In the image above, one can see the transition between the typical dress during the Renaissance (1600 - 1635) to the typical way of dressing in 1635 to 1665. 

The renaissance was a dramatic period of rebirth, discovery and enlightenment in all facets of life. The fields of Intellect, art, science, geography, literature, philosophy and fashion were all subject to brave new endeavors and experiments in the name of human progress. Clothing in the renaissance was a status symbol and people would often wear their wealth.  

King Henry VIII

Queen Elizabeth I

King Henry VIII's six wives

There were several major influences of fashion during the Renaissance.  For men, King Henry VIII of England had a large impact on the fashion and outfits of men during the Renaissance.  Henry VIII accented his large proportions.  His techniques of stuffing his doublet at the shoulders and wearing duckbill shoes and codpieces became trends and symbols of manhood among men in this time period.  Men mimicked his acts of slashing and puffing his shirt through his doublet or jerkin.  His six wives also played a role in Renaissance fashion for women.  One of his wives, Katherine of Aragon from Spain introduced the Spanish farthingale to England.  Anne Boleyn made French fashions of crescent caps, French hoods, and tight, square-necked bodices popular and trends for women fashion.  Another wife, Anne of Cleves, introduced Flemish Styles to the English Court.  

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Another major influence of women fashion during this time period was Queen Elizabeth I.  She was never considered an images of beauty, however, her style and fashion was admired and imitated.  Elizabeth I was a tiny women and her small frame influenced the trend of a flat long torso.  Women, and sometimes even men, wore corsets to try to fit this thin body image.  She loved elaborate clothing and wore outfits lavished with jewels, embroidery, ribbon, and lace.   One of her favorite embellishments were pearls.

Europe During the Renaissance