This is not a drill: Bridgerton is finally back—and so is its iconic style. While you might tune in for the romance, Bridgerton’s fashion is basically a main character at this point, offering modern fashion lovers fresh style inspiration in the form of fanciful and over-the-top looks.
The Netflix series, based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling series of romance novels and executive-produced by Shonda Rhimes, contains copious amounts of eye candy—from the sets to the actors—with outfit ideas just as memorable as Lady Whistledown’s papers. (Regé-Jean Page will be missed, but we’re looking forward to Simone Ashley’s debut.)
While the characters scheme, fall in love, and engage in other gossip-making activities, they don Empire-waist gowns, opera gloves, and decadent jewels in a modern-day mashup of cottagecore and sexy boudoir dressing. No, it’s not quite accurate to 19th-century high-society London—neither are the show’s covers of modern-day pop songs, for the record—but that’s exactly the point. Costume designer Ellen Mirojnick nailed the fantasy version of the Regency period in season one by changing fabrics, dreaming up new color palettes, and banning bonnets from set—and she continues to push the envelope with iconic costume choices for the newest episodes.
Come for the inevitable drama, stay for the incredible style—and shop five surprisingly wearable Bridgerton fashion trends that the entire Mayfair crew would probably wear today in 2022.
Fancy house dresses
We won’t blame you if Empire-waist Bridgerton dresses aren’t really your thing. But you can still emulate the show’s vibe by wearing dresses with statement sleeves and loose fits. Beyond being an easy way to introduce some Regency flair into your wardrobe, these details signal comfy, casual garments—perfect for house dresses. While you can (and should) wear these breezy dresses around the house, they’re also cute enough to hit the town in. Whether you go for a Featherington-worthy print or a more contemporary single-color take, think of these as Bridgerton Lite.
Elaborate hair adornments
Mirojnick didn’t allow any of the characters to wear bonnets—all for the better, since the hair accessories in Bridgerton are so fun. Practically every shot contains a high-society lady indulging in a bejeweled tiara, ribbon headband, feather headpiece, or floral fascinator. Thankfully, you can pick up these Queen Charlotte–inspired pieces without coming from royalty yourself. (They’d also make Blair Waldorf proud.) Bonus points if you style your hair into period-accurate curls.
Elegant necklaces
Jewelry is crucial to the series’ aesthetic—and if you look closely, you’ll see each character’s necklaces tell their own stories. While Daphne usually wears more understated necklaces, including ribbon chokers and delicate crystals, other characters like Lady Danbury and the Featheringtons tend to wear more opulent statement pieces. Your own collection of necklaces could use a brand-new charmer (for example, newcomer Kate Sharma?). These chokers will do the trick.
Dainty shoes
Whether they’re wearing flats or kitten heels, the ladies of Bridgerton pay just as much attention to their choice of footwear as they do the rest of their accessories. Regency-era shoes were most similar to modern-day ballet flats, but feel free to take a cue from the Netflix series’ alternate universe and slip on some embellished mules or feather-trimmed heels. No matter which option you choose, it’s the perfect low-risk tribute.
Extravagant gloves
Gloves are so much more than just a wintertime necessity. Bridgerton gives the old-school accessory some much deserved time in the spotlight, dressing its high-society characters in a wide variety of styles, from wrist-length lace to opera-length satin. And thanks to the likes of Kim Kardashian, gloves are also making a comeback this spring—so if you’re looking to make a statement at your next picnic, look no further.
