Which Movie Like Enola Holmes Offers Witty Period Costumes?

I’m the kind of person who judges a period film by its hats, and a few movies give the same clever costume vibe as 'Enola Holmes'. My quick favorites: 'Emma' (2020) — crisp, pastel-filled regency looks with playful touches; 'The Favourite' (2018) — theatrical, layered, and full of visual jokes hidden in seams; and 'The Duchess' (2008) — decadent 18th-century tailoring that reads as both romantic and politically charged.

If you want something lighter and quirkier, 'The Personal History of David Copperfield' leans colorful and modern in a way that keeps period dressing fresh and funny. For classic period romance with soothing, natural palettes, 'Pride & Prejudice' (2005) remains a go-to. My favorite viewing ritual is dim lights, a pot of tea, and pausing occasionally to admire a sleeve or a collar — small moments that make these films feel like friendly fashion lessons rather than museum tours. Try them in that order if you want an evening that moves from sweet to sharp to sumptuous.

Nothing beats the jolt of finding a movie that wears its period like a wink — you get the corsets and crinolines, but also a sly modern edge in how characters move and talk. For me, if you loved the playful, costume-forward energy of 'Enola Holmes', the first film I’d shove into someone’s hands is 'Emma' (2020). It’s bright, impeccably tailored, and the costumes act as a kind of commentary: color choices and fabric weight tell you who’s trying too hard and who’s quietly plotting. I watched it on a rainy Sunday with a mug of tea, and the way the fabrics catch light made me want to pause every other scene just to study sleeve hems and bonnet ribbons.

If you want something darker but still deliciously costume-forward, 'The Favourite' (2018) is a must. It’s baroque, messy, and the clothing is almost a character in itself — strategic flaws, padding, and exaggerated silhouettes that underline the comedy and cruelty. On a different note, 'The Duchess' (2008) delivers 18th-century opulence with needlework so obsessive it heals a part of me that loves textile detail. The movie’s dresses read like political statements, which is the same trick 'Enola Holmes' pulls when clothes help define agency and rebellion.

For a more whimsical take, try 'The Personal History of David Copperfield' (2019). It uses color and texture in slightly modern ways — vibrant waistcoats, playful hats — so the period feels lived-in and witty rather than reverential. And if you crave classic romance with heartfelt costumes, 'Pride & Prejudice' (2005) still nails that soft, pastoral look that makes you want to picnic on a postcard. Finally, don't overlook 'Murder on the Orient Express' (2017): it’s a traveling wardrobe show, perfect if you like tailored suits and retro glamour.

My tip: pick based on mood. Want bright and comedic? 'Emma' or 'David Copperfield'. Crave bite and spectacle? 'The Favourite' or 'The Duchess'. If you’re in full-on cozy mode, toss on 'Pride & Prejudice' and brew something fragrant. I love pausing on costume close-ups and trying to sketch sleeves — it turns movie nights into tiny study sessions in historical snark and style, and that’s exactly the kind of fun 'Enola Holmes' sparked for me.