Question

The existing dress code in Europe were swept away by:
A) French Revolution
B)The First Word War
C) The Second World War
D) None of these

Answer 1

Hint:
I) Any law which is designed to restrict excessive personal expenditures is called Sumptuary Law.
II) The above term denotes rules that restrict extravagance in food, drink, dress code, and household equipment, usually on religious or moral grounds.

Complete answer:
It was the French Revolution that transformed numerous aspects of social and political life in Europe. The French revolution also swept away existing dress codes, which was known as the sumptuary laws.
The laws tried to control and check the behavior of those who were considered socially inferior, thus, preventing them from wearing certain clothes, consuming certain foods/beverages (generally alcohol) and hunting game in certain areas. When the French Revolution finally came to an end in 1799, menswear was changed forever.
Wool and cotton were advocated over silks. Somber colors were preferred over blues, pinks, and greens, which were earlier popular. The tail coat and pantaloons became the new uniform for the men of the 19th century. During this time, the members of the Jacobin clubs wore dresses which lacked 'knee breeches' on them. The Jacobins were also called the 'sans culottes'. People began to wear loose and comfortable clothes.
Blue, white and red dominated the colors of dresses, since these colors symbolized the nationalism in France and the patriotism of the citizens. Male peasants wore stockings and females wore long gowns with sleeveless tunics and wimples to cover their hair.
Thus, the correct answer is Option (A) French Revolution
Note:
- During the years of the French Revolution, women's dress simultaneously expanded into different forms of national costumes.
- Women wore many variations of white skirts, topped with revolutionary colored striped jackets.
- They also wore white Greek chemise gowns, accessorized with shawls, scarves, and ribbons.