The Influence Of Fashion In The 17th Century

The 17th Century was a thriving time for the rich of England, the houses were extravagant, and the food lavish and fashion was ostentatious. Luxuries began to dominate England, as 50% of the population were wealthy or had money and were well off. If you were rich you would be at the top of the English society and be considered a nobility.
At the end of the 17th century 50% of the population could afford to eat meat every day, these people were the wealthy this was estimated by a writer. About 30% of the population could afford to eat meat between 2 and 6 times a week, they were considered 'poor'. The extremely poor could only eat meat once a week which took up 20% of the population. Culinary and dining development became a privileged part of society during the 17th century, the high end consumption of food and purchasing of tableware was a significant status symbol throughout this period. …show more content…
The fashion trends determined the clothes worn by Europeans during the seventeenth century, these rapid changes in style were influenced by trendsetters typically originating in France. The structure of the garments during the seventeenth century changed from restrictive fits to comfortable and back to restrictive again. The function and fashion of garments were considered rather than just the appearance, these changes in fashion reflected the rising influence of France, with its freer sense of style. French King Louis XIV (1638–1715), who ruled from 1643 to 1715, helped make France the leading fashion influence of the century, this influence of a luxurious lifestyle travelled throughout Europe and developed in England during the 17th