Styling tips to dress Regency with contemporary wardrobe essentials
By Monica Sterbet
The weather’s warming up, summer’s almost here, and guess what? A new season of Bridgerton just dropped! This Thursday, the third season of Bridgerton premiered, and the internet is diving into passionate debates about the juicy love stories and, of course, the stunning wardrobe. Those colorful dresses, intricate designs, and glamorous accessories are sparking major conversations, as per usual.
Bridgerton fashion totally vibes with the coquette and romantic aesthetic that’s all-over social media these days. And, since summer’s right around the corner, what better time than now to take some inspiration from Bridgerton’s wardrobe and look for some modern alternatives, so that you can be the Diamond of this season.
Empire Waists
In Regency fashion, the Empire Waist dress was a must-have and continues to be a key element in any lady’s ensemble. It falls just below the bustline, designed to create the illusion of height and slimness. This style exudes romance, femininity, and effortless grace. Nowadays, you can find inspired empire waist dresses in a variety of colors and lengths at almost any clothing store. While promoting her movie, “Neon Diamond,” in Rome, Elle Fanning captivated in a white ruffled babydoll dress reminiscent of one of Daphne’s looks
Square Neckline
Covering legs? Hands? Waist? Absolutely, as in those times, it was deemed scandalous for a lady to reveal even an inch of skin, except perhaps for the collarbones. Square necklines were all the rage in the Regency era, showcasing the delicate curves of a woman’s shoulders. So this summer, to encapsulate Regency fashion, opt for tops with square necklines, bonus points if they have puffed sleeves, another popular clothing detail in that era
Pearl Embellishment
Ladies from two centuries ago never shied away from flaunting their pearls. Whether sewn onto garments or adorning earrings and necklaces, pearls have reigned supreme in the accessory scene for longer than any monarch. From necklaces to pearly bags, pearls will add a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. Or, if you want to go bolder, you could opt for more daring options, just like Simone Ashley, the Duchess from Bridgerton.
Lace
No other fabric evokes romance quite like lace. While “decorated nets” have been around for thousands of years, lace as we know it didn’t gain popularity until the early 16th century, according to the National Museum of American History. There are countless ways to incorporate lace into your attire, from gloves, shirts, and skirts. The best thing about lace is that it’s a popular material used in the 2024 spring-summer collections, meaning you’ll be trendy both in Regency terms and today’s fashion.
Shoes
Realistically speaking, the closest modern shoes to those of the Regency era are ballet flats, which are all the rage now. However, since “Bridgerton” isn’t about historical accuracy, why not explore more creative designs? “Obsessed” would be an understatement for a pair of heels recently showcased on Instagram by Sweden’s sweetheart, Matilda Djerf. Feminine and delicate, they’re the perfect finishing touch for a look, with the added bonus of ribbons, reminiscent of the abundance of ribbons in the Regency Era.
Conclusion
Pulling off a Bridgerton look is way easier than it seems, as many of the trends popular in the 19th century are still being incorporated into today’s clothing collections. The best part is that Bridgerton is also about beautiful familial relationships, so take that as inspiration too and maybe borrow your mother’s pearls or discover a nice lacy dress hidden away by your grandmother.