Oh dear. Those khaki shorts though.
Downton Abbey is not unlike ramen—if you're not hooked just yet, you've probably never tried it. You can't possibly watch an episode of this carefully crafted, addictively ceremonial TV saga and not fall for it.
From the impeccable styling to the clever dialogue and the delectable historical fiction, Downton has something for everyone. Having said that, it wouldn't be the same magical affair without the, dare-we-say, spectacular cast—and although the show did give us Mathew and Branson, who are none too shabby, it especially excels when it comes to the remarkable actresses and well-shod women.
Already chomping at the bit like a cooped-up horse for Downton's fifth season return on January 5th, we thought we'd take a look at the ladies as they leave the bonnets, beads and feathers behind to step out on the red carpet.
Who plays it royally and who dresses . . . like a maid? Let's discuss our top three favorite looks.
Third place: Anna
The fact that Joanne Froggatt plays a mousy, tired maid makes her red carpet appearances even more fun to watch. Frogatt, a petite blond, always looks pleasant, but rarely uses her public appearances to wow fans with fashion statements. Her love for basic white, black and cream, as well as a lack of variety, lands her the third spot. It's a chic and tidy position in the rankings. Mr. Bates would be just fine with that.
Second place: Lady Edith
Laura Carmichael, who plays the troubled middle child of the Crawley clan, is far less awkward (thank the lord) when it comes to red-carpet style. Sassy and confident, Carmichael frequently opts for off-beat, unusual styles and prints, and isn't afraid of unorthodox cuts that don't necessarily flaunt her lady parts. She loves electric blue, graphic prints, bold labels like Christopher Kane and Victor&Rolf. The only thing Carson would disapprove are her too-dark roots, far too unkempt. Otherwise, she's a worthy runner-up.
And the winner is . . . Lady Mary
Michelle Dockery is a goddess, and her on-screen persona is fabulously bitter. Blessed with a flat chest and a fragile, lithe physique, Dockery's frame can easily wear any wild creation a designer may have in mind, and indeed she does—from this portrait Prada to divine Rosie Assoulin and Erdem, our winner rarely looks less than polished to perfection.
Bonus points for always keeping it interesting and never resolving to wear overly sexy, revealing dresses that one might crave after years of stiff-as-hell, period-piece drama gowns. We bend a knee before you, Lady Mary!