These 14 Historical Movie Costumes Are Incredible, But They Don't Match Historical Accuracy What-So-Ever

Even though these historical films' costumes are incredible, they actually don't match the reality back then.

Filip

• Published in Film & TV
• March 11, 2022

There is something about historical movies that attract worldwide attention. Although we are familiar with the whole story, we already know what will happen and in what order, we still watch them.

Regardless of how many versions of a specific topic and period we had watched, if a new one appears, we'll certainly watch it again. Probably the exact explanation for adoring these types of movies will stay an eternal enigma, but it doesn't mean we can't speculate.

We know some of the reasons, like, stunning costumes, acting performances that are extraordinary, trying to feel those past periods and how life looked back then, comparing the film with historical facts, and so on. So, we have already covered plenty of reasons which could make you go and watch some historical movies right now but wait a minute...

We would like to reveal some movie details to you that does 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 is about their costumes. You know how historical puffy dresses look gorgeous, and if you add some gemstones, matching jewelry, and fabulous hairstyles, then the set is irresistible.

But the rumor says that these outstanding costumes have a few flows. Looks like 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.

2. Where is Anna's sleeve?

The story is set in the early 19th century, and a dress without one sleeve didn't exist back then.

3. Daisy’s dress was too modern

Even though Daisy’s dress was outstanding, it didn't match the historical accuracy for multiple reasons. It is supposed to be looser, less modern, with a lower square neckline and plunging back, for the 1920s fashion.

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.

5. Meg’s dress is not scandalous

In the novel adaptation of Little Women, the main character often appeared with loose or uncovered hair. Also, Meg's dress for the ball should be scandalous with a lower neckline and strapless.

The dress role was to cause the disapproval of other guests. Therefore, this scene has lost its sense.

6. There was no off-the-shoulder dress in the 16th century

Back then, women wore a shirt under the dress, and it was partially visible. But in The Tudors TV show dresses often were designed off-the-shoulder.

Also, the neckline should be square, and the drees should consist of several parts.

7. Purple is just for the emperor

The purple color was reserved for the emperor, and only he could wear purple outfits. If someone dared to wear purple, he would be faced with severe punishment.

8. The pattern on the bodice

In the 16th-century women embroidery their bodices with a complicated pattern. One big motif became fashionable much later.

9. Wrong materials were used for the outfits

The costume designers should have chosen cotton and wool over linen materials, for all characters looked like a modern version of early 19th-century fashion on the screen.

10. The dress is too brightly colored.

The story is set in the late 18th century, therefore Virginie Ledoyen shouldn't wear this bright-colored dress, for back then the colors were soft and darker.

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.

12. The lace

In the 18th century, dresses weren't adorned with lace.

13. Uncurled bangs

The ladies then tied their hair and would have only one curly strand dropping on the shoulder. But the bangs needed to be curled.

14. Pregnancy armor

In the show, we can see Catherine of Aragon wearing pregnancy armor. But there is no documented fact that special armor was forged for women.

Also, a plate on the chest that follows the curves of a woman's body could be really dangerous.

Well, historical movie lovers, have you ever noticed that some movie costumes don't match the reality back then? Although (historically speaking) these costumes are not perfect, they are so incredible.

The costume designers did a really great job, and these minor flaws could have been done intentionally, don't you think?

Filip