Downton Abbey Season Six Fashions: The Times They Are A Changin’

The Crawleys and their downstairs gang will be roaring into the ‘20s bedecked and bejeweled in the latest in 1925 fashions thanks to Downton Abbey costume designer Anna Mary Scott Robins. Robins’ fashions are a vital character in this period drama, and serve the crucial function of moving us along in time.

Gone are the conservative and quite restrictive gear, and slipping are the attitudes of Edwardian England in 1912, when we first met Lady Mary, Lady Edith, Anna, Mrs. Hughes, and all the rest – including our favorite (everyone's favorite), the Dowager Countess. The austere, refined gowns are giving way to shorter, flapper friendly dresses with gorgeous embroidery, lace, and beading. The giddiness of the roaring 20s and the psychic release of the end of World War I creates sweeping changes in attire. The austerity of the War years is, at least at Downton, slowly but subtly giving way to a less severe look.

Luckily for us, Robbins' shared a lot of her inspiration on her Instagram account. Let's take a look at some of season 6's swatches, sketches and accessories, with a whole lot more available on PBS's site. To quote the Earl of Grantham, speaking with his butler, Carson, “If I could stop history in its tracks, maybe I would. But I can’t, Carson, for neither you nor I can hold back time.” … or fashion.