Anne Boleyn Was Fashion-Forward
Anne Boleyn served in the court of Margaret of Austria. Margaret was educated by Anne of France (also known as Madame la Grande), who advised, “I counsel you not to wear anything outrageous, either too tight or too trailing, nor should you resemble those women who think they are very fashionable when their clothing is low-cut and very tight, and they attract attention.” This lesson stuck with young Anne Boleyn.
Anne paved the way, fashion-wise, in the French and English courts. Her outfits were copied by other ladies. She is credited with making the French hood popular at the English court. When she became Queen, her style continued to show French influence. This bothered many of the English, given the constant conflict and war between England and France.
