Covering the period from 1600 to the mid-twentieth century, this fascinating book draws together the story of accessories from hats to shoes to provide a comprehensive and illuminating view of the history of dress. The core of the book consists of over 200 illustrations, arranged in chronological groups for easy reference. As well as examples drawn from museum collections, they include contemporary paintings, fashion plates, caricatures, trade bills, photographs and advertisements, far more vivid and authoritative than any modern reconstruction, chosen to show what was worn at a certain date and by whom. The extensive captions describe each accessory in full, so revealing parallels in construction, cut, textiles and motifs between items as diverse as parasols and stockings. The accessories featured include shoes, hats, bags, gloves, purses, parasols, socks, stockings, jewellery, fans, shawls and scarves. A substantial introduction provides an overview of the evolutionary changes in women's and men's accessories and the book concludes with a detailed bibliography and glossary/index.