Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt opts for ladylike elegance in a pretty cream tea dress... while Michelle Dockery is chic in a plunging top and prim pencil skirt

As Downton Abbey's Anna Bates, Joanne Froggatt is more used to dreary housemaid's uniforms than the more dazzling ensembles of her 'upstairs' counterparts.
But the 32-year-old actress proved she is more than equipped to do ladylike elegance as she joined her co-stars for a photocall to promote the latest series of the ITV1 period drama in Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday.
Looking the epitome of understated chic, the Yorkshire-born star looked scored sartorial points in a pretty cream skater-style dress with bow detailing. 

Pretty and prim: Joanne Froggatt proved she is more than equipped to do ladylike elegance as she joined her Downton Abbey co-stars for a photocall to promote the latest series of the ITV1 period drama in Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday  

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Featuring a cinched-in waist to accentuate her petite frame and flattering half-sleeves, Joanne teamed her stylish tea dress with simple nude patent court shoes to elongate her legs.
The actress completed her ladylike look by wearing her long blonde locks teased into loose waves, while opting for natural make-up.
Not to be outdone in the style stakes, co-star Michelle Dockery - who plays Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey - appeared to have taken a few fashion tips from her aristocratic alter-ego in her elegantly chic ensemble.

Effortlessly chic: Michelle Dockery appeared to have taken a few style tips from her aristocratic alter-ego Lady Mary Crawley in a stylish cream pinstripe pencil skirt that showed off her slim figure and a plunging navy blue top

Looking prim and proper as she posed for photographs, the 31-year-old actress opted for a stylish cream pinstripe pencil skirt that showed off her slim figure, which she teamed with a plunging navy blue top.
Similarly to her co-star Joanne, Michelle kept the rest of her look simple with a chic up-do and and natural make-up to accentuate her perfect porcelain skin, while teetering on navy stiletto heels.
Laura Carmichael, who plays Michelle's on-screen sister Lady Edith, also opted for a navy blue ensemble in a simple shift top and printed cigarette pants, while Sophie McShera showed off her style credentials in a printed silk jumpsuit.

Ladylike elegance: Joanne scored sartorial points in a pretty cream skater-style dress with bow detail, featuring a cinched-in waist to accentuate her petite frame and flattering half-sleeves

Flawless: Michelle kept the rest of her look simple with a chic up-do and and natural make-up to accentuate her perfect porcelain skin

Earlier this week, the cast attended a press junket at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where they opened up about what's in store for their Downton Abbey alter-egos in the coming series.
While Lady Mary Crawley was left devastated when her husband Matthew was killed in a car crash during the show's Christmas special, she will soon perk up as a new love interest is set to be introduced for the character.
Mary - now mother of six-month-old baby George - will be pursued by Lord Anthony Gillingham (Tom Cullen), Charles Blake (Julian Ovenden), and Evelyn Napier (Brendan Patricks).

Understated chic: Laura Carmichael, who plays Michelle's on-screen sister Lady Edith, also opted for a navy blue ensemble in a simple shift top and printed cigarette pants

Downton does Hollywood: Sophie McShera showed off her style credentials in a printed silk jumpsuit as she posed alongside co-star Phyllis Logan

Speaking about her new beaus, Michelle said: 'Gillingham is an old family friend. The sisters knew him when we were growing up, and we haven’t seen him since then. A party is organised at the house, and he is invited to it.
'He’s just a different character. And there’s other potential suitors, as well. It’s not just him. There’s a character called Blake, played by Julian Ovenden.
'And Evelyn Napier (played by Brendan Patricks) comes back, as well. He was the one who brought the Turkish diplomat along. That was lovely to play scenes with Brendan again because we haven’t seen him since Season 1. They’re very different.

Natural beauties: Both Michelle and Joanne opted for natural make-up to show off their flawless skin

  

Hollywood glamour: Sophie added a touch of va va voom to her look with a slick of pillar-box red lipstick, while wearing her brunette locks teased into a cascade of tumbling waves

Exciting times ahead: Laura and Phyllis opened up on what's in store for their characters in the upcoming fourth season of Downton Abbey

'And this year, we have a few new characters coming in. Mary's beginning to come back to real life again because it takes her a long, long time to even interact with anyone.'
Fans of the show will be pleased to know that while season four hasn't even premiered yet, the cast have already signed up for season five.
Michelle said: 'As far as we know, we're all doing season five next year. Beyond that, we really don't know.

The boss: The show's executive producer Gareth Neame said at a junket earlier this week that the series has a long future ahead of it

'What's wonderful about the show is it's opened doors for all of us. So many of the cast are doing things in between series.'
The show's executive producer Gareth Neame also said at the junket that the series has a long future ahead of it.
He said: 'The show is so popular around the world now. It's beloved, and it's in fine form. I think the show has got a lot further to go. If people around the world love the show, we want to make it.'
Series four of Downton Abbey will air on ITV1 this autumn.

They're back! Downton Abbey will return to ITV in the autumn