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WOMEN

Tenant farmers, artificers, laborers and all other honest hardworking folk

 

Indoor cloths

Smock – An Elizabethan smock is a more closely fitted, less bil- lowy “chemise.” The neckline was generally square, sleeves fairly fitted but not tight, and it was approximately knee length.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partlet – Made of linen most often white, black or off white this was worn over the smock and dress/kirtle for modesty and sun protection. Women of every class would have worn a partlet. They may be tied under the arms, attached with hooks and eyes, or pinned directly onto your dress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Belt – Should be simple narrow leather (no wider than one inch) in natural colors with a small buckle. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outwear

Coat (cote) – A general term for an outer garment, possibly interchangeable with the term cassock.

 

 

 

 

 

Accessories

Basket - for shopping and for holding your personal items such as an eating knife, wood or ceramic/clay drinking vessel.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hairstyles and headgear

Every woman over the age of five should have their hair covered. If your hair is long enough, you can braid it with tapes which also makes a secure anchor for your coif or headwrap. For extra protection from the sun, it’s also recommended that you wear a low-crowned, wide brimmed straw hat.

 

 

Shoes/footwear

Clogs - The clog was an outdoor, wooden shoe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make up

The lower and middle classes didn't have the time or resources to devote to serious makeup; young merchant's wives were somewhat notorious for their fancy dress and fashionable makeup, but otherwise you needn't bother.

 

 

 

 

 

Women's Dress or Kirtle – There are two options for women dress (with attached sleeves) or kirtle (usually with detachable sleeves). Either should be made out of wool lined in linen, or heavy weight linen for the entire garment

Apron – A very simple rectangular design made from linen all women would have had at least two for working which can be varying shades of natural linen from off white to beige, and one for their “Sunday best,” that can be either white, black, or a variety of colors.

Pouch - for money from leather or cloth.

Corked Shoes - Corked shoes featured a wedge of cork between the foot and the sole

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