CW's show Reign is known for the bold costume designs, which are a mixture of the historical wardrobe of the renaissance with modern aspects found in the styles of the 2010s.
Adelaide Kane, who plays Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, wears some gorgeous costumes. Here is a look at the top ten costumes the actress wore while portraying the iconic Queen Mary of Scots.
Queen Mary's Cinderella Robes
Running down a grand staircase away from the prince you will be betrothed to is an iconic Cinderella moment, and the show's costume designer took this dramatic scene and ran with it.
The costume just screams "princess" and "runaway bride" and this screenshot of the scene is super satisfying for the audience members that dream of a Cinderella moment.
Black And Bronze Dress
The black and bronze color scheme of this outfit is bold and warrior-like. With her Rapunzel-like extensions, Mary Stuart's hair cascades down the costume over her off-the-should neckline that shows both her femininity and adventurous spirit. The pattern on her bodice resembles scales and begs for audiences to view this character as a powerful, armored monarch. And she so is.
Grecian Laurel
Perhaps one of the character's most glamorous and decadent costumes, the wedding dress was worn for Queen Mary's second marriage (the one to Lord Darnley).
The laurel also hearkens to the Greek myth of Apollo, Daphne, and the laurel tree. The story follows Apollo's pursuit of Daphne and the lengths the woman goes to in order to not be claimed by him, eventually turning herself into a laurel tree. This myth seems oddly fitting for the two monarchs joined in marriage.
Red And Gold Dress
The red and gold dress is an iconic costume choice for Mary Stuart in the early seasons of CW's Reign, because of it's vibrant pattern and color schemes. However, the dress can also be seen as a political statement. Red and gold are commonly the colors of England's monarchy, of which one of Mary's greatest political rivals sits atop that throne. By wearing such a dress, Mary is nearly claiming her right to England's throne over that of Queen Elizabeth I. This is not unlike the character, as she purposefully wears a dress later in the show that proved that ambition.
Tartan Dress
The tartan dress, though not necessarily the best style of dress in comparison to others on this list, is still a remarkably important costume that Adelaide Kane wore while representing the monarch. This is because the costume was chosen to make a daring bold statement at the French court, while Mary Stuart felt her power slipping from both her Scottish throne and political weight in France.
It makes sense that the Queen of Scotland would wear such a pattern at the French Court. It serves as a reminder that while she may live in France, Mary Stuart is a Scot at heart. And she knows where her power resides.
Autumn Cloak
Mary Stuart's autumn cloak is the perfect outwear for the season, because of it's warm fabric, protection for the chilly elements, and natural earth tones. A perfect blend of terracotta and gold, the color of the character's cloak is vibrant and complements the foliage in the background.
The Metallic Dress With Tulle
When this dress does not compare to the vibrant colors of the red and gold dress or the Autumn cloak, the metallic fabric matched tulle represents a new phase of power for Queen Mary of Scots.
While the bold, bright colors signify that she was young and naive, upon her marriage to Francis, she begins wearing metallic and dark colors to represent a guarded nature, using her dresses like emotional armor at court. This look has viewers cheering, "solider on, warrior queen!"
Queen Mary's Riding Tartan
It's really common in time period or historical shows, such as Reign or Outlander, for the female characters to wear elaborate riding habits that represent their allegiances, climates, or nationalities. In the case of Queen Mary Stuart, she rides wearing a tartan pattern. A tartan pattern is a Scottish design that is most commonly seen on kilts, hats, and sashes. The monarch chooses to represent the country she reigns over by utilizing the tartan pattern as her horseback riding habit.
The Wedding Dress Between Mary and Francis
Oftentimes people treat their wedding day as if they are royalty for that one day, but for Queen Mary of Scots, she's royalty every day. That being said, it makes sense that the monarch chose to downplay her wedding dress compared to other outfits she's worn in the show.
The use of lace is classic, and the sleeves are reminiscent of England's royal weddings and the pattern of brides that choose to not go sleeveless.
A Costume Of Ruffled Pleating And Waistbelts
Hearkening to a western aesthetic, Queen Mary of Scots rocks the cream tones of her dress. Adding the large waistbelt over the dress is a common 2010 era aesthetic that helps accentuate the Queen's petite figure and add some coloration and depth to the outfit.
The Floral Beading And Crown To Match
This costume exhibits Mary Stuart's persona as she begins to grow into her role as a Queen in foreign lands. The dark colors are protective and shield her from unwanted attention, while the silver floral beading acts like armor that is meant to protect the queen.
The crown is the finishing touch. With its simple and understated shape, the crown comes to a sharp point atop the monarch's dark brown hair. This seems to insinuate that while Mary Stuart is a born monarch, she is most definitely guarded and willing to fight for her throne.