The Virgin Queen
Queen Elizabeth I was one of the most powerful rulers of all-time. She became the Queen of England at only 25, and up until then had lived a life filled with uncertainty and fear, being that she was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. She was never expected to rule, yet after becoming queen she built a period of stability in England that had been previously unheard of. Much of this stability stemmed from her image, a concocted image portraying her as "The Virgin Queen." Elizabeth's conscious decision to never marry aided in her ability to maintain power, and this power relied heavily on her ability to be perceived as youthful, virginal, and strong.
Fashion Influence
Elizabeth relied heavily on the use of cosmetics to achieve her signature "Virginal" look. She suffered from a bout of smallpox in 1562, which left her face heavily scarred. To cover the scarring she applied a cosmetic known at the time as "Ceruse," which today is known as white lead paint. This primitive and dangerous form of foundation caused further and more severe blemishes, which in-turn caused the need for more coverage. It also caused the deaths of many women over the course of its popularity.
Elizabeth also popularized the red lip, as well as the use of blush, and was directly responsible for many of the period's beauty standards.
Elizabeth also popularized the red lip, as well as the use of blush, and was directly responsible for many of the period's beauty standards.
In addition to becoming a beauty icon, Elizabeth was also extremely influential in popularizing fashion trends of her time. In many portraits, she is seen wearing an altered version of the Spanish Farthingale, called the Drum Farthingale. This undergarment added a sharp structured look to women's gowns, and created the illusion of very wide hips. Her most famous contribution to fashion is undoubtedly the neck ruff, and these accessories became so popular, they were worn by both men and women.
Ultimately, Elizabeth's legacy includes a long-lasting impact on fashion, one that is still easily recognizable around the world today.
Ultimately, Elizabeth's legacy includes a long-lasting impact on fashion, one that is still easily recognizable around the world today.
Women's Fashion
An illustration showing different styles of dress and hair for Elizabethan women
As previously mentioned, Elizabeth's fashion influence was strong, and women in England closely followed the trends she set. Elizabeth's use of makeup led to its use becoming more widely accepted. Therefore, the ideal Elizabethan woman had light red hair and a ghostly white complexion, complete with flushed cheeks and lips.
The necklines of women's dresses in Elizabethan England were noticeably different than those worn during Henry VIII's rule. The previously popular square necklines moved up to completely cover the neck and chest, and were topped off by a neck ruff.
Accessories included the use of unisex hats, shown above in a portrait of Elizabeth Knollys.
Accessories included the use of unisex hats, shown above in a portrait of Elizabeth Knollys.
Men's Fashion
Illustration of Elizabethan men's fashion
Men's fashion during the reign of Elizabeth focused largely on more naturally-shaped garments, as well as layers on the upper half of the body. The square shaped garments that were popular during Henry VIII's reign became less so, and shifted toward a shape that was more natural in regards to a man's body. Shoulders were still emphasized, but to a lesser degree. Longer facial hair became popular, and men often sported well-groomed beards, moustaches, and goatees. Neck ruffs were also worn by men, as they were considered to be a unisex article of clothing. The high-neckline was also adopted by Elizabethan men, but the legs remained visible through a thin layer of hoes, and continued as a popular trend during this time.