Fantasy Guide to Ladies Fashion, Part 1: Headwear.
Fashion is one of my favourite aspects of world building. Though many fantasy novels prefer to have their ladies bareheaded, historical women living in mediaeval or renaissance times always wore some sort of headwear. So here are a few to give you ideas.
1. The English Hood or the Gable Hood
This headpiece may not look fashionable but it was popular in Tudor era England worn by Queens and ladies of the court.
2. The French Hood or Crescent Hood
This is a famous one made popular by Anne Boleyn. Though not portrayed in the countless films about the era, there was always a veil attached to cover the hair of the lady.
3. Coif
This is a simple linen slip that covers the hair. Sometimes worn under the ornate headdresses above by noble ladies. Poorer women would wear these on there own.
4. A wig
Perhaps not as pretty as the top two, wigs can bring world building to exciting and outlandish paths. Wigs might show rank and might be decorated with gems or feathers.
5. Wimple
Worn by people to show modesty. Nuns would wear them and so would modest ladies. Margaret Beaufort, mother to Henry VII wore one of these and so did my gal, Eleanor of Aquitaine.
6. Coronal
A headband like a necklace that is draped across the forehead.
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