New Look Brings Downton Abbey Edwardian-inspired Dresses to High Street

Related: New Look, Apparel, Downton Abbey

In July 2012, fashion magazine Love featured a picture of three female stars of Downtown Abbey on their magazine. Heralded as the look of the moment, the hype around the programme has brought the look to the here and now, with Autumn 2012 showcasing some beautiful examples of how to dress like a Real Lady.

The sense of Costume Drama has not washed over the fashion industry's head and such is the evolution of trends: Downtown Abbey has hit the catwalks for winter, with word-of-mouth bringing this Edwardian-chic look to the attention of designers. It has been seen on the catwalks of Marchesa, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Giles Deacon. From embroidered fabrics to brocade and in deep hues of navy, violet-plum and black, the look has been brought to 2012 in splendidly lavish style.

The formality of the fashion and the classic charm of the Downtown look have clearly hit a nerve. The high street too has taken this trend into its arms, with a range of dresses that bring a little aristocratic style to the heart of high street cool. New Look has versions that will appeal to fans of Downtown who want to wear the look for now.

Their party dresses are full of Ladylike style. The Navy Crochet Tea Dress and the Apricot Purple Crushed Velvet Dress are both perfect examples of how the Edwardian influence has manifested itself into high street's consciousness, with ladylike opulence given a shorter hem for modern times.

Of course, shoes are a huge part of the look and New Look has lace-up women's boots that play the part. Their black Melton black coat has an Edwardian punk feel, which is another way of working this look. The punk scene notoriously borrowed and brought in Edwardian influences and it can be seen at New Look. Studded ankle boots are offered, which teamed with a crushed velvet dress work this latest trend into a cool and quirky spin on Edwardian chic: Downtown Punk.

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