Now it’s a continuing series — Sarah and I each listed the top 5 dresses from frock flicks we’d wear the shit out of, and I noted my top 5 wigs. Well, I also like to wear men’s clothes, especially for my drag king character Leonard, so here are some historical costume movie and TV costumes I love!
Quentin Durward’s Studded Tunic in The Adventures of Quentin Durward (1955)
Set in 1465, this flick is far more 1950s in style, but the main outfit Quentin wears is so punk rock that I can’t help but adore it! Black velvet with studs FTW.
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester‘s Pink Suit in Elizabeth R (1971)
My one true Dudley, pretty in pink!
The double row of scallops at the shoulders make me swoon.
Lord Edmund Blackadder’s Black Suit in Blackadder II (1986)
HOT DAMN, that embroidery! Makes me forgive the boots when he should be wearing shoes with such a courtier-style outfit.
Orlando’s Black & White Ensemble in Orlando (1992)
This movie is chock full of gorgeous costumes for men & women, but I love the elegant simplicity of this one. And I’m always a sucker for a poufy shirt.
Wolfgang Amadeus’ Purple Suit & Embroidered Waistcoat in Amadeus (1984)
You knew I’d have some purple costumes on this list, didn’t you? Purple velvet!
And the embroidered waistcoat is divine.
Arsène Lupin’s Purple Suit in Arsène Lupin (2004)
I haven’t seen this movie, & Kendra’s review found it lackluster — except for the costumes. Every time I see pix of this purple suit, I start scheming how I can get my hands on one for myself.
I NEED IT.
Dracula’s Grey Suit in Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
The suavest vampire around, & the details really make this outfit — the grey top hat, the cane, the cravat pin, the sunglasses.
What men’s costumes from frock flicks would you wear?
I love the outfit Orlando wears when he’s courting Princess Sasha – perfection. :)
I’m not sure about the fit of Mozart’s waistcoat, but it’s a prime example of what some guys got to wear during that delicious age of upscale men’s clothing. I’d probably end up with Orlando’s shirt, though. Couldn’t do anything practical in it, but so dashing.
I can’t find a pic of one, but on “Last of the Mohicans”, one group of background was the “fur trappers”. We (the shop) made them elk hide justicorps. They were to die for! I wanted one.
And Daniel Day Louis’ soft thin leather shirt… I’ll take two please….
I vastly prefer men’s shirts IRL, so I’d go for any historical men’s shirt, as long as it’s clean😁.
Interestingly, that black and white ensemble from ORLANDO isn’t all that far off from what was actually worn about 40 years ago.
I’d swear I even saw that exact look– huge bow, elaborate sleeves and all– in an haute couture photo, but here’s an indication of toned-down versions:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0927/1058/products/Pattern20200611_13230089_1024x1024.jpg?v=1591859028
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSm94_QizyK_SuYsORFcjtslCV2it8asRHvZZVac4TGyRXPjgBxiH9wE4YZHtRfs5zPjn0&usqp=CAU
Great choices, but I’ll fight you for that BLACKADDER cape! ;D
Hard agree with Orlando’s suit. That bow and those cuffs really do it for me.
Blackadder’s ensemble is gorgeous.
I almost always love men’s costumes.
Pretty much every well cut, highly embellished 18th Century suit – I love the dresses but I only get wear-want from the menswear. I also fancy Mr Woodhouse’s banyan and cap in the 1996 Emma with Kate Beckinsale. So rich, so comfy!
The Sheriff of Nottingham’s costumes in the 1950’s “Adventures of Robin Hood” had some lovely looks—especially considering the budget at the time.
All hail The One True Robert Dudley and his fantastic suits!
I’m honestly in love with all of Stede Bonnet’s suits In Our Flag Means Death, I’d jump at the chance to wear any of them! Probably not authentic but SO BEAUTIFUL.
I love Blackadder’s outfit, but I also loved Lord Flashheart’s ensemble when he arrived at Edmund’s wedding.