The Upper-Class
Eighteenth-Century Clothing Chronicles
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| Family Group in a Landscape, by F. Wheatley, c. 1775. Buck, 197 |
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or Click on the Links Below.
INTRODUCTION
Through this website we will explore the clothing of the upper class in eighteenth-century England. This site is set up to look at the clothing of children, women, and men. As you visit each of the pages, notice the picture to the left of the title. Click on this picture to read a summary about that particular section. Then read the story, click on the links, and find out more about the meaning behind various articles of clothing.
The dress of this time period reflects many cultural events and social attitudes stemming from the Enlightenment. During the Enlightenment, philosphers like John Locke expressed a belief that all humans have a natural right to freedom. This notion pervaded the culture and even had a profound impact on upper-class dress.