Dictionary of Fashion Terms

Summer riding habit, 1832, from Estelle of the Romantic Age		Habit Riding habits were designed with extremely long and wide skirts to flow over the legs of a rider using a sidesaddle. The jackets were usually quite tailored, usually taking their cue from military uniforms or other menswear of the period. This one is a little unusual since it is shown without a jacket, suitable for summer wear. There was always a hat, often veiled, and the rider always wore boots. One wonders at the skill it took to control a horse while managing a long skirt and a veil. Heaven help the rider who went out in windy weather on a less than completely docile horse.
Bodice of a halter necked evening gown, c. 1945, from Betty of the Gallant Forties		Halter Neck Halter necklines are straps that pass behind the neck to hold up the front of a backless dress or blouse. The bodice of this halter necked evening dress is crossed at the throat.
Headscarf with string ties, 1960s, from Cindy's Paper Doll Cruise (not available)		Headscarf Headscarves were ubiquitous in the 1950s and 1960s. Now they've practically disappeared. They could be triangular with or without strings attached or square and folded into a triangle.
Shorter, English style hennin with veil, from Elsabeth of the 1500s		Hennin The hennin was a tall, more or less conical headdress that originated in France. The chopped-off version seen to the left was more common in England than the extremely tall, pointed version. This one is worn with a stiffed and perhaps wired veil.
Hobble-skirted afternoon dress, 1914, from Julia of the Nouveau Age		Hobble Skirt Hobble skirts enjoyed a (fortunately) brief period of favor 1910-1914. Queen Mary thought them ugly, so they were banned at court. In order to shorten the stride and not rip this narrow skirt, hobbles consisting of leather cuffs tethered with a short strap were worn under the dress around the legs at about knee level. There have probably been stupider fashions, but right at this moment I can't think of any.
Houppelande with mantle from Elsabeth of the 1500s		Houppelande This voluminous gown was similar to the men's garment of the same name. It was long, full and high-necked with wide trailing sleeves. The sleeves often had dagged edges (though the one shown does not.) A belt was worn well above the natural waistline. The houppelande came into fashion near the end of the 14th century. This one is shown under a mantle.

Dictionary of Fashion Terms

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