Agent Carter (2015-16) – Frock Flicks

Agent Carter (2015-16) is a Marvel Cinematic Universe show that I’m still kind of amazed was even made, let alone got two seasons of airtime. It stars Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter, who was initially introduced in Captain America (2011) as the love interest of Steve Rogers who was divided from him across time.

The show explores how she put her life back together following Steve’s presumed death, working her way up in the chain of command in the Strategic Scientific Reserve as she tackles corruption within the SSR and the forces outside it that are attempting to undermine Howard Stark’s research and credibility. It’s less superhero flick and more spy thriller, which is frankly what I love about it. The characters exist in the same world as superheroes, but it’s also a world where most of those supes are still largely underground due to prejudice and ignorance. And happening alongside the early years of the space race and the Cold War is the race between the U.S. and their various allies and enemies to create another Captain America to become the next “super soldier” (i.e., human weapon). Agent Carter fits into the same category of MCU shows like Jessica Jones and Luke Cage, where people aren’t flying around and blowing shit up with their brains. The thing that makes Agent Carter stand out, however, is that it’s set in 1946-47 and the costumes are fabulous.

Giovanna Ottobre-Melton headed the costume team for all 18 episodes of the show, and she and her team put together a cohesive look for the main characters that feels authentic with just a little bit of a classic comic-book patina. Another thing I appreciated about the show is that I recognized a number of off-the-rack, vintage-inspired outfits from small labels like Trashy Diva. I’m not entirely sure how many outfits were custom-made for the series versus pulled from stock or sourced from other vintage-inspired modistes, but I’d hazard a guess that most of Peggy’s outfits were a mix of custom and vintage. Honestly, every episode is packed with some excellent outfits on all the characters (their costuming budget had to be pretty respectable because most of the characters get at least two-three changes per show; Peggy often gets four or more), but these are a few of the standouts!

Just give me a brunette in a bright red dress any day.
This is apparently a fan favorite and has been the feature of many an Agent Carter cosplay. If you go looking, you can find plenty of examples and tutorials on how to recreate it.
I love this color and this dress and everything about this.
This is one of those dresses that I’m fairly certain is vintage.
Flashback scene showing Peggy when she was an MI6 agent during WWII.
I would kill to be able to find a simple white blouse like this right now. Also, I would kill to look like Hayley Atwell, but, well … I’ll settle for just the top.
Lotte Verbeek plays Ana Jarvis, who honestly could have been a throwaway character, except she’s so dang charming and ends up filling in the role of a much-needed girlfriend to Peggy. She’s shown here wearing a top by Trashy Diva from their “Green Kimono” line from 2014. I had this same print in the dress version, lol.
Lotte Verbeek in what looks like a vintage playset (bathing suit, wrap skirt, and bolero). James D’Arcy plays her husband (and Howard Stark’s right-hand man) Edwin Jarvis.
I loved the old Hollywood glam promo shots that were done of the female leads. This one of Bridget Regan, who plays Dottie Underwood, is so perfect.
Bridget Regan and her stunt double.