The word Baroque was derived from the word Rococo which mean excessively elaborate. This was incredibly true in the Vintage Fashion Style of the Baroque period which was popular from 1650 until 1800. Many of the women’s dresses from this period were made famous by Marie Antoinette and Madame Pompadour.

This was considered the age of enlightenment in France and had a dramatic effect on fashion.Pastel colors with light styles took precedence. The dresses of this inimitable Vintage Fashion Style were incredibly elaborate with very wide hoops called panniers. These hoops extended out to the side and were considered to be the rage in fashion. Formal gatherings required the widest hoop where smaller versions were worn on a day to day basis.

The waistlines were so tight women used corsets to make their waists as small as possible. Thisprovided a beautiful contrast with the enormous skirts. This was when a plunging necklinebecame popular and skirts were opened down the front. The opening displayed a frillypetticoat, usually in a contrasting color.

A new type of sleeve was developed and became known as the pagoda sleeve. They wereextremely tight from the shoulder all the way down to the elbow. The bottom of the sleeve hada flare and was adorned with ribbons and lace.

One of the most popular dresses was called the Watteau gown. The back was quite loose and became a part of the large skirt as it draped down. This style featured a very tight bodice and was worn with a corset. Another popular dress was the robe à la française. This style featured a tight bodice with a very low cut at the neckline shaped in a deep square. The dress had large bows and ribbons running down the front and extremely wide panniers. The trim was lavish and consisted of flowers, ribbons and lace.

Another version of the same gown still retained the tight bodice but the large skirt was worn without panniers. The gown had a longer cut in the back and the result was the formation of a small train. A lace kerchief tied about the neck was the main accessory. Often these gowns were worn with a jacket that had a wide lapel and were quite short.

The chemise à la reine was a loose gown almost always in white. A brightly colored sash made of silk was tied about the waist. This gown was worn without a corset and showed off a woman’s figure. The dress was originally introduced by none other than Marie Antoinette and became a symbol of true liberation.