Survey of Historic Costume and a Progress Report

A friend of my sisters recently gave me the book 'Survey of Historic Costume', and I am so thrilled to get to look through it! It has been a huge help in the research for my project since there is a large Rococo section in the book.

The 18th century chapter goes in depth into everyday life and the clothes that were worn.

It also talks about mens clothing, which is sometimes forgotten about in costuming books. I love seeing every aspect of the 1700s.

The book has a chapter that covers from 1700-1790. It explains not only the clothing worn in the era, but also other details about what was going on at that time and how people lived their everyday life. It goes into the clothing of the age in great detail, starting with what the cloth looked like and how it was made, then goes into the styles of clothing from working-class to gentility.  The book also talks about how styles changed throughout the century and why.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of clothing.

It has helpful illustrated charts about accessories and such that let you know what something is if you haven't heard of it before.

And I loved the section about cosmetics!

And now for the promised Progress Report: I have been slowly but surely working on the stays of the costume. This is the most difficult part of the costume, so I cannot wait until I am finished and can finally move on the the dress and over petticoat. I will post photos of all the undergarments working together once I am finished this stage.
~K

The book also finishes off each chapter with some modern day clothes that have been inspired by that era. I am in love with this Dior dress