Since its debut in 2020, Netflix BridgertonBased on a series of romance novels by Julia Quinn, the show focuses on the Regency period, but it’s not just the social customs and history of the time that are highlighted – it’s the fashion as well.
Style Bridgerton The Regency period has been one of the biggest trend drivers in recent years, influencing designers to look to the era for inspiration. The period helped popularize corsets, empire-waisted mini dresses, and opera gloves, which are some of the show’s fashion staples. But even though the show is set in the era, the costumes incorporate historical elements. Fashion historian and curator Sarah Scaturro says the textiles, for example, feel more Victorian with their elaborate embellishments and vibrant colors.
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What is Regency Fashion?
The Regency refers to the period from 1811 to 1820 when George IV, Prince of Wales, ruled England after his father, George III, was deemed unfit to rule due to mental illness. Although the Regency lasted only ten years, the term also applies to the longer period from 1795 to 1837.
According to fashion curator Sara Scaturro, fashion trends of this era were heavily influenced by the pomposity of the 18th century, and pushed society’s style in the opposite direction. “They were looking back to classism and the Greeks, which meant simplifying things and looking at the essence of the human body,” Scaturro added.
In contrast to the flashy fashions of the previous century, Regency fashion was simplified to have less decoration and the focus shifted from accentuating the waist to accentuating the bust. The style borrowed from ancient Greek fashion, with its cylindrical bodice and skirt, which Scaturro says “allowed a lot of movement for women to bend, move, and walk.” Still, underneath the gown was a corset-like device that helped mold the female body to the ideal shape of the era. “The emphasis is on lifting and firming the bust and smoothing the torso to create this beautiful cylindrical silhouette,” Scaturro says.
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Core elements of Regency fashion
The Regency period is often confused with the Victorian style due to their historical proximity, but the Regency and Victorian styles have three distinct characteristics: BridgertonFashion of the time:
Empire Line
Regency-era gowns were characterized by an Empire line, which Scaturro describes as “very high-waisted,” a style completely different from that of the Victorian era, which focused on slimming the waist with corsets and bustle skirts.
slipper
While heels were popular in earlier periods, specifically at the court of King Louis XIV of France, Regency fashion adopted flat shoes. Gowns were made to stop at the ankles, so footwear was visible, and colorful, embroidered slippers were often seen, Sciattullo said.
stay
Like corsets, stays were Regency-era shapewear that gave women the columnar silhouette that was fashionable at the time, making their breasts appear larger. Scaturro says the emphasis on stays is what distinguishes stays from corsets, but their use was similar throughout the 19th century.
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How to wear Regency fashion in a modern way
Fashion trends have been leaning towards Regency style for the past few years, and it’s not stopping there. From corsets and puff sleeves to ballet flats, today’s must-have styles seem like they were lifted straight from the 19th century. And, as Scaturro puts it: BridgertonThe costumes in are not as historically accurate as in other works (though she Pride and Prejudice Case in point, she admits that she still enjoys emulating the extravagance of the series’ costumes.
Empire waists are one of the easiest ways to embrace the style that is so iconic to the era. They can be found on both tops and dresses, and have a cylindrical shape that Scaturro identifies as a Regency-era staple. She adds that the current craze for ballet flats is also a surefire way to emulate the era, and they’re super easy to wear. Puff sleeves are another style that’s remained popular from the Regency era, and can still be found today on mini dresses from brands like Selkie. While corsets aren’t technically a Regency-era piece of gear, their popularity today is hard to ignore. The key is to find a corset that accentuates your bust and makes your torso look fuller, emulating the Regency-era silhouette.
