There are thousands of Instagram accounts dedicated to fashion, from the broad to the incredibly niche. But I’ve recently discovered that one of the best places online for fashion content isn’t a dedicated source at all, but the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
While of course the museum’s Instagram account spans anything that lives inside its walls, it will oftentimes spotlight fashion in its works, offering additional details about significant styles of the time. It’s not just the opulent jewelry and dresses of yore that catch their attention, but something as simple as a ruffled collar or a stray shoe. “In the 17th century, shoes weren’t just for walking—they were symbols of status and wealth,” they wrote on one post. “Square toes, high heels and intricate embellishments told stories of social rank and personal taste. Each pair was designed to make an impression, showcasing the wearer’s place in society.”
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Small accessories that might get overlooked during a walk through the museum’s halls also get their moment in the sun. “In many paintings, rings are not just accessories—they’re symbols, markers of power, love, or remembrance,” they wrote on a carousel of close-up shots of rings in paintings. “From intricate designs to powerful symbols, rings have long been a way to carry stories and memories close.” And beyond the significance of jewelry, the museum takes time to highlight the artistry—the way a diaphanous lace collar sits atop a velvet dress, or a glint of light that a pearl earring catches.
The dedicated analysis helps solve mysteries we may never even consider. With the 1633 painting Young Woman in Fantasy Costume by Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn, the Rijksmuseum delves further into what the subject’s clothing can tell us about her—and by extension, the artist. “The young woman in the painting wears clothing that is not in keeping with the fashions of Rembrandt’s day, but rather reflects styles of earlier centuries,” they wrote. Her outdated style for the time helped indicate that she wasn’t a real person, but an imagined face.
The Dutch museum’s digital presence offers an unpretentious space for learning and an accessible way to interact with art. Not everyone may have the means to visit the Rijksmuseum, but a rich appreciation of fashion in art history is just a scroll away.
