‘Bridgerton’: How to make the period drama’s Regencycore trend work for your wardrobe, according to stylists

Throughout the pandemic, many of us have struggled to muster the energy to wear anything other than loungewear, with baggy sweats and cosy slippers ruling our wardrobes during the entirety of 2020.

But it seems all we needed to free us from this fashion funk was a trip to 19th-century England by way of Netflix’s latest sensation, Bridgerton.

Since its release on Christmas Day, the period drama (produced by Grey’s Anatomy’s Shonda Rhimes and based on Julia Quinn’s romance novels of the same name) has accumulated more than 63 million views.

The series follows the Bridgerton family as eldest daughter Daphne makes her debut into Regency London society in the hopes of finding a suitable match. But aside from the gripping storyline, opulent scenery and that now-viral spoon scene, it was the fabulous fashions that really caught our interest.

The characters are dressed to the nines, with Bridgerton’s costume designer, Ellen Mirojnick, breathing new life into looks from the 19th century with the addition of vibrant colours, lavish jewels and piles of outlandish prints.

In fact, the costumes from the show have proved so popular that they’ve even sparked an entirely new fashion trend, which fashion search platform Lyst has dubbed “Regencycore”. But, what exactly is it?

“The Regencycore trend is a really exciting one,” says celebrity stylist Alex Longmore. “It’s feminine, bright, beautiful and very easy to obtain. I suggest when emulating the look taking inspiration from just one or two stylistic features you love from the show, rather than recreating the whole costume – otherwise, you could end up looking like you’re wearing fancy dress, and no one wants that. I really welcome this return to simplicity, femininity and elegance.”

According to Lyst's new report, in the weeks following Bridgerton’s release, searches for period-inspired pieces like puff-sleeve dresses have skyrocketed. Corsets surged on the platform by 123 per cent, while empire-line dresses were another hit, with searches for the silhouette increasing by 93 per cent.

Similarly, searches for pearl and feather headbands saw a rise of 49 per cent and long, elbow-length gloves also proved popular among shoppers, spiking by 23 per cent.  

The effect has also been noted on eBay, with searches for Bridgerton-inspired corsets up 39 per cent, puff-sleeve dresses by 26 per cent up and crystal earrings by 34 per cent.

Whether you're more of a Bridgerton or a Featherington, is it really possible to make Regencycore work for your wardrobe IRL? Here, fashion stylists share their top tips on how to dress like a debutante in 2021.

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Dreamy dresses

With both eBay and Lyst noting a rise in interest for empire line and puff-sleeve gowns, Emily Sanchez, a fashion stylist who has worked with actors such as Laura Linney and Naomi Watts, says an elegant dress is the obvious wardrobe addition inspired by Bridgerton.

For puff-sleeve options, Sanchez suggests opting for a garment with “a square or sweetheart neckline for the perfect dash of cleavage”, highlighting this velvet and tulle minidress by Khaite (£1,860, Matches Fashion) which features a “sheer, prim high neck atop a square neckline and modern swingy shape”.

If that’s a little out of budget though, she also recommends investing in a piece from London-based, vintage-inspired womenswear label Sister Jane. This mini smock dress (£165, Asos) is the perfect homage to the period’s style while staying firmly in the present, with a crystal-embellished peter pan collar and flocked floral pattern. “I think it’s exactly what Daphne and co would wear to a party in 2021,” Sanchez says.

If an empire gown – which has a fitted bodice that ends under the bust – is more your style, Longmore suggests looking for dresses in block colours like aqua, cream or mint green, or to go for bold motifs to give the silhouette a modern finish.

“Needle & Thread has a selection of bright and detailed dresses that could have walked just off the set,” she adds – this smocked style (£340, Needle & Thread) is adorned with floral roses and short floaty sleeves.

Corset tops

Bustiers and corsets are requisite in Bridgerton, with just as much emphasis placed on the characters’s undergarments as the opulent gowns that are layered on top of them.

As a result, the styles have since surged in popularity by 123 per cent and, while traditional corsets are notoriously uncomfortable, Sanchez explains that things have considerably improved since the 19th century.

“Thankfully we no longer have to lace ourselves to the point of passing out like the poor Featherington girl in Bridgerton, but you can still get the chic look of a bustier top,” she says, highlighting this lace-trimmed denim style (£96, Net-a-Porter) by Miaou, a brand that specialises in modern bustiers. “You’ll get bonus points for pieces in Daphne Bridgerton’s favourite shade of pale blue,” Sanchez adds.

Alternatively, look to the high street where stores like Asos and & Other Stories also offer a contemporary way to buy into the trend, with items like this black beaded version (£37, & Other Stories) and blush satin style (£22, Asos), which can pair with everything from a trouser suit to high-waisted jeans.

Bejewelled hair accessories

The period drama saw searches for pearl and feather headbands rocket by 49 per cent, with Simone Rocha’s pearly creations (£295, Browns) and Magnetic Midnight’s dramatic headpieces (£310, Matches Fashion) among the most popular styles.

“Recencycore encapsulates luxury and what more could we need to lift our spirits after a difficult year in 2020 than some opulence, elegance and sophistication,” says fashion stylist Rebecca Lockwood. “You can easily incorporate the trend into your wardrobe with some simple styling pieces and a headband will instantly elevate your look.”

While Lockwood says this pink fluffy headband (£305, Farfetch) by Emilio Pucci is her top pick, both Longmore and Sanchez spotlight Jennifer Behr as their go-to. The designer creates everything from alice bands to tiaras and sparkling hair clips that will help you nail the Bridgerton look, including this pearl-embellished headband (£245, Net-a-Porter).

For a more budget-friendly take on the trend, Lockwood says this leopard embroidered headband (£35, Orelia) delivers just as many style points, as does this crystal hair comb from Accessorize (£12, Accessorize).

Satin handbags

Mixing a new bag into your daily rotation will help put an end to your winter dressing woes, and Sanchez points out that one of the biggest, and most wearable, trends from the Netflix series are micro carryalls in pillowy fabrics.

“One thing I noticed about the ladies of Bridgerton attending their seemingly endless balls was the sweet little pouches they carried to hold their dance cards,” she says. “You can make Regency style fit into 2021 by carrying a satin pouch as a clutch and, of course, lose the dance card for a credit card and iPhone.”

Sanchez highlights high-end versions from designers such as Rosantica, like this blush feather style (£630, Net-a-Porter) while, thanks to the trend for satin first entering the fashion world last summer, there are also plenty of affordable options to choose from. For a statement piece, pick up this teal style that comes with a fanciful frilled edge (£18, Asos), while this silver pouch (£95, Reiss) is a great choice for day or night thanks to its optional shoulder strap.

If Bridgerton has left you wanting more, read our guide to the books behind the hit Netflix series