Simple dresses: Dresses were often made of wool, linen, or cotton.

* Headscarves: Headscarves were commonly worn by women of all classes.

Overall:

* Plainness and simplicity: The English Civil War had a strong influence on fashion, promoting plainness and simplicity.

* Practicality: Clothing needed to be practical and durable, as many people were involved in manual labor or agricultural work.

* Comfort over show: While some fashion trends still emphasized elegance, comfort and practicality were generally favored.

It's important to remember: The fashion of 1655 wasn't uniform. There were regional differences, variations in class, and individual preferences. This is just a general overview of the trends during this period.

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