These 14 Historical Movie Costumes Are Incredible, But They Don't Match Historical Accuracy What-So-Ever
Even though the costumes in these historical films are incredible, they actually don't match the reality of that time.
There is something about historical movies that attracts worldwide attention. Although we are familiar with the entire story and know what will happen and in what order, we still watch them.
Regardless of how many versions of a specific topic and period we have watched, if a new one appears, we will certainly watch it again. The exact reason for our adoration of these types of movies may remain an eternal enigma, but that doesn't mean we can't speculate.
We know some of the reasons, such as stunning costumes, extraordinary acting performances, the desire to feel those past periods and understand how life looked back then, and comparing the film with historical facts, among others. So, we have already covered plenty of reasons that could make you want to watch some historical movies right now, but wait a minute...
We would like to reveal some movie details that do not seem to correspond to their era. We can't know whether it is a mistake or a purposeful choice, but we have noticed them.
The secret lies in their costumes. You know how historical puffy dresses look gorgeous, and if you add some gemstones, matching jewelry, and fabulous hairstyles, then the ensemble is irresistible.
However, rumors suggest that these outstanding costumes have a few flaws. It seems they don't match the period they are representing.
1. Queen Mary and Five Earrings in One Ear
It has been documented that women then wore several earrings in one ear, but no one ever mentioned that Mary Stewart followed that fashion.
Mary Queen of Scots / Focus Features2. Where Is Anna's Sleeve?
The story is set in the early 19th century, and a dress without one sleeve did not exist back then.
War & Peace / BBC Cymru Wales3. Daisy’s Dress Was Too Modern
Even though Daisy’s dress was outstanding, it did not match historical accuracy for multiple reasons. It was supposed to be looser, less modern, with a lower square neckline and a plunging back, according to 1920s fashion.
The Great Gatsby / Warner Bros.
4. Her Skirt Is Too Tight for the Fashion of That Era
We are watching a scene from the movie that takes place in the late 18th century. Although those were times when fashion in England was changing, the ladies still wore dresses with puffy skirts.
Becoming Jane / HanWay Films
5. Meg’s Dress Is Not Scandalous
In the novel adaptation of Little Women, the main character often appeared with loose or uncovered hair. Additionally, Meg's dress for the ball should have been scandalous, featuring a lower neckline and being strapless.
The dress's role was to provoke the disapproval of other guests. Therefore, this scene has lost its intended impact.
Little Women / Columbia Pictures
6. There Was No Off-the-Shoulder Dress in the 16th Century
Back then, women wore a shirt under the dress, which was partially visible. However, in The Tudors TV show, dresses were often designed off-the-shoulder.
Also, the neckline should have been square, and the dress should have consisted of several parts.
The Tudors / Showtime Networks
7. Purple Is Just for the Emperor
The color purple was reserved for the emperor, and only he could wear purple outfits. If someone dared to wear purple, they would face severe punishment.
Pompeii / TriStar Pictures
8. The Pattern on the Bodice
In the 16th century, women embroidered their bodices with complicated patterns. One large motif became fashionable much later.
The Tudors / Showtime Networks
9. Wrong Materials Were Used for the Outfits
The costume designers should have chosen cotton and wool over linen materials, as all characters appeared to be a modern version of early 19th-century fashion on the screen.
Mary Shelley / HanWay Films
10. The Dress Is Too Brightly Colored
The story is set in the late 18th century; therefore, Virginie Ledoyen should not wear this brightly colored dress, as colors back then were soft and darker.
Les adieux à la reine / GMT Productions
11. The Hat Was Wrongly Tied
The ribbons should be pulled through the hat, not around it. Otherwise, everything else fits perfectly for the early 18th century.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl / Walt Disney Studios
12. The Lace
In the 18th century, dresses were not adorned with lace.
Love & Friendship / Blinder Films
13. Uncurled Bangs
The ladies then tied their hair and would have only one curly strand dropping on their shoulder. However, the bangs needed to be curled.
Bridgerton / Shondaland
14. Pregnancy Armor
In the show, we see Catherine of Aragon wearing pregnancy armor. However, there is no documented evidence that special armor was forged for women.
Additionally, a plate on the chest that follows the curves of a woman's body could be quite dangerous.
The Spanish Princess / All3 Media
Well, historical movie lovers, have you ever noticed that some movie costumes don't match the reality of that time? Although, historically speaking, these costumes are not perfect, they are still incredible.
The costume designers did a fantastic job, and these minor flaws may have been intentional, don't you think?