Move Over Cottagecore, Regency is Here
Graphic via Meher Yeda
OK, we’ve all seen it. Daphne Bridgerton’s mini fringe, the Duke of Hastings being, you know, drop dead gorgeous, indulgent sex scenes that are basically soft porn. Nextflix’s “Bridgerton” interrupted everyone’s winter break in the best way possible. But hot people and Lady Whistledown drama aside, “Bridgerton” dropped one of the best period costume depictions of all time. Seemingly overnight, Regency fashion went mainstream. Cottagecore was out and Jane Austen was in.
So what is Regency fashion? Why is it so popular? And how can you incorporate it in your everyday style?
Regency style first developed in European high society in the aftermath of the French Revolution. The style, characterized by a high waist and the lack of a traditional corset, stood in contrast to the elaborate Rococo style — exaggerated tiny waists, ruffles, dramatic wigs, and an abundance of lace — that dominated pre-revolution French courts. No one in the aristocracy across the continent wanted to demonstrate any connection to the ruined French, so the anglicized Regency style was adopted instead. If the English were anything, they were anti-French.
Regency style was understated and incorporated simple colors like white, blue and pale yellow. Dresses featured a waistline hitting just under the bust and typically a small cap sleeve over the shoulder. Long sleeve dresses usually featured a puff at the shoulder as well. The style allowed for women to wear looser corsets, called stays, which were liberating for women of the day. The style is also neoclassical, taking its inspiration from Greek and Roman traditions — the looser style and lighter colors were meant to imitate togas. Regency style evolved throughout its reign, but it ultimately ended with Queen Victoria's rule and the rise of the more prudish Victorian style.
“Bridgerton” takes some liberties with Regency style, incorporating bolder colors and unusual fabrics. In one scene, Marina Thompson (played by Ruby Barker) wears a bright yellow tank-top dress. This would be unheard of at the time and make an extremely scandalous statement.
Marina Thompson’s yellow tank-top gown. Image via Marie Claire
Additionally, several characters lean toward a more Rococo style with their clothing. Both Queen Charlotte and Lady Featherington (played by Golda Rosheuvel and Polly Walker respectively) wear Rococo dresses featuring tight waists. This perhaps signifies that the characters are of touch with style and society. Both characters are continually playing catch-up with the gossip of the day.
Regency style is glamorous, whimsical and delightfully understated so its current popularity is understandable. But “Bridgerton” is certainly not solely responsible for Regency’s resurgence. High fashion clothing brands Rodarte, Brock Collection and Erdem all have Regency-core in their DNA. As early as Spring 2005, Dior featured an underbust waist dress on the runway and Gisele Bundchen wore said dress to the Academy Awards that year (with Leonardo Dicaprio on her arm). Brock Collection and Marc Jacob both debuted Regency dresses in their 2020 collections and Erdem followed up with an ensemble straight out of 1800s Mayfair in their most recent collection.
Thanks to “Bridgerton,” Regency fashion has extended beyond the runway. Regular people, bored of sweatpants and leggings, have invested in corsets galore. Just take a look at the hundreds of YouTube and TikTok videos titled something to the effect of “I bought this corset because TikTok told me to and I LOVE it.” If you’re like me — obsessed with Regency style but worried about showing up to the next function in a full gown — you're probably wondering how to do Regency a la 2021.
The first step is to invest in a corset top. Whether you buy a tried-and-true corset (under $30 on Amazon!) or a corset-inspired crop top, this is sure to add a little historical spice to your wardrobe. There’s the TikTok famous Victoria’s Secret corset top for $80, or you could go with my personal favorite, the Savage X Fenty bright red corset for $40. Wear it with a pair of jeans, or layer with a loose collared shirt or even a turtleneck. Take your favorite cottagecore dress and step it up with a corset on top. While a corset is technically not historically accurate to the Regency look, it serves as a good modern spin. Underwear as outerwear is in.
Aside from the raging corset trend, you can try working with accessories. Invest in a pair of sheer white stockings, pearl jewelry or an elbow length glove if you're feeling extra fun. You can even try belting loose shirts or dresses higher up to imitate an underbust waist.
Ultimately, modern takes on Regency style involve a mindset of far-gone royalty, femininity and simple elegance. Regency started as a style for wealthy socialites of the era. It was meant to emulate a divergence from the ostentatious French court. While none of those things feel relatable today, Regency style still brings back nostalgia for a time in which we never lived. It’s dress up for grown-ups, specifically 2021 grown ups who have spent far too long looking like gutter rats. So use these tips, indulge in the fantasies of the Regency era, and have fun playing dress up.