Sometimes we forget that men can be just as fashion conscious as women, if not more so; and just as the ladies during the time of Marie Antoinette (Late 18th century France) had their extremes in fashion so to did the men. Men had to treed carefully between being fashionable and crossing that line that could place one's masculinity into question. Men of the time wanted to be "en mode" with the current fashion; however most did not want to push the limit to the extreme and find themselves the subject of ridicule for a fashion "faux pas" nor would he want his sexuality placed into question.
There were so many choices to make such as: fabric selection, types of stockings, buttons, buckles, lace, braids and trims. These all needed to be chosen with great care to assure you were within the correct degree of fashion. It is also interesting to note that it was not uncommon for man to wear corsets or padding (shoulders and calves being quite popular) as needed to improve his figure.
There were so many choices to make such as: fabric selection, types of stockings, buttons, buckles, lace, braids and trims. These all needed to be chosen with great care to assure you were within the correct degree of fashion. It is also interesting to note that it was not uncommon for man to wear corsets or padding (shoulders and calves being quite popular) as needed to improve his figure.
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| Several Male French Fashion Plates from around 1780 |
Today I present to you a selection of French Male fashion plates from the time of Marie Antoinette. These were originally created between the late 1770's on through the 1780's and were considered high fashion in their day. This time period is pre-French Revolution - (France); however, this style could also be considered Colonial - (America) or Georgian - (England) just in case you were wondering.
There is a nice variety of male costumes here for you to see, including: a dressing gown,
daily wear, formal attire and even what a Catholic Abbot would have worn.
(he's the guy sitting down and wearing a brown outfit.)
I hope you had fun seeing what the well dressed man would have worn in the late 18th century.
There is a nice variety of male costumes here for you to see, including: a dressing gown,
daily wear, formal attire and even what a Catholic Abbot would have worn.
(he's the guy sitting down and wearing a brown outfit.)
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| 1779 French Fashion Plate |
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| French Fashion Plate between 1774-1778 |
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| 1787 French Fashion Plate |
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| 1778 French Fashion Plate |
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| 1778 French Fashion for a Clergyman (Catholic) |
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| 1780 French Fashion Plate |
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| 1780 French Fashion Plate - Men's Dressing Gown |
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| 1778 French Fashion Plate |
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| 1778 French Fashion Plate |
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| 1779 French Fashion Plate |
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| c1778 French Fashion Plate |
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| c1778 French Fashion Plate |
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| 1779 French Fashion Plate |
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| 1781 French Fashion Plate |
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| 1781 French Fashion Plate |
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| 1781 French Fashion Plate |
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| 1781 French Fashion Plate |
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| 1781 French Fashion Plate |
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| 1787 French Fashion Plate |
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| 1787 French Fashion Plate |
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| 1787 French Fashion Plate |
I hope you had fun seeing what the well dressed man would have worn in the late 18th century.
I have to say there seems to be an outfit or two that may have raised an eyebrow or two.
This last plate being a good example. Surely such an ensemble would have qualified this young buck as a "popinjay" and I believe only the right gent could have pulled this look off without causing a few snickers.
Here again I'm looking at this from a 21st century perspective so this style might have been all the rage, but I just can't imagine it being the norm for a an Alpha Male if you know what I mean.
If you enjoyed seeing these fashions for men, a few more are available HERE and HERE for your viewing pleasure.
till next time...
Hello,
ReplyDeleteIt is true that the history of men's fashion is much less documented than women's fashion. This is also true that at that time men had a feminine and stilted attitude. I prefer the history of women's fashion because it uses more imagination and creative sense than men's fashion. It is sometimes incredible to see the details for women's fashion and I love the beautiful dresses of the time.
Very interesting and beautiful fashion plates that we don't often see.
Many thanks!
Sylvie
Hi Sylvie,
DeleteI agree that the ladies fashion plates are more fun to look and I have many more yet to post so I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I was thrilled to come across so many nice examples of men's fashions from this time period and had to showcase them. I just wish I could find as many good quality examples for Regency men's fashions but they are really hard to come by. One day if I'm lucky to get some I'll post those too.
I'm glad you like seeing these and thanks for letting me know.
Giggles,
Evelyn