The Medieval period is classified as the time between the fall of the Roman Empire to the beginning of the Renaissance, ranging from the years 449-1400 A.D. For the Anglo-Saxons, Anglo-Danes, Normans and Britons, clothing during the medieval era differed widely for men and women as well as for the social hierarchy. During this period men's clothing changed much more rapidly than women's styles; and both the men and women of lower social classes continued to wear styles from previous centuries until their garments were in such disrepair that they needed to be replaced entirely. In addition to this division, sumptuary laws also divided social classes by regulating the colors and styles these various ranks were permitted to wear.