Honeywood

Excavation at Oaks Park -
a Take Part, Take Pride Event in association with Carshalton & District History & Archaeology Society

Fashion Parade

A light-hearted Diary Extra feature.

Working on an archaeological dig brings out a competitive streak among everyone taking part. Apart from the obvious (and traditionally, of course, unspoken) 'who can dig the deepest trench', 'who can stand still the longest' and 'who can hold the pole straightest for the longest time' competitions, there are a huge number of fashion statements to be seen, often worn with a confidence that would not be out of place on the most glamorous of the world's cat-walks.

Here we look at the trends in the archaeological fashion scene, and suggest what's in and what's out in 2009.

Elizabeth Price

Click on the pictures below to see larger images
All images and text on this page are Copyright © Elizabeth Price 2009


A down to earth choice of outfit, allowing the wearer to blend harmoniously with the surroundings	A more casual look for the nonchalant approach to work	Different ways of dealing with rain: (from left) not bothered; lie low and hope it doesn't reach you; well prepared


Lady in red - always a good choice to brighten up the site of any archaeological dig, and so serenely shown	Proving that the gentlemen are able carry off red just as well as the ladies, even if not quite so serenely	The coordinated ensemble - note the matching stripes on socks and top, and the very chic belt


Fingerless gloves allow increased dexterity, but are murder on the finger nails	Gloves are a major fashion item in the field - echoes of the Lavender theme from the adjacent fields of purple	Floral gloves add a delightful touch of glamour to the occasion


Smart red gloves (would that top have gone better with the lavender gloves seen earlier, perhaps?)	Marigolds are strictly passée this year, but when worn discretely still have a certain "je ne sais quois"	Dressing comfortably for working hard is a prerequisite for the keen archaeologist in the field


The practical folding hat: protects from sun and flying debris, and folds into the pocket when not in use	The practical cold weather hat, worn for warmth and some rain-protection, and, once again, pocket-friendly	A baseball cap is a good choice for those who require snug fitting head-wear


The Indiana Jones look is great in the field, especially when worn, like this, in such an authoritative manner	The competing Dr. Livingstone look picks up nicely on the theme of 'exploration'	The dashing Edwardian look of the straw boater


Even lying down on the job can be done in style - the snoozing hat	A fine example of the use of safety goggles as a hi-tech fashion statement	Undecided weather brings out the best of wet and dry hat fashions at The Oaks dig


This lovely outfit brings a delightful touch of femininity to the trenches	The modern 'trousers over the boots' look - known colloquially as 'muddy bottoms'	The more traditional 'trousers tucked into the boots' look - referred to as 'cycle bottoms'

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