Evolution of women's kirtles and overgowns in Northern Europe (c. 1400–1600)

1. Kirtle-and-gown layering becomes standard

   Jan 1, 1400Labels: Kirtle, Overgown, Chemise

   • Kirtle
   • 1400 1500 Fashion

2. The houppelande dominates elite outerwear

   Jan 1, 1410Labels: Houppelande, Elite Dress

   • Encyclopedia com
   • Houppelande

3. Houppelande sleeves begin to narrow

   Jan 1, 1440Labels: Houppelande, Sleeve Tailoring

   • Peverley Burgundian
   • Houppelande

4. Burgundian-style V-neck overgowns spread

   Jan 1, 1450Labels: Burgundian Fashion, V-neck Overgown

   • 1400 1500 Fashion
   • Peverley Burgundian

5. Kirtles take on stronger, fitted support

   Jan 1, 1475Labels: Kirtle, Bodice Construction

   • Kirtle
   • 1500 1550 Fashion

6. Gable hoods rise with late-15th-century gowns

   Jan 1, 1480Labels: Gable Hood, Headwear

   • 1400 1500 Fashion

7. Early 1500s gowns favor square necklines

   Jan 1, 1500Labels: Square Neckline, Overgown

   • 1500 1550 Fashion
   • Kirtle

8. French hoods popularize a rounded head silhouette

   Jan 1, 1520Labels: French Hood, Headwear

   • French Hood

9. Spanish-influenced tailoring spreads in Northern Europe

   Jan 1, 1530Labels: Spanish Tailoring, Bodice-Skirt Separation

   • 1500 1550 Fashion
   • Kirtle

10. Kirtles decline as top-fashion garments

    Jan 1, 1550Labels: Kirtle, Underskirt

    • Kirtle
    • 1500 1550 Fashion

11. Ruffs emerge from gathered chemise necklines

    Jan 1, 1560Labels: Ruff, Chemise

    • Britannica Ruff
    • Ruff

12. Late-1500s Northern Europe favors stiffer silhouettes

    Jan 1, 1600Labels: Stiff Silhouettes, Bodice

    • 1550 1600 Fashion
    • Kirtle