<P> Fashion in the period 1660--1700 in Western European clothing is characterised by rapid change . Following the end of the Thirty Years' War and the Restoration of England's Charles II, military influences in men's clothing were replaced by a brief period of decorative exuberance which then sobered into the coat, waistcoat and breeches costume that would reign for the next century and a half . In the normal cycle of fashion, the broad, high - waisted silhouette of the previous period was replaced by a long, lean line with a low waist for both men and women . This period also marked the rise of the periwig as an essential item of men's fashion . </P> <P> The wide, high - waisted look of the previous period was gradually superseded by a long vertical line, with horizontal emphasis at the shoulder . Full, loose sleeves ended just below the elbow at mid century and became longer and tighter in keeping with the new trend . The body was tightly corseted, with a low, broad neckline and dropped shoulder . In later decades, the overskirt was drawn back and pinned up to display the petticoat, which was heavily decorated . </P>

What was part of men's fashion in the 17th century