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Show Colonisi3 Placed Ban on Sumptuous Dress Nowadays one ot the most pronil ncnl features in the attire ot the fall sex Is the use of silks und satins. However, such was not I he case with the women in I he enrl days ol the colony of Massachusetts. Theii mode of drest was nol governed hy theii own discretion and Midget - Kalhei lh-authorities lh-authorities took il upon themselves to dictate just what should be worn, not only tiy the wonieu. hut also thai the men folks should dress In accordance with the judgment of those handling the affairs of the community at thai lime. As early as 16.il, the geueral conn was enacting legislation which provided that if a man was not worth 2(Ki pounds, he was not eligible to went gold lace or silver lace, buttons or points at the knees They were not permitted to wear hoots nlng to the scarcity of leathei then. As for the women, if their property was not valued to the extent of 200 pounds, their attire was nol to Include silk. liiTany hoods or scarfs. Thus. It was possible, hy glancing al the dress of neighbors to tell approximately how much of tnis world's goods they possessed. The distinction of dress was an accepted distinction both ot social rank and of occupation. |