Fabrics:
* Silk: Elizabeth favored luxurious silks, often imported from Italy and the East. She wore silk gowns, stockings, and even shoes.
* Velvet: Another opulent fabric, velvet was used for robes, gowns, and caps.
* Cloth of Gold: A rich, heavy fabric woven with gold threads, was reserved for special occasions and state portraits.
* Brocade: A woven fabric with elaborate patterns, was often used for gowns and doublets.
* Linen and Wool: These fabrics were used for undergarments and everyday wear, especially for her servants.
Style:
* Gowns: Elizabeth wore long, flowing gowns with a fitted bodice and a full skirt. These gowns were often heavily decorated with jewels, embroidery, and lace.
* Ruffs: Elizabeth is famous for her elaborate ruff collars, made from stiff linen or lace, which added height and formality to her appearance. The size and style of her ruffs varied, sometimes reaching massive proportions.
* Sleeves: Her gowns featured long, narrow sleeves that often puffed out at the shoulders, giving her a regal and imposing silhouette.
* Jewelry: Elizabeth wore an abundance of jewelry, including pearls, gemstones, and gold chains. Her jewels symbolized her wealth and power, and she often displayed them to impress and intimidate.
* Hats: She favored elaborate hats, often adorned with feathers, jewels, and veils.
* Shoes: Elizabeth's shoes were usually made of silk, velvet, or leather, often featuring high heels and intricate embellishments.
Color:
* Black: Black was a color of mourning, but Elizabeth also wore it as a symbol of authority and power.
* White: White symbolized purity and virtue.
* Red: Red was associated with power, passion, and royalty.
* Gold: Gold was a symbol of wealth and status.
The Significance:
* Projection of Power: Elizabeth's clothing was carefully chosen to convey her power, strength, and authority. Her elaborate gowns, jewelry, and ruffs emphasized her royal status and helped establish her as a formidable ruler.
* Image Control: Elizabeth was acutely aware of the power of image and used her clothing to control how she was perceived by her subjects and foreign diplomats. Her carefully curated wardrobe was a form of political communication.
* Fashion Icon: Elizabeth's style influenced fashion throughout Europe, and her clothing continues to inspire designers today.
Overall, Queen Elizabeth I's clothing was not just about fashion, but also about politics, power, and image. Her wardrobe reflected her unique personality and helped her establish herself as one of the most powerful and iconic rulers in history.