Expect to have a rather quiet time of things this week - Bridgerton Part Two is coming out and with that - some gorgeous Bridgerton dresses to swoon over. As of 13 June, your favourite characters will, much like Part One, be up to no good as they engage in a whirlwind of balls, social calls and secret rendezvous.
The Regency romp fuelled an internet obsession with the era when season one dropped in December 2020. And now that we're in full 'Polin' madness, 'Regencycore' is once again rearing its head. Fans of the show are desperate to replicate the look, with searches soaring for 'Bridgerton outfit' (309%) and 'regency dresses for women' (271%). Interiors are also getting the treatment; searches for 'vintage English tea sets for sale' have increased by 1,000%, while 'damask wallpaper for living room' is up 586% and 'faux-wisteria flowers' is up 267%.
It might not be possible to rustle up a historical gown on short notice, but there are plenty of modern-day homages in the shops right now. A Penelope-inspired outfit doesn't get more perfect than Bytimo's Ruched Maxi Dress, and Bridgerton-inspired dresses are the name of the game over at Sister Jane, which has a delightful puff-sleeved frock which features a daring red print.
While Regencycore may be a trend you want to buy into, we're not suggesting playing dress up, per se. It's worthwhile looking for details such as square necklines, floral prints and empire-line silhouettes that nod to the trend without coming across as a fancy dress costume. For example, Kitri's Louisa Maxi Dress is a square-necked frock covered in bunches of pink blossoms that's ideal for any summer gathering. Just add a pair of elbow-length opera gloves - and a tiara if you're so inclined - and you're all set.
SHOP: The Best Bridgerton-Inspired Dresses To Shop Now
www.theoutnet.com
Something straight out of Penelope Featherington's wardrobe, Bytimo's maxi dress is floral perfection. We love the shirred and ruched details, creating effortless texture to catch the eye.
sisterjane.com
A vision in red, the Patricia Dress from Sister Jane is ideal for those who love all things jacquard print, and a ruffle or two. We think of Alice in Wonderland when looking at the ruffled whimsical hem.
www.riverisland.com
Something a little different. The River Island Crochet Dress has a beautiful empire waistline and is finished with a floral skirt and sleeves. We particularly like that the crochet element adds a contemporary twist to the vintage design.
www.net-a-porter.com
The Self-Portrait Mini Dress also takes inspiration from the empire waistline, although perhaps showing this much leg would've gotten you in trouble in the Regency era. Note the unique beaded finish along the chest, for added flare.
www.selfridges.com
Regency-era women wore corsets underneath their dresses, but it's 2024, so who says you can't wear a corset-inspired garb altogether? The high-slit skirt means this dress will be perfectly breathable on hotter summer days, too.
www.self-portrait.com
We think the Self-Portrait Midi Dress stands out immediately for its gorgeous buttoned front and exaggerated sleeves, puffed beyond belief. Our favourite feature? The bow ties at the nape.
sisterjane.com
If you're more of a monochrome fan and bright dresses make you feel slightly queasy, Sister Jane has got you covered. We point to the scalloped hem as one of the many tiny details that make the dress just that extra bit special.
www.self-portrait.com
The regency-era woman was partial to a jewel or two, which the Self-Portrait Diamante Bow Dress encompasses completely, embracing the coquettish look wholeheartedly. We love the flattering Diamanté trims marking the structure of the dress.
www.theoutnet.com
Ruffled to perfection, Tory Burch has nailed the regency-in-modern-age style on the head. Plus, we adore its two hidden pockets. Try to contain your excitement.
www.farfetch.com
A little bit silky and a little bit sultry, our favourite element of the Reformation Clarisse Dress is the lace trimmings, that hang effortlessly at the ankle.
REVOLVE
One for our gothic sisters, the Weworewhat corset dress has a dramatic corset construction and equally-dramatic puffed sleeves. We want to shout out that the corset bust is underwired, for ultimate support.
What Are The Bridgerton Dresses Called?
Dubbed "Regency-era dresses," the elegant frocks showcased in the series, as highlighted by fashion historian Raissa Bretaña in an exclusive chat with Netflix, feature a distinctively high waistline just under the bust, called an empire waistline, paired with a sleek, columnar skirt. The costume designers behind Bridgerton undeniably mastered the essence of the era's fashion.
Given the fictional and fantastical essence of the show, it's crucial to bear in mind that the traditional Regency dresses might undergo slight alterations to cater to the modern aesthetic. This could involve the use of contemporary manufactured fabrics and colours, which may not have been historically worn by certain classes.
How To Dress "Bridgerton"
The quintessential attire for any Bridgerton affair undoubtedly revolves around the timeless Regency dress. With an array of options curated in our shopping guide above, it's imperative to grace the event in that signature high-waisted silhouette paired with a sleek columnar skirt – ensuring instant recognition amidst the grandeur. Complete the ensemble with dainty kitten heels, luxurious silk gloves, and a string of pearls adorning your neck, and you're poised to catch the eye of a suitor at any soirée.
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Grazia, specialising in fashion and beauty. She loves finding dupes for clothes worn in TV & film and is currently binge-watching Succession.