Downton Abbey with a twist

So if you are a fan of Downton Abbey like I am, you will have been fawning over the sleek Edwardian styling by costume designer Susannah Buxton.

The sisters on set

The sisters in an inspired photoshoot

The Edwardian fashion went through a great time of change and was emerging from the traditional restraints of Victorian fashion and moving towards the roaring 1920s where hemlines got shorter and dresses more daring. Susannah captures this perfectly with Lady Sybil the most daring of the 3 sisters in her fashion choices.

So how do we take this gorgeous era and bring it into 2012. There seems to be some set considerations to make this look work, and below I've made up three styling boards for evening, daytime and summer.  

The key elements are:

Structured coats
Hats
gloves
Fabulous Jewelery
Boots
Lace maxi dresses
Drop waists
Flattering silk
Fur of Fake fur textures
leather 
Ladylike fashion.


So what does that look like? Here are a few examples to get you started. To view any of these items and where to purchase click this link to my Polyvore page http://sam-cousins.polyvore.com/


The Downton Abbey glam evening or day wear

Mix in ruby tones with a gorgeous lace maxi dress. These dresses are not expensive. Get some heeled boots and accessorise. A fabulous fake fur coat adds some elegance along with a cloche hat and some leather gloves. Jewellery is really important so add in so great earrings, and if it isn't over kill maybe a jeweled bangle. Don't forget the lipstick.


The Downton Abbey day look


I think this look is a little easier to do with things that you already own. Match a maxi skirt with a structured military style wool trench and make sure it pulls in at the waist. Add some high leather boots, another matching hat, and a gorgeous bag. Then again don't forget beautiful earrings and for a splash of colour go for red leather driving gloves. 

Downton Abbey spring look


I think this look is my favourite because it creates such a luxurious look and its all about keeping the palate neutral. A simple cream maxi dress with a cream lace cardigan and thin belt immediately give any summer BBQ some glamour. Pair with some pretty flats and a sun hat that matches, then use your jewellery to pop some colour. I chose emerald green here as it stands out beautifully against the cream.

I think this last look is my favourite, I absolutely love this shot of the girls, its right out of a Merchant Ivory film. However far you decide to take this look, be brave and have fun with it.