HomeLifestyleFashion & Beauty

Get the look: Bridgerton

Get the look: Bridgerton

Whether you’re dressing up for an elegant luxury ball or daydreaming about being a more daytime-appropriate debutante, allow us to transport your wardrobe to Regency-era London with just a few Bridgerton styling tricks…

Alert the royal press! Returning to Netflix on the 25th march, Bridgerton is set to build on its enormous fandom with a whole new season of debutantes and dalliances, setting the tone for some of the season's key fashion trends.

Daytime Daphne

Get the look Daphne Bridgerton lookbook
Hillhouse home Headband, River Island Dress, Abercrombie Corset, Lily Silk Gloves, Harriet Wilde Shoes, Quatroze Baby’s Breath Ear Cuffs

The star of Bridgerton's first season, Daphne Basset (née Bridgerton) is known for her demure gowns, youthful, but still highly in keeping with the standards of a respectful debutante.

For a 2022-twist on her classic look, mimic the shape, not the fabric. The high street is full of floaty frocks in cotton and linen that nod to the trend but are still low-key enough for summer holidays. Dress up with feminine flat shoes, hairband and gloves, or down with sandals and gold jewellery. Quatorze’s "baby’s breath ear cuffs" will add a finishing touch, modern in their design but still evoking the glamourous adornment that many of the Bridgerton women wear for their formal engagements.

Of course, Bridgerton wouldn’t be Bridgerton without its trademark heaving bosoms. The square neck of the dress will naturally flatter this area, but if you’re looking for some extra support, layer a trusty bra with a plain corset top, smoothing out the silhouette and blending in with the dress’s high waistline. A good corset doesn’t necessarily need to be boned, but it should fit snugly, with adjustable straps to ensure your comfort. Even in the name of fashion, there should be no fainting in the royal court.

 

The honourable Duke

how to dress like the men in bridgerton get the look
Ralph Lauren Shirt, Maje Waistcoat, Nazli Ceren Trousers, Moda in Pelle Shoes, Latelita Earrings

If dresses aren’t your thing, look no further than the chic style of the various Dukes, Viscounts and Barons. Season one made a star of Regé-Jean Page as the Duke of Hastings, while season two will focus on the courting efforts of Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey.

Both men are fans of elaborate waistcoats, which are bang on trend for spring/summer 2022. They look great with velvet trousers and a tailored dress shirt, but can just as easily be styled over loose dresses or with jeans and a t-shirt for a more everyday look.

To accessorise, don’t be afraid to play with clashing colours. A butter-yellow loafer gives an extra fashion edge, while elaborate earrings nod to the show's penchant for feathers without seeming too costume-like.

 

High society hues

how to dress like the women in Bridgerton lookbook
Alexander McQueen Dress, Jimmy Choo Shoes, Butler Wilson Necklace, Aisling Kavanagh Bag, Sophie Billie Brahe Earrings, Wolf & Moon hairpiece

With her enthusiasm for garish citrus colours, Penelope Featherington (played by Nicola Coughlan) always makes a statement. Channel her energy with a classic McQueen ballgown. It’s an investment yes, but in this classic shape, it is the sort of dress that can be worn over and over, the perfect length for those who do not want to wear heels.

When it comes to jewellery, more is most definitely more; don’t be afraid to layer chandelier necklaces and earrings, but keep them coherent through complementary shades and shape choices; pearls and glass, eardrops and rounds.

A delicate little clutch bag adds a further flourish, while an intricate hairpiece creates a talking point that is fit for royalty. Wolf & Moon’s delicately carved piece feels like something Penelope Featherington would have loved if she were a 2022 girl, a subtle subversion of her namesake feathered fascinators.

 

A daytime promenade

dress like bridgerton but modern
Zimmerman blouse, Zimmerman trousers, Oliver Bonas necklace, Antra Designs Coat, Atiya Choudry bag

Ballgowns, headdresses and elbow-length gloves are all well and good, but what does one wear when they wish to impress on a more active day out?

Blending masculine and feminine traits of all of Bridgerton’s core characters, the teaming of a classic Zimmerman trouser and an off-the-shoulder blouse feels romantic but still wearable, dressed up further with an embellished bag and a statement coat in a brocade print. Add riding boots or strappy sandals depending on the season—whether you’re interviewing potential suitors or taking in a scenic promenade on a crisp Saturday morning, you’ll be well prepared.

 

Honeymoon boudoir

how to get the look bridgerton underwear lingerie
Mui Ami Robe, Faune Night Gown,  Zara Bra, Hunkemoller Knickers, Blissy Sleep Mask set, Bridgerton book by Julia Quinn

Fashion and glamour aside, there is no denying that a great deal of Bridgerton’s appeal lies in its raunch, with many scenes taking place in the newly-marital chamber. Swap out your oversized bed shirts for a fine silk robe and long cotton gown to get the Bridgerton feel, evoking the romantic spirit of Daphne. Regency underwear might leave something to be desired in terms of practicality, but you can still mimic the look with an embroidered lace set, or a mix-and-match pairing of your own sensual choice.

If you’re looking for a quieter bedtime, what better relaxing opportunity than to grab a copy of one of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels?  Whether through a romantic tryst or a simple evening of self-pampering and reading relaxation, Bridgerton is all about embracing personal pleasures. Trust us—it’s what Lady Whistledown would want.

Keep up with the top stories from Reader's Digest by subscribing to our weekly newsletter

*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Header image: Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2020

This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you. Read our disclaimer

Loading up next...