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Easter Fashion: A History and a Look Ahead

Wearing new clothes on Easter is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Strolling in with a fresh outfit to dinner, church or any other seasonal event or observance has been a solidified ritual for as long as any of us can remember. Let’s take a look back through history and review the archives around these Easter dress traditions.

Before Easter became a majestic celebration of spring, ancient cultures would dress to the nines whilst commemorating the springtime gods and goddesses, particularly Ostera, the Germanic spring goddess, notes Fashion Club. Wearing new clothing at these times was thought to be an omen of good luck in the new season following the vernal equinox. Similar to Easter, the Iranian New Year (celebrated on the first day of spring) has a pre-Islamic foundation grounded in the dreaded “spring cleaning” idea, and as with pagan cultures, wearing new clothes symbolized positivity in hopes of progress. Even on the Eastern Hemisphere, Chinese festivities for the Lunar New Year occur in the spring and new clothing is the appropriate choice for a fresh start in the new year.

Moving to Christian traditions, in the infant years of Christianity, the newly baptized would wear white linen robes on Easter to symbolize the recurring trait of rebirth. However around 300 A.D., Emperor Constantine insisted by decree that his men wear the finest new clothes on Easter and dispose of the articles of clothing they bore for the Lenten weeks prior. Ultimately, the entire idea became the undisputed marking point for the conclusion of Lent. 

In more recent decades, the Easter tradition has been aligned more with elegant fashion, taking the meaning of “new” and changing it to “chic” and “fashionable.” This year, there are many popular trends. Of course, there’s pastel – always an Easter favorite. In fact, the 2016 Pantone Colors of the Year – Rose Quartz and Serenity – are great shades of pink and blue, as well, making them great and popular choices. Dash of Chic also suggests that for dresses, thin, brightly colored belts are in style, as are dress sleeves with fringed detail – keeping the throwback tradition, this year taking fashion back to the ‘70s. If you’re looking for something beyond pastel, peach is another common color choice and offers a seasonally subtle color for any fashion choice.

Whatever shade, whatever style and whatever fabric choice you prefer, you’re sure to be able to find it at Fabrictopia. We offer hundreds of different colors and materials to help you make the perfect look for the Easter season – or any other occasion. Get an idea of some of the patterns and styles that we carry in the store by taking at a look at our designs online, and be sure to stop in to our store on Harwin Drive in Houston or give us a call at 713-977-0747 to pick up the perfect fabrics today.

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