Bridgerton, the Netflix adaptation of Julia Quinn's bestselling historical romance novels, returns for its second season on Friday, March 25. When the Regency-era series debuted in December 2020, it set the internet ablaze with its steamy sex scenes, approach to race, and overall escapism. Yet the lasting effects of Bridgerton weren't most keenly felt by our hearts or even our loins, but by our wardrobes. Regencycore, the Jane Austen–era cousin of royalcore, dominated Instagram feeds, TikTok videos, and Pinterest mood boards for months. With its soft, romantic sensuality and pale color palette, the aesthetic fit in well with other TikTok-fueled trends like balletcore and cottagecore, setting off a corset craze and reviving the iconic Vivienne Westwood pearl choker as the item du jour.
Now, ahead of the show’s second season, we're revisiting Regencycore by highlighting practical ways to integrate its grandiose elements into your everyday style. The delicacy of its textures and colors lend themselves well to a new spring wardrobe as we emerge from winter—fresh as daisies and ready for what's to come.
The Empire (Waist) Strikes Back
Perhaps the most distinctive trait of Regencycore—and what distinguishes it from royalcore with its Tudor-inspired corsets and stays—is the empire waist. Recall the infinitely meme’d cover of Ottessa Moshfegh’s My Year of Rest and Relaxation. While the empire waist isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, when executed in the Regencycore silhouette with puffy capped sleeves and a flowy skirt, it's extremely flattering.
The Puff Sleeve
Speaking of puff sleeves, this is perhaps the easiest (and most casual) way to incorporate Regencycore into your daily spring wardrobe. Just add a diary and picnic basket, then head to the closest meadow to instantly feel like your favorite Jane Austen heroine.
Ballroom Ballet Flats
Bridgerton has many pivotal ballroom scenes, and the eligible young ladies dancing with their suitors to string quartet covers of Ariana Grande songs all wear the prettiest ballet flats. These shoes have been making a steady return all year, so why not try them out this spring? If they are satin, pastel, or have pearl or rhinestone embellishments, they will fit well within the Regencycore aesthetic.
Pearl Details
Between pearl barrettes and the Vivienne Westwood choker, the pearl trend is here to stay. If pearl necklaces aren’t for you, we love them as little embellishments—like the buttons on a cardigan or embroidered into a headband.
Opera Gloves
Perhaps even more decadent than pearl embellishments are opera gloves—wearing them will require you to have a personal phone handler to check the many texts from all your suitors. But a little decadence is just what Lady Whistledown would call for, and opera gloves are the perfect way to add a bit of sexy elegance to an evening look.
