Greek 800BC-600AD

For a long time the ancient Greeks had a very simple way of dressing. During the reign of Alexander the Great, the fashion started to change. 

Linen was the main fabric of choice at the time, and it makes sense...  it was light and could be worn in a variety of ways (usually draped and fastened over the body).

Sculpture of a woman wearing a traditional peplos

Slowly items like belts and fibula (brooches) were introduced, and changed how the chiton, clamys and peplos were arranged. 

Peplos fastenings

 For a while these garments were thought to have been white, which was how they were depicted in film and television. 

After further research, we now know this wasn’t the case.

Coloured statue of a Greek woman wearing a Peplos

The dyes that were used were usually plant based with exception of some colours that were reserved for royalty.

These changes had a huge impact on modern fashion. At times it's obvious, and sometimes its things you don't necessary think of...

At first glance, this dress doesn't scream Grecian goddess. However, subtle design features are directly influenced from the ancient Greeks. This cocktail dress’ peplum detailing is the first obvious indication of Greek influence.  

Kim Kardashian in a white Grecian dress

The word peplum evolved over time from the word Peplos, which was a dress that was fastened at the shoulders and belted. The middle of the Peplos was pulled up and left to hang over the belt, giving it the illusion of two separate pieces.  This detail can be seen in the dress in the image above.  The dress also has the draping and simplicity of what the Greeks wore. You can see how the bodice of the dress looks like it has been wrapped around the body giving it a modern spin on Greek drapery. The stereotypical Greek costume is usually white, so when you look at this dress, especially the draped peplum details, the reflection of Greek costume is evident.