It’s 2013! Time to dress like…an Edwardian? Quite right. Downton Abbey’s Crawley sisters and their fellow cohorts are inspiring modern women—and designers (Ralph Lauren dedicated his fall 2012 collection to the show)—with their WWI-era fashions. Now in its third season, the British drama features looser silhouettes, midi skirts (a peek of ankle! Gasp!), fabulous headpieces and pretty Art Deco details. Even though the Downton action takes place nearly 100 years ago, today’s trendsetters can still borrow from the era’s civilized charm—without the constricting corsets. So pile on the pearls and bring on the beading because, although war may change everything as the show’s tagline notes, good fashion never goes out of style.
Deco Decadence
Season three of Downton Abbey is set in the Roaring 20s. Bring on the Art Deco fashion! This beaded tank lets Triangle body shapes show off their slim arms while skimming over a curvier lower half. If the Art Deco details don't have you craving jazz age styles, just wait for “The Great Gatsby,” set for release this May. Can you say, full-on ‘20s fashion moment?
Awake “Zelda” beaded tank ($118), Anthropologie
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Shimmer and Shine
Love that flapper style, but prefer not to look like you’re wearing last year’s Halloween costume? Show up to your next shindig in an Art Deco-inspired mini dress. If Lady Mary were hitting the cocktail circuit today, we think she’d be happy to shine in this modern beaded number that flatters a Ruler body shape's slim silhouette.
Parker Art Deco Beaded Dress, $396.00, Shopbop
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Pretty as a Peach
This oh-so-pretty peach blouse could have come straight off the Downton Abbey set—and the winged chiffon sleeves are perfect for softening the strong shoulders of Inverted Triangle types. We’d wear pair this blouse with jeans and cool pumps to give it a modern vibe. Just be sure there’s a coat check wherever you’re going. The corset lacing in back and crystal embellishments in front are meant to be seen.
Nataya crystal vintage top ($122), Wardrobe Shop
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Sheer Elegance
Edwardian romance meets modern style in this lovely Art Deco-inspired sheer tulle dress that compliments the straight lines of a Ruler body shape. We can imagine all of our favorite noblewomen taking a spin in this design. Come to think of it, we can see ourselves wearing it, too.
Elena tulle dress ($292.99), Ruche
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