Step into the Regency-core with this Bridgerton fashion guide

A show that’s as beloved for its fashion as its labyrinthine storyline, Bridgerton is back with a large helping of style inspiration

For fans of Regency-core, the latest season of Bridgerton has been serving inspirational fashion moments. We’re thinking full skirts, corset tops, gorgeous pastel hues, lace and, of course, kitten heels. It bears mentioning that not all of these elements lend themselves to Mumbai’s insufferable heat and long commute-filled workdays.

Eloise Bridgerton in delicate beading on a pastel coloured dress

So, we asked fashion stylist Disha Selarka whether and how the Regency-core look could be adapted to our wardrobes, without compromising on comfort or wearability. “An easier way to approach Regency-core is to break it down into smaller elements and simplify those into more wearable avatars,” Selarka explains. She lays down the following to make the style more approachable.

Disha Selarka and Raghav Agarwal

Silhouette chic
“Corsets are a mainstay of any historic fashion look — you can wear corset tops, blouses, or even a dress. Either go for an actual corset or pick a style that looks like a corset but is not as fitted and doesn’t have boning,” says Selarka. She also recommends apparel with an empire waistline which, she claims, was a mainstay of every dress on the show. “This waistline flatters every body shape, and beautifully camouflages those areas you may not be as confident about. You could wear this waistline in a dress or even a breezy summer top,” she explains.

Alia Bhatt in a saree

Fabric concerns
Opt for silk, lace, organza and tissue that are liberally worn by the characters on the show. You could wear them in your scarves, dresses, tops, trousers or — taking a leaf from Alia Bhatt’s Met Gala look — in a saree, advises Selarka. She adds that small floral prints and minimal designs work well, as do solids in pastel tones. 

Penelope Featherington from the series sports puff sleeves, lace and silk 

Keeping it desi
“This season maintains the show’s lavish style, blending historical authenticity with contemporary flair for a visually stunning depiction of the Regency era. It features opulent fabrics such as silk and velvet, intricate embroidery, and vibrant colours. In the Indian context, while design aspects may evolve, the vibrant colour palette easily lends itself to occasion wear,” says Agarwal. He adds that elaborate beaded sarees and floor-length lehengas make it easy to recreate the aesthetic with traditional Indian looks, with fabrics such as tulle and organza leading the way.

Kiara Advani wears a corset dress with pearls

Puffs of volume
Capped or puffed sleeves are summer-friendly and look period appropriate, says Selarka. “Pair with a free-flowing and voluminous skirt. Remember, with this aesthetic, proportion is everything, so don’t be afraid to veer on the side of exaggeration,” she says. Raghav Agarwal, an ethnic fashion entrepreneur, is also partial to bishop sleeves, which he says add a touch of drama to tops and saree blouses.

Sonam Kapoor’s look is a good example of carrying off small floral designs with matching jewellery

Accessories matter
“You can never go wrong with pearls! Wear your pearls in the form of earrings, necklaces or even bracelets. You can go for pearl hair pins as well if you wish to experiment further. Antique jewellery is another constant for most characters’ looks. Keep your pieces minimal and dainty,” says Selarka. Although colour-blocking is all the rage these days, she advises colour-matching your jewellery with your outfit. This, she says, instantly adds vintage charm to your look. With Indian looks, Agarwal recommends incorporating elements of regal Indian crafts such as Kundan or Polki-inspired designs in your jewellery.

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