Collection: Historical Costumes

Historical costume works by one recognisable detail rather than overall accuracy. Lacing at the front reads as medieval; a draped single shoulder reads as Greek; a wide collar and gold reads as Egyptian. Get that detail right and the rest of the outfit can be plain.

The bulk of this collection is medieval and Renaissance — lace-up dresses, hooded cloaks, belts and trailing sleeves — with a smaller ancient-world section covering Egyptian, Greek and Roman styles.

For the medieval and Renaissance half, our cloak guide covers hood shape, length, closure and colour. See also Medieval & Renaissance and Ancient World.