Queen Elizabeth is dressing more and more strikingly as her reign advances, as shown in this 1575-1578 portrait.
Upgrade image from Wikimedia posted on 10 November 2012.
According to Norris, "Tudor Costume and Fashion," pp.623-626 (Dover re-issue 1997), poking sticks and starch made such deeply folded ruffs like this one possible.
The embroidery on her gown is astounding. The sleeves seem to be puffed to allow her chemise or lining material to show through the slashings. Her headdress is beautifully concealed by her veil.
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