This volume in the new History of Costume and Fashion set looks at the mainstream fashions among the nobility and upper classes in Europe and America. In the 18th century women's fashions became shorter and narrower, with the influence of the French and the availability of color printing on fabrics and new uses of chemical dyes. The Empire line and Classical influence are apparent in women's dress, while men's clothes gave way to the breeches and waistcoat that survived through the century. Influenced by the Romantic views of childhood popular at the time, children's styles changed from being miniature versions of adult fashion to more serviceable and suitable clothes for an active life.

An examination of fashions elsewhere in the world covers India, the Middle East and Africa, Central Asia, and South America. Functional fashion includes costumes for sea faring and traveling, pioneer clothing, the rural country folk, and undergarments both in the United States and abroad. Fashion accessories such as wigs, hats, headgear, shoes, and boots are also covered.