Behind-the-Scenes of Period Piece Costuming
Ever wondered how films and shows recreate the look of a different time period so convincingly? Every hem, button, and fabric choice in period costuming tells a story and invites viewers into the world on screen. But what goes into creating these elaborate looks, and how do costume designers build wardrobes that make history feel real?
Creating period-accurate costumes isn’t only about dressing actors in old-fashioned clothing. It’s about evoking the era’s atmosphere, social norms, and class distinctions. Costume designers embark on an exhaustive process to ensure historical accuracy—combining creativity, historical research, and meticulous craftsmanship. Here’s a closer look at the art, research, and insider tricks behind some of the most iconic period piece costumes.
The Art of Research and Historical Accuracy
Designing period costumes involves diving deep into the historical context of the time, balancing authenticity with what will look natural on screen. Costume designers often immerse themselves in historical resources to capture the essence of each era. Here’s a closer look at how they do it:
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Consulting Historical References: Costume teams rely on historical fashion plates, portraits, and preserved garments found in museums. Even letters and diaries from the time can offer clues about clothing choices, fabrics, and styles. Some designers collaborate with historians to ensure no detail goes overlooked.
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Era-Specific Materials and Techniques: Modern materials can be too smooth, stretchy, or shiny compared to historical fabrics. Designers source traditional materials—like wool, silk, linen, or lace—and sometimes even hand-dye fabrics to achieve colors authentic to the period. This helps avoid anachronisms and creates clothing that “feels” accurate.
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Patterns and Sewing Techniques: The shape of a garment depends heavily on the sewing techniques available at the time. For example, Regency-era dresses are sewn with simple lines and a high waist, while Victorian gowns require complex, layered stitching and structured boning.
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Weathering and Aging: For characters who aren’t part of the aristocracy or who live active lives, designers “weather” or “age” the costumes. This might mean wearing down hems, adding patches, or subtly dirtying fabrics to make clothes look lived-in.
These efforts don’t just make costumes look good on camera—they help actors embody their characters in an authentic way.
Notable Productions and Their Standout Costumes
Some films and shows have become famous not just for their storytelling but for their commitment to period-accurate costuming. Here are a few standout productions where costuming shines:
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"Pride and Prejudice" (2005): Jacqueline Durran, the costume designer, crafted gowns that feel both true to the Regency era and relatable for modern audiences. The subdued colors, light fabrics, and clean lines highlight the characters’ personalities without overpowering them. Durran carefully selected earthy, muted tones to reflect the rural, understated lives of the Bennets.
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"The Crown": Known for its dedication to historical accuracy, “The Crown” has become synonymous with meticulously recreated royal attire. From Queen Elizabeth’s stately gowns to Princess Margaret’s daring outfits, each costume is crafted with precision to mirror the character’s historical image. Designers examined photographs, videos, and even royal archives to perfect every piece.
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"Outlander": This series uses costumes to illustrate the drastic contrasts between the 18th century and more modern eras. From lavish French court attire to the rugged Scottish Highland looks, the show’s costumes immerse viewers in Claire’s journey through time. Many of the costumes are hand-sewn to capture the period-accurate stitching and fabrics.
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"Bridgerton": While “Bridgerton” takes liberties with historical accuracy, its Regency-inspired costumes are memorable for their vibrant colors and luxurious fabrics. The costume team incorporated modern materials to give characters a distinct, unique style, blending period elements with a contemporary twist.
Essential Historical Costume Accessories
Accessories are often the “final touch” that brings historical costumes to life. Small details like gloves, hats, and jewelry add authenticity and depth to on-screen characters, making them feel rooted in their time and place. Here are a few essential accessories designers use to capture the era’s feel:
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Corsets and Crinolines: These undergarments played a significant role in shaping clothing silhouettes. Corsets, often seen in period dramas, give structure to Victorian and Edwardian gowns. Meanwhile, crinolines and bustles add volume to skirts, creating a strikingly regal look. Each silhouette conveys class, personality, and the era’s prevailing fashion sense.
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Hats and Headpieces: Headwear varies drastically by period and location. In Edwardian times, grand feathered hats or lace caps adorned high-society women, while simpler bonnets suited working-class characters. Hats and headpieces complete the silhouette and reflect social status, age, and the occasion’s formality.
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Jewellery: Rings, necklaces, and brooches can highlight a character’s wealth, social status, or personality. For instance, in “Downton Abbey,” characters’ jewellery often marks their social rank and family ties. Period costume designers pay attention to jewellery style, materials, and scale, whether it’s a delicate pearl necklace or an opulent emerald brooch.
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Fans and Gloves: Fans were essential accessories for many women in the 17th through 19th centuries, used as both a practical tool and a way to communicate in social settings. Gloves, meanwhile, symbolize elegance and propriety, adding a layer of sophistication.
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Shoes and Stockings: From Victorian boots to delicate Regency slippers, shoes reflect the wear and tear of a character’s daily life. Whether rough, rugged, or polished, footwear details add authenticity and show how different characters navigate their world.
Costume Challenges: When History and Drama Clash
Costume designers often face challenges that call for creativity. Achieving historical accuracy can be difficult within the constraints of budget, time, and the needs of storytelling. Here’s how designers overcome these hurdles:
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Historical Accuracy vs. Screen Aesthetics: True historical costumes can sometimes look “wrong” on modern screens. Some colors and patterns appear dull or overly harsh on camera, leading designers to adjust historical colors to work for a modern audience.
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Time-Period Hybrids: Some productions blend periods to create a more stylized look. For example, while “Bridgerton” is set in Regency England, the colors and fabrics used are often brighter and bolder than what was available at the time. This creative choice gives the series a distinct, lively look.
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Allowing for Movement: Certain period clothing can be restrictive. Designers must adjust garments so actors can move comfortably. Skirts may be hemmed higher, or corsets might have extra give for action scenes.
Bringing Historical Costuming into Your Own Style
If period films and shows have inspired you, you don’t have to wait for a costume party to incorporate vintage elements into your wardrobe. Adding a few historical-inspired accessories can make a modern outfit feel timeless and unique.
Consider these ideas for a touch of history in everyday wear:
- Brooches and Pins: Add a Victorian brooch to a lapel or blouse for a statement piece.
- Lace Gloves or Collar: Subtle lace accessories bring a classic touch to an otherwise modern look.
- Hats and Headbands: Try a wide-brim hat or an embellished headband for a touch of Edwardian elegance.
Period costuming on screen captures more than just the look of a different time; it offers a glimpse into history, culture, and storytelling through every stitch and button. Watching these carefully crafted costumes invites us to appreciate the artistry and dedication that goes into making history feel alive and relatable.
If you’re inspired by the elegance of historical styles, consider experimenting with subtle period-inspired touches in your wardrobe—like a vintage-style brooch, lace accents, or even a wide-brim hat. These small nods to the past can add a unique flair to your look, connecting fashion with timeless history.
Period costuming gives us a sense of how people expressed themselves through dress, reflecting their era’s beliefs, values, and everyday realities. The next time you watch a period piece, take a closer look at the details—every item tells a story, from the shape of a gown to the type of fabric. In the world of costuming, history is alive, inspiring us to imagine ourselves in another time and place, one outfit at a time.
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