The costumes in Outlander, which has aired on Starz since 2014, are more than just period-appropriate garments; they are a critical storytelling device that reflects the ever-changing circumstances, locations, and character growth that are so central to the show. Across seven seasons, the wardrobe has transformed from the rugged simplicity of the Scottish Highlands to the opulence of French court, and onto the burgeoning American colonies, each shift in costume design working in tandem with the narrative developments. The creative team, led by Ronald D. Moore, Diana Gabaldon (author of the original novels), and Maril Davis, has consistently displayed an exceptional understanding of how costumes can deepen the viewer’s connection to both the characters and the historical settings.

When we first meet Caitriona Balfe as Claire Randall, her 1940s attire stands in stark contrast to the 18th-century Scottish Highlands. This immediate visual discord establishes her status as a displaced individual. As Claire assimilates, her wardrobe evolves from basic, practical dresses to ones that reflect her position as a respected member of the community. Then, there’s Sam Heughan’s portrayal of Jamie Fraser, where the evolution of the kilt is a story in itself. It begins as the garb of a Highland warrior, rough and ready for battle, it gradually develops into garments that reflect his changing status. Small variations, from the specific tartan patterns to the way the plaid is worn, represent his lineage and standing. The costumes function not just as clothing, but as symbols of identity, heritage and allegiance.

The shift in location to France in season two saw a complete wardrobe transformation. Claire’s arrival into Parisian society brought with it lavish gowns, constructed with silk, lace and intricate embroidery. These detailed outfits are a visual manifestation of the rigid social customs of the French court and a signal of the status Claire is trying to maintain. We also see, through Tobias Menzies‘s dual roles as Frank and Black Jack Randall, the precision and care given to military regalia. From the formal uniforms of the British army, meticulously tailored, to the softer clothes of the more academic Frank, these garments reveal details about the characters’ personalities and the roles they play. The later seasons, with Sophie Skelton and Richard Rankin as Brianna and Roger, see their wardrobes move from contemporary garments to a fusion of modern and historical, reflecting their dual sense of belonging between the two worlds.

As the series progressed and the narrative shifted to the American colonies, the costume design continued to transform. The rougher, more functional clothing, typical of frontier life, appears alongside remnants of European fashion. We see how the changing circumstances of war and rebellion affect every character’s clothing. Attention is given not just to design, but also to the authentic wear and tear of clothing. Costumes are often aged and distressed to reflect the hardship of 18th-century life, adding an important level of realism to the scenes. In season seven, we have seen the American Revolution begin to affect the characters, and once again the clothes they wear tell the tale, from the simpler more practical garments, as they try to survive in the American wilderness, to the more formal attire when they are involved in political events. Every outfit in Outlander functions to communicate a deeper understanding of the characters, their history, and their experiences.