Why What The Fashion Like During Neoclassicism
Why What The Fashion Like During Neoclassicism Fashion has always embodied the cultural, social, and political zeitgeist of its era. The period that had one of the most powerful effects on Western fashion was Neoclassicism, from the mid-18th century to the early 19th century. Neoclassicism was a reaction against, and a desire to look back to the simplicity, elegance, and idealized forms of classical antiquity and an artistic and intellectual movement that took place in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, spanning literature, art, architecture, and music. But as we do in this blog post, we’ll take a deeper dive into everything from the philosophical ideas; political upheavals; and artistic merit that created a unique fashion aesthetic of neoclassicism.
What is Neoclassicism?
Neoclassicism was a cultural movement that aimed to bring back the traditions of classical art, architecture, and culture in ancient Greece and Rome. Although it came on stream in the mid-1700s, it was most vigorous from the end of the 18th to the beginning of the 19th centuries, the age of the Enlightenment when intellectual and philosophical development blossomed. It prioritized rationality over faith, the individual over the state, and turned back to the classical ideas of balance, proportion, and harmony.
Neoclassicism is also identified with fashion, where simplicity and clean lines, along with classical drapery, were reflected in contemporary garments. That’s ridiculously opposed to the Rococo styles that preceded it – all garish and blingy excess.
Key Fashion Trends During Neoclassicism
1. Simplicity and Elegance
Neoclassicism emphasized ideals of simplicity, and elegance, which was reflected in fashion during the period. Fewer embellishments in women’s clothing were used, and women’s apparel had a more subdued and less extravagant look than the ceremonial garb of the Rococo period. Empire waistline gowns that hugged the bust and draped loosely over the body were often made of thin fabrics like muslin, linen, and silk, echoing the lines of Greco-Roman tunics.
2. The Empire Waist
Unquestionably, the greatest feature of Neoclassical fashion was the popularised Empire waist, which dominated women’s fashion. The high waistline — sitting just below the bust — was unlike the corseted, structured, closely-fitted waistlines of previous Rococo styles. It created a column-like silhouette as intended, echoing the classical drapery of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture.
Empire dresses were made out of soft, flowing fabrics instead of the stiff structures of previous fashions, which brought a looseness and ease of movement. Times were changing, and with them, attitudes regarding the place of women in the home, and part of the domicile was its health and utility.
3. Classical Drapery
Neoclassical clothing was characterized by the draping and cutting of garments, heavily influenced by ancient Greece and Rome. Draped dresses, also known as chemises or tunic–style gowns, were meant to mimic the clothing in representations of classical statues and gods. No more heavily layered bouffants, doused in elaborate trimmings; instead, these draped, and often asymmetrical garments were worn.
For men, the Neoclassical style was also inspired by a classical costume featuring garments like tunics and short cloaks. Universalized Men, inspired by classical Greek and Roman sculptures, tailored coats, waistcoats, and breeches. The focus was on proportion, balance, and the simplicity of the cut.
4. Naturalism and Soft Colors
The Neoclassical was more natural in color and fashion. The natural and classical aesthetic was also reflected in soft pastel colors, pale blue, white, soft pink, and lavender were also fashion fabrics of choice. They were perceived as less loud, more refined, and less ostentatious than the brilliant, boisterous colors associated with Rococo fashion.
Both men and women kept accessories to a minimum. And jewelry was more unadorned as well: cameos, brooches, or plain gold chains. Hairstyles were also more natural, with women wearing their hair in luscious waves or back in simple buns, often decorated with ribbons or flowers.
How Neoclassical Fashion Reflected Social and Political Changes
1. The Influence of the Enlightenment
Back in the Age of Enlightenment where intellect, scientific thought, and a revival of ancient principles reigned. Fashion was impacted during this period by Enlightenment philosophers who pushed forth an ideology rooted in reason, simplicity, and a pushback against excesses.
Neoclassical fashion trends can be viewed as a mirror of these perceptions visually. An insistence on simple clothing was therefore a metaphorical renunciation of the splendor and excess of aristocratic fashions of preceding centuries. Clothed in classical garb, people of the time were embracing a connection to democracy, reason, and a supposed return to the “truth” of the classical world.
2. Political Revolution and the Rise of the Middle Class
The Neoclassical period, as political times were changing dramatically during this time with the revolution of France and the revolution of America. The fashion of this time is heavily influenced by the French Revolution. When the upper class became the lower class (we all know how that story ends), the fancy shit of the court was replaced by more humble and democratic styles.
The neoclassical fashion mirrored the politics of the time, with the increase in power of the middle classes. With the declining power of the nobility and the rise of the bourgeoisie or middle class, fashion becomes easier and more practical. They reflected the meritocratic, rationalistic ethos of a society that was turning away from birthright and wealth to simpler fabrics and less ornate styles.
3. Romanticism and the Classical Ideal
Both the neoclassical clothing style and the Romantic movement were closely connected to one another, as the latter upheld the worship of nature, the self, and the glorification of aspects of classical culture. Romantic thinkers and artists like Goethe and Goya avoided the ugliness of modernity by embracing the beauty of nature and mankind, looking back to the classical as a source of inspiration.
The idealization of the human body was evident in fashions of the time which were less about exaggerated corsetry and padding and more about clothing embracing natural lines, movement, and the shape of the figure. This naturalism in clothing was part of a broader cultural trend that appreciated the appeal of the human body and the natural environment.
The Legacy of Neoclassical Fashion
Why What The Fashion Like During Neoclassicism Although Neoclassical fashion was later pushed out of fashion by the extravagant styles associated with the Victorian era, it leaves its mark even on modern fashion. Even today, the simplicity, elegance, and longevity of neoclassical styles inspire many designers.
Especially the concept of clothes that wrap around the body naturally without the use of tightly laced corsets or multiple layers is reflected in many of the styles today. This minimalist attitude towards fashion, showcased in Neoclassicism, also led the way for styles such as Deco in Art and Minimalism in our everyday lives, both of which stress simplicity, clean lines, and the beauty of form.
Conclusion
Why What The Fashion Like During Neoclassicism Neoclassical dress was more than a mere style, it was a reflection of philosophical, political, and cultural changes. Driven by Enlightenment-influenced political revolution and the classical ideals of ancient Greece and Rome, a fashion of simplicity, elegance, and naturalness defines Neoclassical attire. Neoclassical fashion is a reminder today that fashion, like art, is always in flux, continually evolving with an ever-changing world.