The Fashion of the 18th Century: A Look at High Society’s Strays, Corsets, and Colors Like Green and Navy Blue Satin
The 18th century was a time of exquisite refinement, and fashion played an integral role in distinguishing the social classes. The wealthy flaunted their opulence through every detail of their clothing, with colors, materials, and even accessories chosen to showcase their status. Among the most significant elements of high society's attire were the deep, luxurious shades of green and navy blue satin, the tight-fitting corsets, and the way these choices relate to the Christmas season.
Strays and the Rise of Color and Class
In the 18th century, the term "stray" had a different connotation than what we might think of today. In the world of fashion, it referred to garments that were often considered unsuitable or out of place when worn by someone of lower rank. Certain colors were reserved for the elite, not just to distinguish themselves from the common folk, but to showcase their wealth and taste. Two of the most coveted colors of the time were deep green and navy blue, especially when crafted from the finest satin.
Green Satin: This color was not only striking but also associated with nobility, sophistication, and prosperity. The richness of green satin represented a higher social status, as it was expensive to produce. The shade symbolized the wealth of landowners and aristocrats, often seen in elaborate evening gowns or formal wear. Emerald and deep forest greens were used to make bold statements at court, events, and even the occasional Christmas ball.
Navy Blue Satin: Navy blue, with its deep, elegant tones, became another popular color for the elite. This dark shade exuded authority and maturity. Reserved for high society, navy blue satin was often used for formal occasions, including balls and holiday gatherings, making it synonymous with both power and elegance. Its association with naval officers and royal families only cemented its place as a color for the higher classes.
Both colors were not easily attainable by the lower classes, making them an immediate visual marker of wealth. But it wasn't just the color of the fabric that made these garments expensive; it was also the craftsmanship involved.
The Corset: The Backbone of 18th Century Fashion
One of the most notable garments of the 18th century, especially among the elite, was the corset. Far from being merely a functional undergarment, the corset played a central role in shaping the body into the ideal fashionable silhouette. Women of high society wore corsets that were meticulously constructed from materials like whalebone, steel, or wood to achieve a narrow waist, a prominent bust, and an exaggerated hip shape.
The corset was worn tightly and designed to force the torso into a straight, angular shape. This was a stark contrast to the soft, natural lines of the body, and it became a symbol of discipline, control, and refinement. Corsets were often worn under the finest satin gowns, including those in green and navy blue. These gowns, carefully shaped and fitted with tight corsetry, emphasized the wealth and sophistication of the wearer.
At Christmastime, when grand balls and formal gatherings took place, the corset’s function was as much about appearance as it was about the social expectations of the season. These events required not only the most luxurious fabrics but also the most fashionable silhouettes. The tightly fitted bodices of the corsets were complemented by voluminous skirts and elaborate decorations like ribbons and lace. A high-society woman’s corset was not just an undergarment, but an essential part of her costume for any event that required a display of wealth and status.
Corsets and Christmas Traditions
The Christmas season in the 18th century was a time for high society to showcase its grandeur. Balls, feasts, and lavish family gatherings provided opportunities for the elite to wear their finest attire. This often included dresses made from green and navy blue satin, perfectly molded to their bodies with the help of corsets. The corset was not only about shaping the body but about signaling class and wealth during the most festive and important time of the year.
Christmas in the 18th century was an occasion that brought together the best of fashion, food, and tradition. For the wealthiest families, this meant donning their most opulent clothing and attending events where they could display their status. The Christmas ball, in particular, was a focal point of these gatherings, and it was a time for the aristocracy to show off their wealth and sophistication.
As the season of giving approached, it wasn’t just gifts that were shared, but an opportunity to display one’s social standing through attire. The richness of satin, whether in deep green or navy blue, would shine under the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree. The corset, an essential undergarment, ensured that those who wore it maintained the perfect posture and body shape that was the ideal of the time, making them ready for the grand festivities that awaited.
Conclusion
The fashion of the 18th century, especially during the holiday season, was a reflection of society's strict class divisions. Colors like green and navy blue satin were reserved for the elite, signaling wealth and distinction, while the corset acted as a symbol of the discipline and control that defined high society. These elements of fashion were not merely about aesthetics; they were about power, status, and the art of showcasing one’s position in the world.
As we reflect on the extravagant fashions of the 18th century, we can appreciate the ways in which clothing — especially during the Christmas season — allowed the wealthy to not only celebrate their status but also indulge in the luxurious beauty of the time. The corsets, the silks, and the rich colors set the stage for a truly opulent holiday season.
Wearing:
1st look:
White Satin Shirt: American Thrift
Corset/ Stray: @scarletdarknessbrand
Green Satin Skirt: @Thredup
2nd look:
White dress: American Thrift
Corset/ Stray: @scarletdarknessbrand
