From Corsets to Flapper Chic: The Best Outfits in Downton Abbey History

Downton Abbey is a show about changing times – and changing fashions. Here, the best Edwardian looks and '20s styles from the show's six-season run
By Diana Pearl
Updated March 04, 2016 06:10 PM

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MARY'S RED DRESS

Credit: PBS

The Crawley's eldest daughter was frequently seen in this red showstopper throughout the first season – most notably, on the night of her encounter with Mr. Pamuk.

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SYBIL'S HAREM PANTS

Credit: PBS

Back in the show's early days, it was all corsets and to-the-floor hemlines for the ladies upstairs at Downton. So it was especially shocking when youngest Crawley daughter Sybil came downstairs in a pair of – gasp! – pants in a now-iconic show moment.

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CORA'S COAT

Credit: PBS

Lady Grantham's buttoned-up white coat with intricate black details (which she wore in the show's first season) is the definition of Edwardian chic.

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THE CRAWLEY SISTERS' GARDEN PARTY GARB

Credit: PBS

During the season 1 finale, things at Downton seemed to be (fairly) peaceful – especially with everyone in serene shades of white. That all came crashing down with the announcement of a war, but at least we got to see each of the Crawley sisters' takes on garden party fashion.

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MARY'S BEADED DRESS

Credit: PBS

In season 2, which took place over the course of World War I, the fashions were a lot less exciting than they've been in other seasons. Playing to the realties of the time, there were lots of repeating dresses, and styles were pretty basic. This beaded dress, which Lady Mary wore early on in the season, was the exception to that rule.

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MARTHA'S FUR COAT

Credit: Nick Briggs/Carnival Films for Masterpiece/PBS/Everett

When Cora's American mother, Martha Levinson (played by Shirley MacLaine) arrived at Downton, she made a big statement with her "new world" attitude – and style, like this fur-cuffed coat.

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MARY'S WEDDING DRESS

Credit: Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for Masterpiece

Unlike her sixth season whirlwind nuptials, Mary's first wedding (to Matthew) was a big society affair – and that meant a big society dress. The lace, long-sleeved gown was covered in Swarovski crystals and topped off with a diamond tiara that cost $200,000.

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ROSE'S YOUTHFUL VIBES

Credit: Nick Briggs

Crawley cousin Lady Rose brought a much-needed youthful perspective to Downton after Sybil's death, and that extended to her modern wardrobe, like this pink embellished gown, complete with a floral headpiece.

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EDITH'S FULL-ON FLAPPER STYLE

Credit: Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2015 for MASTERPIECE

Edith went from frumpy to fab in a major way in the later seasons of the show – after all, she did inherit a sophisticated London apartment and a newspaper. She rocked the working-woman look, going for interesting ensembles with '20s flair.

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MARY'S FLAPPER DEBUT

Credit: PBS

It took until 1924, but Mary finally went full-on flapper midway through the show's fifth season when she cut her long locks into a more modern bob. She debuted the look in true flapper fashion, with a stunning better-from-the-back dress and sleek jewels.

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ROSE'S WEDDING DRESS

Credit: Nick Briggs/Carnival Films 2014 for MASTERPIECE

It was only fitting that Rose had a less traditional wedding dress than her cousins – a sleeveless embellished gown, complete with a beaded headpiece. It's actually an original piece, dating back nearly 100 years.

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MARY'S SUITS

Credit: Nick Briggs/Carnival Films 2014 for MASTERPIECE

As Mary took on more and more responsibility at Downton – responsibilities traditionally held by men – she turned more and more toward masculine pieces, like this suit-and-tie number she wore in season 5, to carry out her new duties.

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By Diana Pearl