9 Period Dramas With Pitch-Perfect Costume Design

Step into a world where every stitch tells a story. Period dramas captivate us with their rich narratives and immersive settings, but it’s the costumes that often steal the show, transporting us to bygone eras with breathtaking detail.

From regal gowns to rugged workwear, these nine TV series showcase costume design that feels like a time machine. Each show’s wardrobe is a masterpiece, blending historical accuracy with artistic flair to bring characters and their worlds to life.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020–present)

The vibrant world of ‘Bridgerton’ dazzles with its Regency-era splendor. Costume designer Ellen Mirojnick crafts a bold, modern twist on 1813 London fashion, using vivid colors and luxurious fabrics to reflect the show’s anachronistic charm. The Bridgerton family’s soft pastels contrast with the Featheringtons’ daring neons, making every ball a visual feast.

From Daphne’s delicate lilac gowns to Queen Charlotte’s towering wigs, the costumes amplify each character’s personality. With over 7,500 costume pieces in the first season alone, ‘Bridgerton’ redefines period drama fashion with unapologetic extravagance.

‘The Gilded Age’ (2022–present)

Set in 1880s New York, ‘The Gilded Age’ captures the clash between old and new money through opulent wardrobes. Costume designer Kasia Walicka-Maimone draws from historical photographs and paintings to create lavish gowns with intricate embroidery and bold silhouettes, reflecting the era’s excess.

Characters like Bertha Russell wear flamboyant dresses to signal ambition, while old-money families favor understated elegance. The attention to detail—from corsets to feathered hats—makes every scene a showcase of Gilded Age grandeur.

‘Downton Abbey’ (2010–2015)

‘Downton Abbey’ chronicles the Crawley family from 1912 to 1926, with costumes that evolve alongside history. Designer Anna Robbins ensures historical precision, using period-appropriate fabrics like silk and tweed to distinguish upstairs nobility from downstairs staff.

Lady Mary’s elegant gowns shift from Edwardian rigidity to 1920s flapper styles, mirroring societal change. The meticulous tailoring and accessories, like gloves and tiaras, make the show’s wardrobe a masterclass in early 20th-century fashion.

‘Marie Antoinette’ (2022–present)

This fresh take on the French queen’s life dazzles with Rococo-inspired costumes. Designer Karen Muller Serreau blends 18th-century opulence with youthful energy, crafting gowns with pastel silks, lace, and elaborate embroidery that reflect Marie’s lavish court.

From her teenage arrival in Versailles to her reign, Marie’s wardrobe evolves, with towering hairstyles and jewel-encrusted dresses stealing the spotlight. The costumes highlight her rebellion and vulnerability, making every outfit a narrative triumph.

‘The Great’ (2020–2023)

‘The Great’ offers a satirical spin on Catherine the Great’s rise, with costumes that match its irreverent tone. Designer Sharon Gilham mixes Russian opulence with playful anachronisms, using bold colors and textures to evoke 18th-century grandeur with a modern edge.

Catherine’s gowns transition from Prussian simplicity to imperial splendor, while Peter’s furs and brocades ooze decadence. The exaggerated silhouettes and witty details make the wardrobe as sharp as the show’s dialogue.

‘Gentleman Jack’ (2019–2022)

Set in 1830s Yorkshire, ‘Gentleman Jack’ showcases Anne Lister’s bold style through androgynous fashion. Costume designer Tom Pye recreates early Victorian attire with precision, using tailored black coats and top hats to emphasize Lister’s defiance of gender norms.

Supporting characters wear soft muslins and bonnets, grounding the show in its era. The contrast between Anne’s stark masculinity and the period’s femininity makes the costumes a powerful storytelling tool.

‘Becoming Elizabeth’ (2022)

This Tudor drama explores young Elizabeth I’s early years, with costumes that nail 16th-century elegance. Designer Bartholomew Cariss draws from historical portraits to craft sumptuous gowns with rich velvets, intricate embroidery, and structured bodices.

Elizabeth’s youthful dresses evolve into regal attire, reflecting her growing power. The meticulous attention to details like ruffled collars and jeweled accessories immerses viewers in the treacherous Tudor court.

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

‘The Crown’ traces Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, with costumes that capture mid-20th-century royal style. Designers like Jane Petrie recreate iconic outfits, such as Princess Margaret’s 1960 wedding dress, with stunning accuracy using archival references.

From Elizabeth’s coronation robes to Diana’s glamorous gowns, the wardrobe reflects each era’s fashion and the characters’ emotional arcs. The show’s commitment to detail makes every outfit a historical gem.

‘Outlander’ (2014–present)

‘Outlander’ spans centuries and continents, with costumes that anchor its time-traveling tale. Designer Terry Dresbach crafts 18th-century Scottish kilts and French court gowns with meticulous care, using hand-dyed fabrics and period techniques.

Claire Fraser’s 1940s practicality contrasts with her lavish 1740s Parisian dresses, highlighting her dual identities. The show’s diverse settings—from rugged Highlands to colonial America—make its wardrobe a visual journey.

Which period drama’s costumes blew you away, or did we miss a show with stellar style? Drop your thoughts in the comments!