For Egyptians, fashion was a very important part of their daily lives. The people of egypt dressed for comfort, because the weather was always dry and very hot. Women of lower class egypt wore straight dresses made of a coarse linen material. The upper class womer also wore linen dresses, but the material was of a finer texture. Later in time, many wealthy egyptian women wore shawls over long pleated dresses. Men wore pleated kilts, and sometimes the richer men wore a long robe over his kilt. Children went nude in the warm months, and wore cloaks and wraps when it got cold. Ordinarily, people would go barefoot, but sandals were worn on special occasions. The king would wear sandals elaborately decorated with beads and stones.
Cosmetics were another important part in the fashion of Ancient Egyptians. No matter how rich, poor, young or old you were, everybody in Ancient Egypt wore makeup. Every morning, egyptian people would peer into their polished silver or brass mirror. First, they would outline their eyes in a black substance made by grinding green machalite and a lead ore, called kohl. They believed that the makeup had magical healing powers, and even restored poor eyesight. Next, a red clay called ochre is mixed with water and rubbed into their lips and cheeks. This made the places where the clay was applied a deep red. Egyptians also used henna to dye their fingernails. The cosmetics were stored in special jars to keep them fresh for longer.
Jewellery was also an important part of the Egyptian styles. Everybody wore jewellery, both men and women. The egyptians believed that special jewellery would protect them from hurt and evil spirits, so many egyptians wore amulets and rings. Both men and women wore earrings, bracelets, and anklets. The richer Egyptians wore jewelled collars around their necks. Poorer Egyptians jewellery was made of copper or faience, and higher class egyptians wore jewellery made of gold, silver, or a mix of the two, studded with precious jewels like lapis lazuli.
Hair was also an important part of fashions in Egypt. Most women wore wigs. The wigs were made from real hair and attached to a netting. Women wore these wigs becaue they protected their real hair and kept some of the heat off in the summer months. Men in Egypt had shorter hair in corls to around their ears, or they were bald. Facial hair was not common. If you were a young child, your head was shaved bald except for a lock of hair on one side of your head. Older boys had their side locks shaved off, and girls wore their haire in a long ponytail down their back.
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