Bridgerton is finally back, and with it comes the urge to don outfits that the season’s Diamond herself would be proud of. Full of romantic frills and lavish layers, the regency wardrobe champions typically feminine silhouettes and dramatic details, and although I won’t be stepping out in a floor-sweeping gown any time soon, I’m more than ready to indulge in a few regency-inspired trends to pretty up my summer wardrobe.
The aesthetic has been aptly dubbed “regencycore” on social media, but this isn’t the first time I’ve seen the trend take off. Aligning with the airing of Bridgerton season one in 2020, the look initially emerged as a way to indulge in the more playful parts of the regency wardrobe. Now, more than three years on, the aesthetic has seen another upsurge of interest, with Google searches spiking by 8,000% ahead of the highly-anticipated release of season three.
You’d be forgiven for thinking the trend too “costumey” to wear day-to-day, but I’ve found several key regency-inspired items that are already trending this season and won’t make you look like you’ve stepped out in cosplay (unless that’s what you’re going for, of course).
Read on to discover the regencycore fashion trends I’m genuinely tempted to wear this season.
THE REGENCYCORE FASHION TRENDS I GENUINELY WANT TO WEAR
1. PUFF SLEEVES
Style Notes: Starting strong, the puff-sleeve trend is one of my favourites to take off this summer. These light and airy sleeves will have you feeling feminine and fancy, and the pretty detail can be spotted on all the chicest dresses and blouses this season. To tick off another regency-inspired trend, shop a style that features intricate embroidery or spring florals, both of which have also seen interest spike in the past 60 days, according to influencer-led shopping platform LTK.
SHOP PUFF SLEEVES:
RIXO
Annina Midi Dress in Slate Blue
£295
This pretty pale blue shade is having a moment this season.
H&M
Puff-Sleeved Blouse
£19
Style with jeans or keep it breezy with linen trousers.
REFORMATION
Marella Linen Dress in Cherry
£298
This cherry red shade looks chic with cream and black accessories.
2. PEARLS
Style Notes: Pearls are big news in jewellery trends this season. With a summery energy, delicate pearls feel totally at home when worn with draped summer dresses and relaxed linen staples, and look equally elegant paired with dramatic gowns and high-neck blouses.
SHOP PEARL JEWELLERY:
MONICA VINADER
Gold Vermeil Nura Irregular Pearl Mixed Necklace
£250
Layer this up with other necklaces or style on its own.
EDGE OF EMBER
Ocean Recycled 18ct Gold-Plated Sterling Silver and Freshwater Pearl Earrings
£75
These pretty earrings are perfect for summer styling.
COS
Freshwater Pearl Chain Necklace
£55
This sculptural design is really unique.
3. BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: There’s no denying it: It’s going to be a flat-shoe summer. Up there with Mary Janes and loafers, ballet flats are asserting themselves as one of the most important shoe styles of the season. Wear with a puff-sleeve dress for a truly regency-inspired look, or style with baggy jeans for a very 2024 take.
SHOP BALLET FLATS:
MANGO
Bow Leather Ballerina in Black
£46
These also come in a dark beige shade.
REFORMATION
Barbara Ballet Flat
£268
These elegant flats will add interest to any casual outfit.
M&S COLLECTION
Leather Square Toe Ballet Pumps in Ivory
£35
These are so easy to work into a capsule wardrobe.
4. ELONGATED CUFFS
Style Notes: This refined sleeve detail always adds an elevated and elegant energy. Offering a slight hint of drama in a really wearable way, I’m seeing more and more pieces with elongated cuffs, and I’m buying into it.
SHOP ELONGATED CUFFS:
REFORMATION
Halia Dress in Black
£298
This elegant dress also comes in white.
GAUGE81
Naha Wrap-Effect Silk Mini Shirt Dress
£450
Style with knee-high boots or pointed-toe heels.
LIBEROWE
Hoare Gathered Cotton-Poplin Shirt
£620
White cotton dresses are a summer failsafe.
5. BUSTIER CORSETS
Style Notes: Offering just as much drama as Bridgerton, 2024’s bustier corset trend lends a sharp silhouette and polished effect. Rapidly gaining popularity, LTK found that searches for corsets were up 74% over the past 60 days. Style over—or under—a flowing dress for a regencycore take on the growing trend.
SHOP BUSTIER CORSETS:
HOUSE OF CB
Genevieve Corseted Satin Top in Vintage Cream
£99
This also comes in black.
VICTORIA BECKHAM
Corset Top in Antique White
£650
Style with jeans or a white cotton skirt on a warm day.
ROZIE CORSETS
Corset Top
£557
The two-tone design really elevates this corset top.
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