The Fashion of 'Downton Abbey'

Hello my name is ________, and I am addicted to the fashion of "Downton Abbey".

I believe many Downton fans, like myself, can fill their name in the blank and admit an addiction to the fashionable "Downton Abbey" cast.

The British television show, "Downton Abbey," has enchanted audiences all over the world. The meshing of aristocratic family drama, war and social revolution, create an enticing story of the Crawley family, which sort of acts as a drug for its fans. However, the one part of the show that is the most alluring to me is the fashion and, more importantly, the portrayal of the changes in fashion which occurred in society is shown throughout the series.

Though changes occurred in both men's and women's fashion, women's fashion altered most dramatically from the late 1880s to the 1920s in the Western world, and in this case, England. Women trashed the traditional and formal Edwardian corsets and began wearing looser clothing, usually chemise-like dresses. This change can be the attributed to the the women's movement against the rigid gender roles constructed during the Victorian age. The difference in the fashion between season one and season three of "Downton Abbey" clearly represents this revolution in women's fashion.

Season one:

Edwardian Style

vs.

Season three:

1920s style

Now that season three is here in the U.S., I won't spoil what has happened for those who have not seen the first two episodes, but I think it is necessary to give you my top three frocks of season three.

1. Lady Mary and Matthew's wedding attire.

Who else said "Finally!" when they got married? The couple walked down the isle in style.

2. Martha Levinson's arrival to Downton Abbey.

Oh Shirley MacLaine, what an entrance!

3. Allen Leech being Tom Branson.

Branson lived up to his anti-English principles, by refusing to wear the proper English dinner wear.

 

Reach the reporter at hdiiullo@asu.edu or follow on Twitter @HaleighD_SP.

---

---

Subscribe to Pressing Matters

Email