Ancient Times

• In ancient times, clothing was loosely fitted and composed entirely of natural fibers and dyes. Ancient clothing was by no means basic, and accessories and hairstyles played as big a part is in other time periods. Full body and half body wraps were typical among the commoners, and are known as togas, chitons and chlamys. In Egypt and Assyria, gold played a large role for upperclass fashion, especially in headwear. Men tended to wear their hair near shoulder length, while women wore theirs long and in a bun known as a chignon. Chignon's were often worn by men as well.
  
  

1500 through 1700

• During the Renaissance, trade between nations expanded rapidly. Like the name "renaissance" suggests, this brought about a great awakening in the fashion world. The 1500s were dominated by full length dresses for women and short skirts or shorts and tights on men; for women, necklines slowly became lower. Authentic costumes seen in Shakespeare productions date from this time, though by the 1600s, trends in France slowly became more powerful across Europe. French clothes were layered and highly structured, including the corset, and became popular alongside the casual, more comfortable English styles. Near the turn of the 18th century, clothes quickly grew more extravagant. Hairstyles for women in this period were piled high in the front, and gradually grew higher towards the 18th century. During this period, men typically wore wigs of white styled hair.
  
  

1800s

• In the 19th century, it became poplar for women's dresses to be extremely wide. Petticoats, veils and hand warmers were all popular accessories for social gatherings, while clothing for home tended to be more simple--ankle-length dresses for women, and a work shirt and linen pants for men. During this time, underclothes consisted of simple chemise pieces. The coloring of clothing expanded in this period, as did the extravagance of hats. Female hairdos generally incorporated the hats and veils, and usually consisted of complex braids. Male wigs began waning in popularity during this time, and was replaced by the popularity of top hats.
  
  

1900s

• High necklines and long sleeves became popular once more at the turn of the 20th century. Lace was a popular fabric at this time, and corsets and top hats were still common. During the first World War, the lampshade tunic was popular for women and makeup was discreet. As the century wore on, makeup grew most colorful during the 50s, 60s and 80s. Influenced by the "flappers" of the 1920s, fashions during the second World War were simple fabric and layering. Male hairstyle grew shorter during this period and made use of new hairstyle products like balms, oils and gels. Female hairstyles reflected the braiding trend of the 1800s until the middle of the century, when hairstyles became far more casual and varied, incorporating ponytails, bangs and free flowing styles.