A historical study of women's costumes for selected periods as a reflection of the culture in Virginia was designed to gain some understanding of the costumes worn, to observe the role that clothing played in the lives of the settlers and of the influences that brought about changes in costume. Much information pertaining to this subject was found in books on history. The researcher conducted this study by visiting various museums, reviewing related books and studying historical portraits. The researcher found that most of the information that is recorded about clothing belonged to persons of some wealth and station of life. The costumes, fabrics, shoes, and other apparel still in existence are relics of past days. Thirty-eight illustrations on costumes have been included in this study. / Master of Science