Aesthetic Features of the Russian National Costume

The article discusses the aesthetic features of Russian costume and proves that the costume contributes to the formation of the aesthetic taste of the person. Russian costume has always emphasized the beauty and personality of a woman. It had not only a practical function, but was also a symbol of beauty and harmony. The author examines four women's outfits and their prevalence in the territory of Russia. The author refers to the history of the national women's costume in Russia. The article describes in detail all components of these outfits, as well as fabrics, which were used to make women's costumes. Outerwear in Russia was the same for men and women, but within this standard there were significant variations of the costume, which were due to a large extent of our country and the differences in climatic conditions. These differences were present both in the manner of costume wearing and in the number of items that were part of it, as well as in the costume cut, range of colors, form and number of decorations. A particularly large number of local variants can be seen in the South Russian costume including poneva (homespun woolen skirt). The author concentrates not only on the cloths, but also on decorations and shoes of Russian people. Youth costumes were particularly characterized by the abundance of decorations. Costumes for holidays (festive wear) differed from everyday clothing. They were made from expensive fabric and usually decorated with ornament. Casual wear was simpler. Russians had special clothing as well (e.g. charcoal burners, hunters, etc.). The article notes that, along with the working, casual and festive clothes Russian peasants had ritual clothes: for weddings, funerals and praying. By the character of the costume everyone could get an idea of the social status of its owner. The author notes that since the mid of XVIII century Russian costume significantly changed both under the influence of internal factors and European fashion. Life continues to make changes in the modern Russian women'scostume. Its designing is accompanied with the process of creative rethinking of traditions of folk costumes and the people's motifs.