Downton Abbey Inspired Fashion and Style for Everyday



After finishing the second series of Downton Abbey, and loving the fashions along with so many others, I decided it was time to compile a list of pieces we can add to our own wardrobes to give them a little Downton inspired style.

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Clearly making over your closet with Edwardian coats and gowns would not be the ideal route for a modern girl to take, especially based on where one works, goes to school, and how much is in the bank!  But there are more subtle ways to get 'the look' or create a look that suggests, in a classy way, I have style like Lady Mary, Edith & Sybil!

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So I have been scouring shops and boutiques to find some pieces. And while each piece may not be ideal (remember these are all modern items) they all seem to say: Downton Abbey.  I know a lot of these have or will sell out, but the shops may have new pieces of a similar style!



Some of these pieces are affordable, others are more like 'special' pieces that are pricey but would be a great addition to the wardrobe overall. I think you can wear these many different ways, and accessorize.  I also think styling your hair up with pins will help you achieve a very classy, everyday look. Time and effort are needed to get your look right, unless you have an Anna to help  you out!



This post is not meant to be historically accurate, I am just looking at styles out there with a creative eye.  I have noticed lately (update for season 5) that California based company Ruche has some pieces that really seem Downtonish so check them out.  My other fav, Anthropologie also has lots of accessories that could be styled in a Downton way, check out their headbands

You may also want to check out this interview with the costume designer on dressing in the Edwardian style.  Also, check out the Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 collection, very Downton! I am going to focus on tops because they are easy to dress up and down, and don't cost as much as dresses (usually). If you find any 'Downton Abbey inspired' fashions, please post them in the comments section and I will add them to the list. Ok, enjoy!!


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This top has the dark sheer look that we have seen in many of the Crawley girls' ensembles. It is cute and can be worn with jeans or dress it up with a skirt.




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For some reason this dress screams Cora to me.  Edwardian style, light cream and sage. Very pretty.




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The coat reminds me of the outfit Lady Mary wore when she went to see Matthew off at the train station. 


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This jacket looks like something we might find in her Ladyship's closet, no?


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Another flexible top. Fancy enough to wear in the evening, but can be dressed down easily with a pair of nice jeans.  It is so feminine and soft, love it!



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Evening gowns anyone? Looks similar to something Sybil would have.


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Edith?


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 This is a gown but the top is similar to some we have seen Lady Mary in.


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Here is another top that has style! Can be worn many ways.



 Another coat that we might find in Lady Mary (or even Violet's??) Closet.  Love the color and style.


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I assume you saw this top and instantly thought "Lady Mary" Throw a skirt that comes up over the waist or dress it down, its beautiful! I love the little crystal detail on the front.







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I had to post this because it looks like all the little dresses we see Daisy in!


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Simple and elegant.

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I can see this with a skirt on Cora. 

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Lady Edith? She is known to wear prints. So is Sybil!

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I love the form of this top and the lace.

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This reminds me of a mauve top (or was it dress) that Lady Edith wore.

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I love this! Super modern in style but cute!

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I found a few tops with a scarf tied around the neck like this. I think it can easily be styled. This ivory top can be worn many ways.


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 We have seen Lady Mary Crawley in many sloucy V collar tops, and tucked into her skirts. This has a very modern twist with the contrast buttons and bow. It looks pretty and very comfortable.






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This top has a scarf tied around the collar, and ruched sleeves. Simple, cotton. 

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Another top that has that very same collar that Lady Mary so often wears.  The draped sleeves, of course, are modern in design. 

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Another print top.

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Here is that collar again, although this one is a soft rounded collar.



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This mint top reminds me of the print top we saw Lady Edith wear! Very cute. Added to my closet ;)



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Maybe this is a little 18th century (What can I say about that!) but i had to throw it in ;)


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Casual cotton and lace top.



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Lace front sheer sleeves with detailed piping.


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A more casual top but with some pearls wrapped around your neck and a skirt, it can be dressed up nicely.


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I like this mint and ivory combination. I also like the band of ivory at the bottom.


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Was alerted to this pretty lace top by Abby from Nooks, Towers and Turrets. Another Downton-Inspired fashion alert. So pretty!!

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Lace top, sheer. Would need a camisole for under it. 

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Perfect top to wear with a high waisted skirt/ pencil skirt.



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This top seems like something Lavinia might have worn. Or even Lady Edith.


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Hey it is that Lady Edith top in pink!

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Love the jewel tone of this one.




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This top reminds me of the cotton white top Lady Mary wore in Season 2. 


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I saw this and it reminded me of all the evening gowns the ladies would wear to dinner. You could throw this top under those sheer tops (posted above) so that it hints sparkle, or wear it on its own with an ivory or black camisole underneath. 



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Cora? 

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Not sure if any of the girls would wear this but it is so pretty!


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Another top that can be dressed up or down easily.




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I think we have seen Cora in a top like this.




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Edith? I love this one.

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In the picture the skirt makes it 70's looking, but with a black bottom or solid? It could work.

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I am not sure if bishop sleeves were in during this period but I LOVE them. and I can see this top working nicely in a Downton-Inspired look. I love it!

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Another. Bishop sleeve love!


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I threw this top in because it reminds me of that dress Lady Mary was always wearing in season 2 with the sheer black sleeves.

Here are some finds by readers!

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These two were found by nightsmusic!
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This one is very Lady Edith! OR Lavinia??

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I love the beaded detail in this one

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 <3

All images of the costumes via Downton Abbey Fashion

RELATED: Downton Abbey's Wedding Gown Will Brighten Your Day

15 comments:

  1. I love them all, but that riding jacket...to die for. I often wish fashion would return to this period. It was so feminine and yet smart looking.

    Have you ever checked out Victorian Trading? They have period correct Edwardian fashions. So does Recollections.

    One example at Victorian Trading:

    http://goo.gl/nvzcc

    One at Recollections:

    http://goo.gl/HOkJ6

    Beautiful, beautiful clothing.

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  2. Very impressive post! Love all the clothes from then and now.

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  3. That's quite a collection! I think the first Edwardian style I would buy is a coat. They had such great coats. The shoes? Another story.

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  4. Wow! This post must have been a lot of work. I'm going to keep my eye out for some Downton Abbey-esque fashions!

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  5. Stunning picks! I love all of them, what a great job you did!
    Now, we need to see some shoes, bags and, of course, jewelry ;)

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    1. Oh yes good point! I will look for some in my next post

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  6. Nilakshi Roy2:10 PM

    not that i wear these types of clothes, they are really beautiful and hats off to you, Vic, for the patient and loving search...

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  7. Amazing post, Lauren! What lovely, scrummy clothes!

    studiosakiVI.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks lady!! Hopefully I can get another one up soon

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  8. Love the work you put into this post! I followed so many of the links to the dresses and tops you posted and you inspired me to create a board for Downton on Pinterest. You also turned me on to a lot of great retail sites I previously did not know! Thank you so much!

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  9. Great post! I love the show and even found a home collection with curtains inspired by the show.

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  10. Hey Lauren, great post! I love the way you put a modern twist on the Downton Abbey style. You did a great job of finding affordable and versatile pieces for the modern girl's closet! If you get the chance, check out our post about Downton Abbey Inspired Jewelry! http://www.shopgreeneyedlady.com/blog/
    Looking forward to reading more of your posts!

    Ali

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  11. The designs which you have provided is very good. Who is looking for Casual Dressing For Women.

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  12. the models are so pretty.

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