Fashion is Coming: The costumes of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”

Sansa’s leather armor

Sansa stole the show this week with her ensemble, a black dress with a leather top shaped like plate armor. Game of Thrones costume designer Michele Clapton has been building up to this. Most of Sansa’s recent outfits have resembled armor, protecting her from outside threats and unwanted advances.

Sansa’s armor-like dresses were usually subtle, but as Vox points out, Sansa is no longer hiding her intentions. This is a statement piece. Not only is she suiting up for the Battle of Winterfell like everyone else in the North, she’s opposing Daenerys’ claim to power through her wardrobe. The Mother of Dragons isn’t the only one who can wear shoulder pads.

This all comes home when the two talk in the Winterfell library. Their outfits are an extension of their opposing viewpoints. Not only does Sansa’s black dress stand out against Dany’s lighter one, but Sansa appears ready for war while Daenerys doesn’t look dressed for combat. Sansa is already on the defense, even if the dragon queen hasn’t moved against her yet.