10 Costumes Dramas with Wardrobes as Stunning as Bridgerton

1. Cranford (2007-2009)

Move over, Bridgerton's Regency England. Here, we're taking a trip to 1840s rural England. The focal point? The town of Cranford. We follow a gaggle of feisty women, led by the fabulous Judi Dench as Miss Matty. Life in this quaint community is shaken by modernization, gossip, and of course, a bit of romance. Picture layers of petticoats, bonnets, and ribboned hats. There's also the dilemma of the newfangled railway approaching the town. Tradition versus progress, anyone?

2. The Paradise (2012-2013)

Ding! Enter The Paradise, the first English department store. At its heart? Denise Lovett, a small-town girl with big ambitions. As she rises through the ranks, she navigates love, competition, and office politics. The store's atmosphere mirrors the late 19th-century opulence, filled with silks, satins, and a touch of drama at every turn.

3. Versailles (2015-2018)

How do you run the most glamorous court in Europe? Just ask King Louis XIV. France's Sun King is on a mission to centralize power while keeping an eye on his fashionable courtiers. Oh, and did we mention he's building the world's most opulent palace? Dramatic gowns, sparkling jewels, and wigs that might've needed their own dressing rooms. But beneath the finery, there's intrigue, betrayal, and more secrets than rooms in the palace.

4. Harlots (2017-2019)

If 18th century London was the backdrop for a fierce female-led drama, Harlots is it. Two rival brothel owners, Margaret Wells and Lydia Quigley, compete for clientele and control. You might think it's all risqué, but there's a genuine exploration of women's rights and societal norms. Corsets, feathers, and colorful fabrics – the wardrobe is as vibrant as the women's personalities.

5. Poldark (2015-2019)

Ross Poldark returns from the American Revolutionary War, hoping for a peaceful life. Instead, he finds his estate in ruins and his sweetheart engaged to another. Ouch. So, he rolls up his sleeves, aiming to restore his family's fortune. Think swashbuckling charisma meets Cornwall's windswept coasts. The attire? Regency-era goodness with tricorn hats, fitted jackets, and those dreamy empire-waist dresses.

6. The White Queen (2013)

Welcome to the Wars of the Roses. But forget the blokes; it's all about three formidable women: Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, and Anne Neville. Their goal? Secure the English throne for their families. Strategy, alliances, and marriages become their weapons. Gowns with plunging necklines, jeweled headpieces, and velvety cloaks make these power plays look undeniably chic.

7. Banished (2015)

Australia, 1788. It's not all kangaroos and beaches. This drama spills the tea on British convicts exiled to New South Wales. With overseers guarding them, things are...well, tense. Especially with love blossoming in unexpected places (we're looking at you, Tommy and Elizabeth). The costumes? Earthy tones, simple yet detailed, representing the rough and rugged life. Who knew punishment could look this good?

8. Indian Summers (2015-2016)

It's the 1930s, and the British Raj is in full swing in India. Set against the Himalayan foothills, the series dives into the political and personal intrigues of Brits living in Shimla. Ralph Whelan, the handsome civil servant, is at the epicenter, with secrets aplenty. Sarees meet British gowns, turbans meet sun hats. The cultural fusion in fashion is nothing short of mesmerizing.

9. The Durrells (2016-2019)

How's the idea of moving from gloomy England to sun-soaked Corfu in the 1930s? Ask the Durrell family. Following Louisa Durrell's whimsical decision, her and her four quirky kids experience culture shocks, romantic escapades, and local traditions. The clothing? Sun dresses, elegant hats, and the occasional dapper suit. It's a mix of British reserve and Grecian ease.

10. The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)

Swords, Saxons, and Vikings – oh my! Uhtred, born a Saxon noble but raised by Vikings, is caught in a cultural tug-of-war. As kingdoms clash, he must choose between his ancestral land and the people who raised him. Chainmail, leather, and rugged tunics dominate, capturing the raw intensity of the Dark Ages.