One of the best things about Downton Abbey is the costuming. In fact Downton Abbey has been nominated for several Outstanding Costumes for a Series awards at the Emmys, BAFTA and other award ceremonies. Who wouldn't love to dress in the opulence of Lady Mary, or the sweetness of Lady Sybil? Downton Abbey characters inspire dreams of luxury.  I have searched around the web to find costumes that would make the perfect Downton Abbey DIY Halloween costumes. Many of these lovely gowns would also be perfect for a Downton Abbey style wedding!

Seasons 1 and 2 of Downton Abbey take place in the Edwardian period.Edwardian clothes was quite different than the preceding Victorian period. Clothes from 1901-1919s were design to accentuate a woman's figure with flowing, long lines and very detailed laces and trims. Of course daughters of an earl would be expected to change several times a day, as there were different outfits to be worn if one was walking, paying calls, or horseback riding. Of course everyone dressed in their finest evening ware for a dinner at the manor house. These dresses are floor length or perhaps just to the ankle.

Click on any gown or costume picture to see buying options.

Lady Edith, Lady Sybil and Lady Mary, Downton Abbey, Season 1. 

These gowns are elegant representations of some of the dresses available online. Some are "costume" quality while others are elegant gowns that could be worn as evening wear. To find these online, try searching "Downton Abbey costume" or "Edwardian dress costume". Any would look great for unique Halloween costume party. 

Christmas Special  - Season 2. One of the most beautiful scenes in the whole series was when Matthew and Mary were standing out in the lightly falling snow, and Matthew proposes to Mary. (oh why did you have to break our hearts and leave the show, Dan Stevens?)

In the post World War I years the fashions became so much looser. Waistlines were dropped or non-existent. Embroidery and chiffon were often used as an over-layer to the silk or satin sheath shell underneath. Sequins adorned everything, especially 1920s "club wear". 

Lady Rose MacClare shows the brilliance of the flapper dress of the 1920s. The dresses haven't quite gotten "short" yet, but they are definitely quite opulent.  

To make the difference between looking like Lady Mary and just going on a night on the town, you need to concentrate on the accessories. Click on any photo to go to the product pictured.

Thank you to graspingforobjectivity.com for another great Downton Abbey graphic.


Following the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI), the brilliant blogger at www.graspingforobjectivity.com has created another fabulous Downton Abbey graphic that does a great job of explaining each character's personality. 

If you aren't familiar with Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator test here is a summary:

First Letter E or I - Extroverted or Introverted - Are you energized when you are around people, or would you rather be alone?
Second Letter: S or N - Sensing or Intuition - Do you use your senses in making judgement or rely more on intuition?
Third Letter: T or F - Thinking or Feeling - Are you logical and objective, or do you rely more on feelings and ideas?
Fourth Letter: J or P - Judging or Perceiving - Do you prefer structure and rules, or would you rather wing it?

Tell us in the comments below which Downton Abbey character you are most like!