COLONIAL FASHIONPLATES
Elegant Asphyxiation

For Women, tight bodices contrasted with voluminous hoop skirts and panniers (side bustles) under multi-layered petticoats and skirts. Stays (corsets) were inset with stiff whalebone and drawn tight, often laced to the brink of asphyxiation! Intricately upswept hairstyles completed the vision.

For Men, tailored frock coats opened to beautiful waistcoats of velvet, brocade or satin, and worn with velvet breeches, fancy knee buckles, silk stockings and buckled shoes. The wealthy sported wigs of human hair, often curled and powdered. Those who did not wear wigs tied their hair back with ribbon.