16th century fashion

During the 16th century, clothing became more extravagant and richly decorated. Fashions were often inspired by the monarch, both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I being influential upon what their subjects wore. The rise of portraiture during this period contributed greatly towards the surviving evidence about the clothing from this era.

Western Europe
In those times in was the fashion for women to have slim, triangular shaped bodies. The men's fashion was modeled after their King, Henry VIII, showcasing broad, square figures. England borrowed many fashions from other countries and sometimes adopted them as their own. For example, the atifet was a later, flatter version of the French hood. And during Queen Elizabeth I's reign the French hood became smaller and worn farther back on their head.

Mentioned in the paragraph above it was in fashion for women to have slim, triangular shaped figures. To reach this goal they wore tight corsets, that tied in the back, and conical farthingales. The dresses usually had a square neckline (low cut to show some breast but modest enough to not ruin their reputation). The trumpet sleeves would be pulled back to reveal the under sleeve. Their dresses are split in two revealing the kirtle underneath.