the new fashion built on the elements of the fashion of the time, supplemented through reminiscences of the 16th century, the period of the reformation and martin luther, which were seen as characteristically german. in the female form, the historical elements added to the fashion included slashed and puffed sleeves, and ruffled collars. the most important piece of clothing for men was a long tight-fitting coat that was often worn with a widely opened collar. to this came widely cut trousers and often a large velvet beret. the dominant colour was black, the colour of the uniforms of many "freikorps" during the liberation war. in particular among the young men, a rebellious behaviour and unkempt hair and beards were also common.