costume drama

Meaning

This term is very similar to 'period drama' but places a specific, sometimes playful focus on the elaborate historical costumes and clothing worn by the actors. It refers to movies, plays, or TV series set in the past where the visual aesthetics, fashion, and elaborate dressing of the era are major selling points. The tone is neutral, though occasionally it can imply a focus on style over deep substance.

Examples

• The BBC is famous for producing high-quality costume dramas with incredible attention to detail.

  The BBC is famous for producing high-quality costume dramas with incredible attention to detail.

• If you enjoy elaborate gowns and vintage suits, you will love this new costume drama.

  If you enjoy elaborate gowns and vintage suits, you will love this new costume drama.

• The film won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, which is typical for a big-budget costume drama.

  The film won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, which is typical for a big-budget costume drama.

• He finds most costume dramas a bit tedious, preferring fast-paced action movies instead.

  He finds most costume dramas a bit tedious, preferring fast-paced action movies instead.

• She has built her entire acting career on starring in elegant European costume dramas.

  She has built her entire acting career on starring in elegant European costume dramas.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ They are filming a new customs drama in the old castle.

  ✓ They are filming a new costume drama in the old castle.

  Do not confuse 'customs' (import taxes/airport checks) or 'custom' (tradition) with 'costume' (clothing/outfits).

• ✗ I don't like clothes dramas because they are too slow.

  ✓ I don't like costume dramas because they are too slow.

  The correct term is always 'costume drama', not 'clothes drama' or 'clothing drama'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The elaborate outfits in that Victorian ___ were absolutely breathtaking.

  💡 A historical drama focused on fashion/clothing

  Show answer

  costume drama

• Many actors enjoy working on a ___ because they get to wear elaborate, historical outfits.

  💡 An era-specific drama highlighting clothing

  Show answer

  costume drama