Bridgerton Style: How To Make The Period Drama's Biggest Trends Work In 2021

By Krissy Turner
Daily Telegraph UK
The Bridgerton family. Photo / Supplied


If, like me and millions of others, you set a personal record for how quickly you devoured the new Netflix series Bridgerton, you'll know that it isn't an ordinary period drama.

Steamy scenes and a racially-inclusive cast aside, has a TV show ever inspired you to don a puff sleeve or chandelier earrings like Bridgerton has?

Dubbed “Regencycore”, fashion search app Lyst has noted that searches for corsets are up 123 per cent, while empire line dresses have increased by 93 per cent since the show aired.

Bridgerton's Queen Charlotte, played by Golda Rosheuvel. Photo / Supplied
Bridgerton's Queen Charlotte, played by Golda Rosheuvel. Photo / Supplied

It's easy to see why. While Bridgerton is loosely rooted in historical fact, every aspect has been modernised (the of-the-moment soundtrack included).

It was the costumes, however, that caused a stir, having shunned anything less-than fabulous from the era, and instead opting only for a pleasingly heavy-handed dose of sparkle.

"We're not talking about 1813 and Jane Austen and beige or cream bonnets," Bridgerton's costume designer Ellen Mirojnick told Town & Country.

Instead, she wanted to create something “fresh, young and aspirational” which has meant the fashion is more relatable than it would have been if it was more closely aligned with Regency era dressing.

Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton, played by Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor. Photo / Supplied
Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton, played by Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor. Photo / Supplied

It's thanks to this that its fashion looks are in high demand. “We’re seeing shoppers embrace the trends of the 19th century,” notes Priyanka Patal, eBay’s senior trading manager. “There’s been an uptake of fashion looks such as corsets and puff sleeves.”

Bloomers and silky long gloves aside, there are a few wearable trends we can sport in real, modern life, that still nicely nod to our new TV obsession.

Embellished accessories

Lyst reports that searches for pearl headbands have increased 49 per cent since the show aired. British labels Simone Rocha and Shrimps excel at regal hair accessories and fancy earrings: crystal earrings by the former consistently sell out, as do the padded and pearl headbands by the latter.

As one of the easiest Regency trends to tap into, a fabulous hair piece or chandelier earring will add a touch of drama to everyday looks.

Nap dresses

There was much to be made of Bridgerton's bosom-hiking empire-line frocks that have dominated the fashion discourse, but the cotton nightie/dress hybrids  dubbed nap dresses in modern day  are the style most easy to replicate.

Too chic to wear to bed, plump for embroidered or pastel cotton frocks that work with shearling slippers and a chunky cardigan, nailing working-from-home chic.

Corsets

With the sex scenes being a big focus (no spoilers with who, however), Daphne Bridgerton's undergarments are in the spotlight as much as her frothy frocks. As such, costume designer Mirojnick told Refinery 29 that she sought out specialist corset designers that could create bespoke luxury half corsets: the styles mimicked that of the Victorian era, but were less intense and easier to move in.

For a similar figure-flattering look, opt for a bustier top  corsets are no longer de rigeur, though searches for them have gone up 123 per cent since the show aired, according to Lyst, so stand by for a comeback.

Puff sleeves

Bridgerton's foamy frocks are complete with frilled and puffed sleeves details which are well worth noting for the new season. Both are all over the high street at the moment, and handily tick the Zoom-dressing box that we thought we'd seen the back of last year.

Florals and lace

If a Bridgerton gown isn't heavily embellished, you can bet it's adorned in lace or floral applique. Even when they're not at a ball or promenade, the main female characters sport chiffon and silk frocks complete with lace sleeves or jacquard floral overcoats while off-duty.

Balance the romantic element of both with sleek accessories and tailoring: think a floral blouse with denim and leather loafers. Searches for lace tops are up 37 per cent according to eBay, and I’d suggest pairing one with an oversized blazer for a pleasing contrast.

Pretty pastels

The old-money Bridgertons (the show is named after the family) notably stick to a subdued pastel palette: eldest daughter Daphne (the “incomparable” debutante of the season) wears pale blue, duck egg and cream a lot  an obvious nod to her innocence  while her siblings sport shades of lilac, ivory and dusky pink.

– The Telegraph

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