Netflix recently released the news that everyone's favorite Regency-inspired TV show, Bridgerton, will return on May 16th, 2024. Even if you aren't a fan of the show, who can't help but love Bridgerton fashion?
Season 1 and 2 costume designers Ellen Mirojnick and Sophie Canale state early-1800s England and Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette as the inspiration behind the frothy pastel frocks and dark, dapper waistcoats worn by the cast.
Find out how the show's costumes harken back to Regency-era fashion and how to bring some Bridgerton-inspired fashion into your modern wardrobe in this guide.
Regency-Era Fashion vs. Bridgerton Fashion
The Regency Period, named for the Regent of England, Prince George of Wales, took place from 1811 to 1820. Though it lasted less than a decade, this era of history produced a distinctive fashion that is still recognizable today.
Bridgerton is set in a fantasy Regency London and features many of the same cuts. The women wear pastel-colored Empire gowns, and the men sport high-collared tailcoats. But that's about where the similarities end.
Women's Regency Fashion
Women's Regency-era fashion is defined by white muslin dresses, chemisettes, and bonnets. The Empire silhouette reigned supreme, with its under-the-bust waistline, leg of mutton sleeves, and full, columnar skirts.
Bonnets and parasols were mainstay accessories in the Regency woman's wardrobe. Women of marrying age would have worn their up and lightly curled beneath a bonnet during the day or bare at night.
Men's Regency Fashion
Men of the Regency Era opted for high-collared shirts and waistcoats worn under M-shaped double or single-breasted tailcoats. A variety of pants options were available, from breeches and pantaloons to inexpressibles and buckskins.
Some fashion historians refer to Regency-era men's fashion as the Great Male Renunciation. This movement was defined by a paring down of color palettes and simplification of cuts.
Bridgerton Women's Fashion
The Bridgerton costume designers have updated the Regency feel for modern audiences. One of the biggest changes is the vibrant color palette, which would have been far more muted in real Regency London.
The most recognizable Bridgerton dress style may mimic the era's Empire silhouette. But a true Regency lady would never have been caught showing so much chest during the daytime. A chemisette would have been worn around the bosom instead.
Another Regency-era staple missing is the beloved bonnet. Bridgerton's showrunners have stated that this was a conscious choice. While you may see the ladies sporting hats, Bridgerton is a staunchly bonnet-free world.
One garment that may surprise you to learn is historically accurate is the cropped-style jacket worn by many of the show's ladies. Known as a Spencer, these jackets were adapted from menswear in the late 1790s.
Bridgerton Men's Fashion
Men's costumes are more similar to what would have been worn during the time, with their statement watch fobs and top hats and streamlined waistcoats and tailcoats.
Still, men of the Regency Period typically wore light-colored trousers instead of the black ones seen in the hit Netflix show. Pants would have also been far more fitted than the looser cuts chosen for the Bridgerton men.
Fashion historians have praised the show's male wardrobes for their accuracy. But the one accessory that's missing is the walking stick. These stately accessories served as not only a status symbol but also a way to ward off beggars.
How to Infuse Your Wardrobe With Bridgerton Style
The cuts and silhouettes seen on Bridgerton may not be very practical for our modern world unless you're going for a Bridgerton-style wedding dress. But you can still get the look with some of the show's more wearable styles.
Here are some ideas for doing just that.
Empire-Waist Dresses
The Empire waistline can be notoriously difficult to pull off. But if you want to infuse some Regency style into your closet, this is the most recognizable way to do it.
Try a white muslin Empire-waisted dress for a more accurate take on Regency fashion. Or go full Bridgerton with a brightly printed gown featuring puff cap sleeves and a scooping square neckline.
Bejewelled Necklaces
If you don't want to rock a full bejeweled crown in today's day and age, settle for a frosted necklace instead. Look to the eveningwear of Bridgerton's ladies for inspiration.
The necklaces sit close to the throat, though not close enough to be considered chokers. They feature clusters of diamonds, often in floral motifs, and perhaps a single drop to draw attention to the bust.
Hair Accessories
Even the most staunch fashion historians can't blame the Bridgerton costume designers for nixing the bonnets. After all, these historically accurate hats would cover up all the fun hair adornments seen on the show.
A floral barrette, bejeweled hair comb, or pearl headband offers some Regency flare with a modern edge. Add a few loose curls and a low side ponytail, and your inspiration will be unmistakable.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats reign supreme as the trendiest shoe of the season. This delicate footwear style also happens to fit right in with the Regency Era, though the fashion from Bridgerton leans closer to mules and kitten heels than flats.
To add some Bridgerton flare, consider choosing a pair of ballet flats with embellishments. Feather trims, petite bows, and crystals are all featured on the feet of the ladies from the show.
Statement Gloves
In the Regency Period, gloves were worn for modesty to indicate one's status. But they also had more practical reasons, such as protecting the skin from the sun and preventing contact with contagious diseases.
Gloves may not serve the same purposes today, but they can help you serve a look. Sheer and brightly patterned gloves are trending right now, making them the perfect accessory to add some Bridgerton flare to your look.
We Are Living the Bridgerton Fashion Era
Bridgerton fashion is universally praised for its mix of history and fantasy. The costume designers took inspiration from Regency-era London, adding pops of color and modern accessories that would fit perfectly in your wardrobe.
Are you looking for more fashion history articles to inspire you? Fashion Era wants to educate you about fashion throughout the ages. Browse more fashion history articles to learn how clothes have changed over time.
