Regency glamour: How to make Bridgerton fashion work for your wardrobe
Brocade dresses and tulle gloves at the ready, here’s how to wear regencycore off screen
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Dearest gentle reader, the hotly anticipated third season of Bridgerton is officially here. If, like us, you’ve spent all weekend binge watching part one of the period drama to see how Polin’s tale unfolds, you’ll also now be well acquainted with the Regency-era Bridgerton fashion that’s about to take over our social media feeds (again).
If watching London’s fashionable set promenade in parks and attend balls in stunning empire waist dresses, feathered headpieces and ornate jewellery has you wondering how to tap into Bridgerton’s glamorous style without looking like you’re cosplaying, we’ve got good news for you. Many regencycore trends translate very well to the current fashion zeitgeist; think corset tops, pearl jewellery, and floral maxi dresses – all of which were prominent in the SS24 collections.
From Zimmermann’s floral fantasies to Simone Rocha’s pearl-encrusted pieces, we’ve curated the best regencycore pieces to help you get your Bridgerton fashion fix while you patiently wait for part two of season three.
The best Bridgerton-inspired dresses
Bridgerton has always been historic fiction with a twist. So while the dresses are inspired by Regency-era silhouettes, they’re also finished with modern flourishes such as brighter hues and statement sleeves. If Bridgerton’s signature scoop necked, high-waisted column gowns aren’t your cup of tea, you can still tap into the show’s vibe by wearing more forgiving flowy empire line dresses, floral maxis and brocade.
Keeping with the theme of season three, Zimmermann’s maxi dress is emblazoned with a Featherington-worthy floral print, as is Giambattista Valli’s dreamy kaftan dress. For a more polished option, Rixo renders its floral-jacquard maxi in a darling cornflower blue in true Bridgerton family fashion, while Markarian’s elegant brocade dress channels Penelope’s (former) signature colour and makes for the perfect summer wedding guest outfit.
The best Bridgerton-inspired corsets
While corsets may be banned from the set of the period drama for season three due to complaints of discomfort, they are very much in vogue off-screen. Happily for us, the corsets favoured by the style set in 2024 are a far cry from uncomfortable Regency-era designs. Modern corset tops do away with traditional whale boning for a softer, easier to wear structure. Plus, they don’t need to be hidden away under layers, which makes them even more appealing.
Annie’s Ibiza offers a Victorian-inspired iteration embroidered with metallic thread and gold detailing to rival Queen Charlotte’s ornate outfits. For a more subtle gilded approach, Marc Jacobs’ metallic corset top is great for a night out. Elsewhere, Vivienne Westwood’s bright off-shoulder corset is great for a burst of dopamine dressing, especially when paired with the matching skirt. Still on the fence about busting out a full corset? Dip your toe in with Alaïa’s corset belt featuring laser-cut details for a grand flourish.
The best Bridgerton-inspired jewellery
Jewellery plays a crucial role in crafting stories through fashion in Bridgerton. Where Daphne wore understated pieces to signal her innocence in season one, season two saw Kate Sharma in gold jewellery influenced by her Indian roots. Fans of grander jewellery find inspiration in the Queen’s impressive collection or the Featheringtons’ bold choices.
Draw inspiration from the new lady Bridgerton née Sharma and invest in a vintage gold bangle studded with crystals from Susan Caplan or a vintage Van Cleef & Arpels gold and diamond choker. Understated earrings such as Selim Mouzannar’s rose gold and diamond pair detailed with pearls work well with bright floral dresses. And if you’re hoping to emulate Penelope Featherington, look no further than Alex Munroe’s rosette necklace.
The best Bridgerton-inspired accessories
When it comes to Bridgerton fashion, accessories shine in every scene. The show’s high-society ladies are rarely seen without a feathered headpiece, floral fascinator, pearl-encrusted hair pins or a beautiful tiara. While tiaras worn around London only work if you’re royalty, you can surely have fun with the other hair accessories. For example, Simone Rocha’s floral pearl-embellished hair clip will add a romantic, feminine touch to any outfit while Jennifer Behr’s delicate mother-of-pearl headband is the perfect finishing touch to a garden party ensemble.
It's not just hair pieces you can incorporate into your own wardrobe. There’s also gloves. Bridgerton’s gentlemen and ladies are usually dressed in gloves, with the women sporting varied styles – from satin opera gloves to lace and tulle iterations. And while wintertime sees warm woollen mittens around the capital, why not bring the distinguished accessory into summer for 2024? Clio Peppiatt’s opera-length embellished tulle gloves make for an eye-catching attention to your favourite little black dress while Maison Margiela’s sheer blue pair is made British summer, pairing well with a sundress and parasol.
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