top tv costume dramas

hello everyone!!!

so I LOVE a good period drama/costume drama, whatever you want to call it :) Firstly I have to start by saying that if I don't like the costumes I normally give up watching it, even if the storyline is good, because, when it comes to period dramas, I like watching things that stimulate my eyes and if the costumes are ugly I get bored. Secondly I am obsessed with a good love story, if it has a romantic storyline and it makes me cry I am on to a winner. So baring that all in mind, I have put together my top 3 costume dramas and I have explained my reasons why...

1. War and Peace

BBC. 2016

As soon as I had finished this series I wanted to watch it again!! As far as the costumes are concerned I thought the men’s were designed fantastically: the army uniforms; the prisoners of war in episode 6; and the tailoring. I also loved the “add ons” for each character, for example Count Rostov’s smoking cap, make it easier to distinguish each character and I think they are a wonderful addition to the design, as this is a drama with over 100 speaking parts. My main negative about the costumes, would be the fabrics used. Especially for the women’s dresses, a lot of the fabrics used looked cheap and synthetic, and I don’t think they worked with the genuine Russian locations that they filmed in. However, overall this has become one of my top series mainly because of the storyline and the excellent portrayal of characters.

2. Pride and Prejudice

BBC. 1995

This has to be my top favourite of all time. I have watched it more times than I can count and I have enjoyed it just as much every single time. The performances are great, and the adaptation from the book is really well considered. There is nothing bad I can say about this series. The costumes are wonderful, mainly because of the tight contrasting colour scheme. For example: the Bennet sisters are very often seen in pastels and creams in contrast with Caroline Bingley who is dressed in deep rich colours; Mr Darcy is often seen in navy where as Mr Bennet is dressed in browns. These contrasts continue all through the series and it showcases the storyline and a reflection of the period really well. The cast, locations and soundtrack are also beautiful reasons to watch this adaptation. And if for no other reason, Colin Firth as Mr Darcy. Just perfect.

3. Downton Abbey

ITV 2010-2015

I think most of Britain would agree with me here. What an incredible series, full of outstanding characters. The costumes are of course divine and develop really naturally throughout the seasons. It is a series that is designed in such a way that we (as an audience) get to escape to a different time every Sunday evening. However, the characters are so real that we can also identify with their struggles and emotions. It is also beautiful to watch, and is in my top 3 for that reason.