| COURT CHEMISES
During the Renaissance the chemises were highly decorated with
lace, blackwork and other forms of embroidery. As time went by, more
of the chemise began to show so that this handiwork could be admired;
however, they were not worn without an underdress which kept them
from showing completely through the front opening of the overdress.
Since most of us do not live in Western Europe and our
climate is warmer than during the Renaissance, we have a tendency
to wear overdresses with only a chemise under it. Our court chemises
are embellished with three rows of lace or trim down the front so that
they can imitate richly decorated underdresses. They can be used
with open front dresses without giving the appearance that a person's
underwear is showing.
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