Outlander Wardrobe and language

[Tobus]

To those who are very versed in the textiles of the era, how does the show do? Is it spot on or Hollywood Brigadoonery?

Like others have mentioned, the boots really bother me. They look like ren-faire/pirate boots to me. And the bonnets too. I suspect these choices were made as a compromise between historical accuracy and viewer appeal.

As an aside, when I first watched it, I was bothered by the Scots accents and dialectical choices of these Highlanders when they speak English. I would expect a Gaelic speaking Highlander to have a more Gaelic, Highland accent when speaking English that is somewhat more reminiscent of Hiberno English than Lallans. They use many terms like "ken" etc... that are identifiably Scottish but would they have been common in that region? I suppose if these Gaels learned their Inglis from Lowland Scots, it could be explained, but it still seems a stretch to me based on the current accents in Cape Breton and the Scottish Gàidhealtachd.

My guess is that since the intended audience is American and won't know the difference, they needed to make it sound like what Americans would expect a Scots accent to sound like, whilst still being mostly understandable. Being authentic to the point where the audience doesn't have a clue what they're saying would be a poor choice.

[Nathan]

My guess is that since the intended audience is American and won't know the difference, they needed to make it sound like what Americans would expect a Scots accent to sound like, whilst still being mostly understandable. Being authentic to the point where the audience doesn't have a clue what they're saying would be a poor choice.

I don't think a Highlander's English is any harder to understand than an Irishman's English but I agree with your point about giving people what they expect to hear.

There's a constant fusion of Highland and Lowland culture in popular depictions of Scots. "Hollywood" dressed William Wallace like a Pict from the early Common Era crossed with a Highlander from 1650 and they have Jamie Frasier speaking like a Lowlander. Sigh.

[Dale Seago]

Mind you, none of these anachronisms or otherwise ill-fitting elements are in any way interfering with my HUGE enjoyment of the series. But I do take note of them, generally after watching an episode for the first time.

Some anachronistic dirks here:

The guy to the right of Jamie (background, with horse) has what looks like a brass-mounted version of the dirk Colum wore at the Gathering; handle style is closer to 1800. Jamie's & Dougal's dirks are more mid-to-late1600s, though Highland thrift could argue for hand-me-downs in decent condition. The other guy, center foreground -- can't see his well enough.

[creagdhubh]

Mind you, none of these anachronisms or otherwise ill-fitting elements are in any way interfering with my HUGE enjoyment of the series. But I do take note of them, generally after watching an episode for the first time.

I agree, Dale. My sentiments as well.

[kiltedrennie]

From what I understand they used costuming contains elements from other periods if it fit the "look" they were going for. The blog mentioned in this thread has more details.

[California Highlander]

Interested to here what @Terry-dresbach has to say about some of the costume choices.

Sounds like the boots are a compromise "French" boot, from Jamie's service there.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...93#post1255393

[creagdhubh]

Interested to here what @Terry-dresbach has to say about some of the costume choices.

Sounds like the boots are a compromise "French" boot, from Jamie's service there.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...93#post1255393

And "French" boots are quite appropriate for a Fraser given their genealogy and clan history.

[KSmedic]

And "French" boots are quite appropriate for a Fraser given their genealogy and clan history.

If I remember correctly, there is mention of both Jamie and Dougal serving in a military campaign in France in the first book. The second book is set in France, as well.

[Dughlas mor]

Mind you, none of these anachronisms or otherwise ill-fitting elements are in any way interfering with my HUGE enjoyment of the series. But I do take note of them, generally after watching an episode for the first time.

Some anachronistic dirks here:

The guy to the right of Jamie (background, with horse) has what looks like a brass-mounted version of the dirk Colum wore at the Gathering; handle style is closer to 1800. Jamie's & Dougal's dirks are more mid-to-late1600s, though Highland thrift could argue for hand-me-downs in decent condition. The other guy, center foreground -- can't see his well enough.

Actually, Jamie`s dirk looks exactly like a Hanwei "early dirk," complete with it`s really poor quality sheath. It looks kind of like an early period dirk, except that the handle is almost twice as long as it should be. It can be had from numerous internet sources for well under $100.00

[terry dresbach]

Totally outside of my jurisdiction, as we have a top notch armorer, but I would be VERY surprised if our lead actors sheath was a $100 anything on this show.