QUEEN ELIZABETH’S POLITICAL ALLIANCE AND FASHION

Name
Course
Date
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Queen Elizabeth Political Alliance and Fashion

It is evident that from Janet Arnold’s book, she brings about the importance of fashion

within the political system and its influence in England during the 16th century. She brings about

the attribute as to how the vast wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth did have an influence on the royal

family, as well as the overall political system that was present during this era.1 Rich gowns and

good fashion during this era saw that women such as lady Arbella, as well as the Queen, did

impress people, and thus enabled them to take political advantage when it came to ruling the

monarch. The book expounds on how such fashion was seen to convey wealth and prestige, as

well as power.2 In addition to the above, the book also brings about insight as to how the

influence Queen Elizabeth’s clothing was also used as a means of ensuring that international

relations and politics were utilized. From her portraits being made in her image in these clothes,

political advantage and favor could be gained, since they would send such representations of

themselves as gifts to other monarch leaders, especially when she was in foreign fashion.3 The

author also points out as to how the Queen’s fashion also trickled down to society due to her

influence.

Another major source that expounds on the influence Queen Elizabeth had on the

political front and the society, in general, is Reynold’s book. From the fashion design of

voluminous breeches and elaborate lace ruffs, the book provides the necessary insight as to how

the royal family, as well as the elite people in the society used to dress.4 It also shows, through

illustrations as to how Queen Elizabeth’s’ fashion led to the rise of sumptuary laws that were

1
Janet Arnold, Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd, (Leeds: Routledge, 2019), 43.
2
Arnold, Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd, 46.
3
Ibid., 51.
4
Anna Reynolds, In Fine Style: The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion, (London: Royal Collection
Trust, 2013), 34.
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often influenced by the noble class. Reynold’s book is seen to bring about the idea as to how

aspects such as color in fashion also brought about meaning to rule and power. For instance,

there were colors associated with power and royalty, such as the color purple. It is evident from

the book that from the ranges of color presented in clothing’s as well as accessories used both by

the Queen and other members of the elite class indicated social class and status.5 Colors were

also important when it came to gift giving, and for the queen and other elites, brightly colored

dresses with ornament and accessories was a means of gaining favor with the royal family.

Catherine’s piece on Queen Elizabeth’s fashion is also another important source that

sheds light to the power and influence brought about by her specific fashion, especially when it

came to gift-giving and gaining political favor.6 Just as Reynold’s book, the author emphasizes

as to how women had power and influence from garments, jewels, and overall fashion, especially

when it came to female courtiers, especially within the privy chamber women. It brought about

how the Queen and other women of royal status would show favor depending on whether a gift

please or displeased them. Fashion also created a public image for the Queen during her reign

and created a successful political image.7 It brings about an understanding through the author as

to how fashion in the 1500s was influential in politics generally.

5
Reynolds, In Fine Style, 39.
6
Catherine L. Howey, “Dressing a Virgin Queen: Court Women, Dress, and Fashioning the
Image of England’s Queen Elizabeth I” Early Modern Women: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 4 (2009):
201-202.
7
Ibid., 204.
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Bibliography:

Arnold, Janet. 2019. Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd. Leeds: Routledge.

Howey, Catherine L. 2009. "“Dressing A Virgin Queen: Court Women, Dress, and

Fashioningthe Image of England’s Queen Elizabeth I” Early Modern Women:." An

Interdisciplinary Journal (Arizona State University) 4: 201-209.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/23541582.

Reynolds, Anna. 2013. In Fine Style: The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion. London: Royal

Collection Trust.