Outfits vs. Fashion Accessories

No outfit was complete without accessories by 18th-century middle- and lower-class women. There were two types of gowns: the open robe and the closed robe.

Accessories included neckwear, gloves, pockets, masks, pocketbooks, redicules (handbags), muffs, and pocket watches.

Suntans were not at all fashionable in these early time! Women desire their skin to look as white and spotless as porcelain. They took great care to protect their faces from sun and wind by wearing masks. Green silk masks prevented sunburns in summer, and black silk or velvet masks kept the face warm in winter. In a way, the silk masks played the role of the modern sunglasses.

Fashion was modesty oriented. Women did not feel comfortable wearing the low-cut dresses in the 18th-century. For this reason, it was a trend to wear neck accessories and kerchiefs to cover up the neck and upper chest. Neckwear pieces were also practical and used to stay warm on cold days.

Fans was an important accessory for a woman to keep them cool on a hot summer day. These portable air-conditioners were often decorated with beautiful designs. Also the fans were a tool of communication and were used for flirting.

Protection of the hands led to the necessity to use gloves and carry muffs. Both gloves and muffs protect the hands from sun and wind, and kept the hands warm during the cold winters.