for a quick overview of a topic
to develop vocabulary or keywords for searching
for suggestions for further sources
The most authoritative and extensive encyclopedia for Art is Grove Art Online (available through Oxford Art Online) .
Includes:
The Berg Companion to Fashion by 
Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion [e-resource] by 
Costume and Fashion : a Concise History by 
The Worldwide History of Dress by 
Fashion, Costume, and Culture : Clothing, Headwear, Body Decorations, and Footwear Through the Ages [e-resource] by 
20000 Years of Fashion : the History of Costume and Personal Adornment by 
Fashion : Critical and Primary Sources by 
The Thames and Hudson Dictionary of Fashion and Designers [e-resource] by 
The Guide to Historic Costume by 
