It finally happened: the three remaining Stark children have reunited, and at Winterfell no less. Costume designer Michele Clapton explains why many of characters this season — Starks, Lannisters and Targaryens alike — are choosing to wear all black: “Winter has come, so I wanted to reflect the somber mood, a closing down. There are discreet tones within the costumes, subdued hints of their sigil colors.”

On dressing the newly-reunited siblings, Clapton says, “I wanted to reflect how different they all are from their experiences. There is something they have taken from their parents in the shape of a dress, the cut of a cape or the quilting details, apart from Bran who is so removed.” She expands, “Sansa’s cape, for instance, represents Ned and her desire to take on more of a leadership role at Winterfell.”

“All the characters’ costumes are a consequence of the journey and lifestyle,” Clapton states, particularly referencing a favorite piece of hers — Sansa’s belt. “This is her taking back control of her body. I designed it to wrap around over her side-laced dress to represent the absolute removal of any possible physical touch. Her dresses are also tightly-laced on, incredibly difficult to remove; it’s a message to Littlefinger.”

Take a look at some of the Stark children’s Winterfell costumes below: