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"Downton Abbey's" Lady Edith, left, Lady Sybil and Lady Mary have garnered many fashion followers with their period-style dresses and accessories.
For many "Downton Abbey" fans, the British miniseries is as enjoyable to watch for its period fashion as it is for its compelling story. With Season 2 set during World War I, we are treated to a smorgasbord of post-Edwardian styles, from the starched servants’ uniforms to the alluring dresses of the ladies of the house.
Whether at formal family dinners, or on strolls through their large rural property, the Crawley sisters' elegance is enough to make anyone long for the days of lace, Empire waistlines and elbow-length gloves. We put together a shopping guide to help you get the look of the Ladies Crawley (with a modern twist for 2012).
Dillards
Jewelry
Elaborate and intricate jewelry was a hallmark of the times, with filigree settings and multifaceted stones ruling the day. But you don’t have to be of noble descent to afford this style nowadays. These beaded drop earrings will leave admirers wondering whether they were passed down from your great-grandma. (T Tahari, Dillards, $13.47)
UNIQLO
Jacket
English ladies of the bygone era needed to leave their grand houses every so often, and when they did, their outerwear was as stylish as their dresses underneath. And what could better show their figures than a waist-hugging jacket? The length and breast pocket make this version unmistakably modern, while the high collar, muted color and cut conjure up images of days gone by. (Uniqlo, $99.90)
KOHL'S
Maxi dress
You may not have many invitations to dinners in English country mansions, but this black lace dress is perfect for a lunch date or even a dinner do. Dress it up with a different belt for a fancier look. (Kohl's, $44.20)
MadCloth
Short dress
Ankle-length dresses ruled the day way back when, but if you love your legs too much to cover them up, shorter styles are easy to find in these modern times. This garden dress combines the sheer fabrics, lacy details and high waistline so popular at the time. (ModCloth, $97.99)
Ann Taylor
Fur stole
Is there a better way to keep shoulders warm and toasty in a lightweight dress than with a fur stole? Faux fur was not an option in the Downton days, but today we can take advantage of modern advances in textiles to get a wrap that will make it difficult for even fur diehards to notice isn't real. (Ann Taylor, $49.99)
Great Gloves Online
Elbow-length gloves
What period dress is complete without elbow-length gloves? Instead of stiff silk, today's ladies can opt for fabrics with a little more give. (GreatGlovesOnline, $34)
ModCloth
Hat
Until relatively recently, hats were a must-wear fashion item for women. Although the modern world no longer dictates that we keep our heads covered, a well-chosen cloche hat, made popular just before the first World War, can top off your winter wear this season. (Modcloth, $54.99)
Urban Outfitters
Footwear
Forget platforms and stilettos; lace-up boots were the order of the day for our Downton ladies. And why sacrifice comfort when flat boots are just as easy to find as those with a heel? An added bonus: these mid-calf lace-up boots will give ankles and legs a slim appearance. (Urban Outfitters, $89)
Rachel Elbaum is a London-based writer who can't wait for Season 3 of "Downton Abbey."
Leave a Comment:
I love the clothing that these ladies are wearing, and the clothing featured (especially that burgundy jacket and the lacy dress), but the prices are a bit on the high side, too bad.
Gorgeous, too bad I'm switching to a burqa in purdah to cope with Harper's slave traded Jihad.
Put a fish hook on the jewelery, and you could go bass fishing!
I collected vintage clothing in my younger years, just a few very pretty pieces and they had to fit me--not just for show on a hanger. A lady at a vintage clothing booth at a flea market would hold things for me. The lady at the booth told me that I was saving some lace gowns from being turned in to teddy bear or doll outfits, I guess that's where a lot of the old lace has ended up. Beautiful clothes from this era--I like the gowns from the 1930s, too, but I was always too short to make those clothes work.
the elegance and grace in those long ago styles are missing today -- most of today's "hot" fashions that the designers create are so horrendous that I wouldn't be cremated in them....
best place to get Victorian and Edwardian clothes and stuff is the
i am very surprised that TODAY show did not mention it>???? well check it out ,.. it is $$$$,.. but i just love there look ,.. so romantic,..
Victorian trading co .com i am not understand what happened<?? it didn't show up above but here that web site link,...enjoy!:)
Really? Anyone believes the cuts of today match the tailored and elegant lines of 100 years ago? The grey dress is a particular travesty. The poly lining is nothing more than a pillowcase with a belt and some lace thrown over it. The one above it, the black dress, is more of a nightgown than a dress! If people bothered to do any research (I know, something rare in any profession now), you'd be able to see how layered the actual clothing of the Teens Era was. It was made to fit the individual (sewing your own clothing was simply something that everyone did still despite the era of catalogues and department stores rising). The teens were an era of great change in clothing and the items above do not embrace that at all. As Gabriella already pointed out, there are clothing websites out there that do have far better selections for Edwardian and Teens Era inspired clothing.
Agree with Isabella D'Angelo.. all the costume designers have to do is look at pictures from WW!! Clothing was much heavier, much more fussy with much larger pieces of lace and necklines were covered! Jewelry wqas much more ornate with LARGE gemstones like garnets used in a opulant fashion. I know, I had a wonderful suite of gems from that period, ugly, by todays standard.. but it was noticable, unlike those pitiful excuses!