It could look a little messy as well. I'm fine with how the npcs look.
I don't know about that, it worked rather well in Dishonored's masquerade ball where all the NPCs were wearing
different dresses with elaborate masks and headgear.
I just thought Orlais would be more outrageous and bold and colourful. Instead they're all wearing something plain that looks appropriate for a funeral. It doesn't sound like the Orlais we heard about from Leliana with women wearing bird nests in their hair because it was the height of fashion back then.
And I don't think it's for a theme. They were also seen wearing them in the WoT concept art titled "Orlesian fashion."