Dearest readers, it goes without saying but the beloved historical romance-drama Bridgerton certainly has a chokehold over the cultural zeitgeist.
From our regal inspired vernacular to our penchant for promenading, there’s no doubt the cult series is influencing mainstream ideals.
Of course, this is most apparent in the increase of Regency-era apparel.
With Regencycore being the talk of the ton in 2021, we’ve slowly but surely seen 1800s-era dressing make its way into the mainstream.
However, with the resurgence of more recent trends like indie sleaze, balletcore and 2014 tumblr girl, we’ve forgotten the appeal of more romantic and idealistic aesthetics like cottagecore and regencycore.
Now, thanks to the timely release of the highly-anticipated second season of Bridgerton, we’ve already seen the rise of Georgian, Regency, Victorian style make a comeback and cement itself as a staple.
From red carpets to runways, the tropes of regencycore have become less synonymous with 19th century inspired fashion to the style du jour.
At fashion’s night of nights, the 2021 Met Gala, Barbie Ferreira showcased that pearlcore isn’t just reserved as a rising jewellery trend, dripping herself in the preferred design of England’s upper echelon.
Our favourite SoCal supermodels Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid also highlighted the versatility of opera gloves. Because who said that the Bridgerton and Featherington sisters had to have all the fun?
Dress gloves also appeared in Fendi’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection, with a pastel colour palette and lettuce-edge finishes the perfect, contemporary counterpart to this period trope.
In fact, Gen-Z’s preferred fashion resale platform, Depop, saw an 85% increase in searches for ‘Opera Gloves’ in the UK compared to the same time last year. But don’t just take cues from the celebrity style set.
Dressed donned by Bridgerton leading ladies, including newcomers Kate and Edwina Sharma, along with Daphne Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, lead to an +146% surge in fashion demand for floral print dresses since the release of season two according to Love The Sales.
The e-commerce platform also charted an increase in military blazers by 89% and waistcoats by 77%. We’re booking an appointment with the modiste as we speak.
But how does regencycore 2.0 compare to the trends first reign?
The first wave of regencycore of saw puffed-sleeves, cinched waistlines and billowing skirts increase in popularity—which makes sense considering the pandemic’s influence over slouchy and comfortable silhouettes.
However, with fashion’s shift towards genderless fashion, we’ve seen codes of both regency inspired menswear and womenswear intersect.
Corsets, waistcoats and even riding boots are no longer a sign of one’s gender (or social stature). We’re reviving the aesthetic with contemporary ideals for a new take on 19th century fashion.
Regencycore’s aesthetic is also a large part of the commentary around society’s fixation with nostalgia and vintage inspired style.
Although we’re unsure whether we’ll be attending a grand ball or receiving our copy of Lady Whistledown any time soon, keep scrolling below for marie claire’s edit of our favourite regencycore pieces below.
Styland Feather-trim Long Gloves, $391 at Farfetch
Ganni Embellished Flatform Sandals, $327 at MyTheresa
La Perla Lace-up Lace-trimmed Tulle Bustier, $484 at The Outnet
Khaite Puff-sleeve Peplum Blouse, $2,175 at Farfetch
Simone Rocha Embroidered Tulle Minidress, $2,335 at MyTheresa
Rodarte Printed Silk Twill Midi Dress, $1,283 at MyTheresa
Alessandra Rich Floral Silk Dress, $3,019 at MyTheresa
The Ivy, $250 at Realisation Par
Molly Goddard Josh Tulle Top, $3,692 at Farfetch
Zimmermann Botanica Linen And Silk Cropped Bustier, $549 at MyTheresa
TOTÊME Brown Army Double Jacket, $1260 at Ssense
Senso Zandar II, $385.00 at The Iconic
Raquette Matador Tie-detail Waistcoat, $468 at Farfetch
