Elizabethan Accessories and Hair Styles

Jewelry was an important accessory for both men and women. Men wore pendants attached to cord or chains, or lockets around their necks. Women, on the other hand, wore necklaces, enameled jewelry, pearls, semiprecious stones, rings, chains, earrings, bracelets, broaches, beads (eight or nine strings that hung down to the waist). Their necklaces were short or hip length. Bracelets were made of rope or beads. Real flowers or jeweled insects were worn to decorate the ruff.
Gloves were an important, but an expensive accessory. They were embroidered on the backs and had cuffs with silk tassels. Often they were perfumed. Men also wore gloves.
Women sometimes would wear veils. They were large and transparent. Sometimes it would be weird around the shoulders to form butterfly wings. Some women would place a corner over the forehead to make a small cap. The rest of the veil fell to the ground.
Men’s shoes were made of leather, and had stockings that matched. A wedge shaped sole and toe piece were one popular style. Later a pointed toe, low heel, and a cut out top became popular. Women’s shoes were like men’s.
Hats were also a common acsesory. They were stiff and formal. They were often decorated with small feathers. Women also wore metal and jeweled belts. They also carried fans made of feathers or paper.
Men wore sword belts and carried a rapier.
Women wore there hair in many different ways. One style was the coif. They would comb the hair away from the forhead , then curl or frizz their hair. They would dress their hair high and out. They would also wear bright colored wigs. A hogh forehead was popular, so some women would pluck out the front hairs. They would make a bun or braid the back of their hair and cover it in a small cap of lace or linen. They also liked to decorate their hair. One stlye wore a tight cap that followed the shape of the head and gathered in the front with one or two rolls of gold or collored tissue. They would also weave in pearls or jeweled ornaments to add uniqueness to a style. True blonds were held in high esteem. Other women would try to die their hair or wear blond wigs to achive blond hair.
A light beard and moustach was worn by the most fasionable men. Their hair was kept short and neat.

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