Alongside 82 million others, including my parents, sister, and brother all at various times, I binge-watched Netflix’s new period show, Bridgerton, over the holidays. Set in 1813 in London’s Mayfair, the show follows the eldest daughter of the wealthy Bridgerton family as she navigates Regency London’s competitive marriage market for the first time, in the hopes of finding herself true love in the form of a husband.
While there are many hovering question marks around the show’s historical accuracy, there is no denying that there was something about the colourblind casting, scooped necklines with puffed sleeves, gloves for days, violin renditions of Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Billie Eillish, and a certain spoon, that just hit differently.
First and foremost, it is critical that you possess a corset. Fortunately, corsets are all over the internet thanks in no small part to Bridgerton, whether they are affordable ones like those at Amazon, Urban Outfitters, Depop or Asos, or more pricey vintage ones like those on Sororité Vintage. Paired with straight, wide leg, or baggy-style jeans, the outfit is flattering, cool, and gives a nod to the whole looking-for-Mr-Darcy aesthetic we love so much.
However, if dramatically squeezing your entire torso into a tiny medieval contraption isn’t quite your speed, don’t fret, as there are far more subtle ways to incorporate Regency moments into your outfit. What particularly stood out to me in the show was the refreshing presence of velvet. A luxurious fabric that we often associate with affluence, wealth, and sophistication, velvet was seen frequently throughout. I personally find that velvet will outstage most fabrics or patterns in the elegance and timelessness departments any day, and would usually opt for it over sequined or silk alternatives for winter parties and events. While velvet is quietly working its way back into style in the form of dramatically oversized hair bows (I love these Etsy ones), it is still not quite as acquainted with online retail. So, to suss out a velvet find, be it in the form of a blouse, dress, hair accessory, or other, I would recommend looking second hand on Depop, Ebay, Etsy, or in a local charity/thrift shop (if you can find one open!).
Similarly, a square or scooped neck was probably one of the most common styles in the show, most often in the form of a dress. To get the same aesthetic but give it a modern twist, go for a square neck blouse like this one on Reformation (and it’s velvet!), or this more affordable alternative from & Other Stories. Bonus points if the item has puffed sleeves! Puffed sleeves started appearing on runways in SS2018, and have been having a major revival in recent months. Combine the two and you’ll be a bonafide Bridgerton.
There we have it. Just a few recommendations on how to revamp your wardrobe to extend your Bridgerton nostalgia one notch further away from being acceptable. On the subject of nostalgia, while watching this piece of escapism I quickly realised just how much I missed a good ball. Out of context, that sounds quite elitist, but really it took the grandeur and elegance of Bridgerton to fully remind me how much I miss attending St Andrews’ infamous balls. I quickly found myself dreaming of some time in the hopefully not-too-distant future when I might once again be able to pay an arm and a leg to get dressed up and dance the night away in our gorgeous little old town by the sea. Until that time returns, I will be dressing in these Regency inspired styles to my dying day.
