Half the fun of watching Netflix’s “Bridgerton” is the over-the-top, delightfully decadent fashion.
The frothy Regency era rom-com series (produced by Shonda Rhimes) drops us into London high society during a “season,” a yearly tradition in which debutantes are presented at court to signal their readiness for marriage.
Naturally, they’re dressed to the nines. The series’ costume designer, Ellen Mirojnick, brings the fashion of 19th century England back to life with vibrant colors; airy, era-specific silhouettes; tons of embroidery and lots of outlandish prints.
“It’s like a big ice cream sundae with all the toppings,” Mirojnick told WWD in a preview of the costumes in mid-December.
It’s a total feast for the eyes, especially in the middle of a pandemic. If you’re secretly pining to dress like a Featherington or Bridgerton sister while wearing your sweats and athleisure wear, you’re not alone.
According to online fashion store Lyst, searches for Regencycore have soared since the show premiered on Christmas Day: There’s been a 123% spike in searches for corsets and a 49% spike in pearl and feather headband searches. Searches for long gloves are up 23%, and searches for empire line dresses have jumped 93%.
You’re probably not going to slip on a super-embellished, empire-waisted gown any time soon, but who says you can’t have a little fun in a casual dress that’s reminiscent of the Regency era?
Below, we rounded up 18 dresses that Daphne Bridgerton & Co. would probably wear if they were living in 2021.
