Tudor fashion seen through sumptuary laws (with some practical suggestions for teachers and students)

This essay aims to provide secondary school teachers and their pupils with some insights into English fashion in the Tudor era. Using fashion as a topic of current interest, the essay explains the fundamental role that fashion played in 16th century England, both culturally, socially and literally. The clothing of each individual had to comply with the umptuary laws designed to ensure the maintenance of social order, which was highly hierarchical, as well as ethics and moral issues. Particular attention is given to Elisabeth I and the symbols that recur in her clothing. The essay is ompleted by some indications for the teaching of the theme and a portrait of Elisabeth I.