Court suit late 18th-early 19th century French By the early nineteenth century, menswear had become more somber in color and simplified in decoration, a direct influence of English styles. This suit, however, illustrates Napoleon's revival of extravagant ancien régime styles for wear at court. Politically and economically motivated, this revival was calculated to boost the foundering fashion-related industries in France.. Court suit. French. late 18th-early 19th century. silk, metallic thread, paste