FashionThe most alien concept of the Elizabethan era was that, regardless of their wealth, Elizabethans were not allowed to wear what clothes they liked. Their clothing and items of apparel were dictated by the Elizabethan Sumptuary Laws which governed the style and materials worn and dictated what colours individuals were allowed to own and wear which reflected status and gender. These laws were used to control behaviour and to ensure that a specific class structure was maintained. The laws governing the clothing were well known by all English people and penalties for violating them could be harsh including fines, loss of property, title and even life!
Elizabethan Sumptuary Laws dictated:
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