dearest gentle reader
dearest gentle reader
INSIDE: the Nap Dress, purple lingerie, and the people behind the Bridgerton costumes
Confession: I was late to the Bridgerton game. I loved Season 1… but then somehow, entirely missed Season 2. A month ago or so, when Season 3 Part 1 came out, I caught the Bridgerton bug again… and am arguably WAY too into it now lol. (It scratches the Gossip Girl AND the Downton Abbey itch!!!!)
In keeping with this obsession, this newsletter is all Bridgerton, all the time – the spotlight is about how they developed the costumes for the show, which I found SUPER interesting 👒
I also started the fun on the ‘gram a lil early this week with a Bridgerton accessories thrift guide! You can shop them all here (please someone nab that beautiful blue notebook!).
A note on the shopping and thrift sections: my goal was for everything to be Bridgerton-inspired but still wearable in our modern lives :) Now, onto the good stuff…
Get Thrifty
1. Hill House Nap Dress in White, Size Small from Curtsy, $100
Diamond of the season vibes, anyone?? I actually just got my first Nap Dress this week in blue… and oh my god, I understand the hype now.
2. Secret Treasures Baby Doll Dress, Size Medium from Curtsy, $15
Ok, MAJOR Viscountess Kate Bridgerton vibes (who imo has the best aesthetic on the show!). Also, a fun fact, this Curtsy seller uses all her profits for her animal rescue 💗
3. Boutique Cream Blouse, Size Small from Depop, $20
This is not something I would usually go for but my Bridgerton searches lead me to her, and I think she’s so cute!!! I would definitely take a peek at the pics of this on a model, it’s so dainty but somehow also so chill.
4. LoveShackFancy Dress, Size Medium from Depop, $40
I LOVE the color choices and patterns on this dress, it feels different to the usual LoveShackFancy suspects in the best way! This one gives me Season 3 Penelope vibes too, we love.
B.N.W.T.
1. Honey Bee Signet Ring from Etsy, $20+ (depending on metal choice)
If I am wearing one piece of jewelry on any given day, it’s my signet ring. I truly love them!!! This subtle lil honey bee motif is just stunning – and the bee is one of my fave Bridgerton symbols, I think it was such a smart advertising/marketing play!
2. Hutch Sleeveless Drop-Waist Midi Dress from Anthropologie, $130
Splurge alert, this one is above the usual under-$100 range!! But it is on sale right now and it is PERFECT. It is also selling really, really fast so I would grab one now (although hopefully, a restock is coming soon!).
3. Maayan Floral Corset Top from Altar’d State, $64
Ugh, I just think the detailing and pattern on this top are SO sweet. Also, we love a subtle corset moment that still seems pretty comfy and casual.
4. Taffeta Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress from Abercrombie, $130
Another splurge, sorry!! I had to do this one for our girl Cressida Cowper and her wild character arc. I also think this could be SO fun at a late summer wedding.
Spotlight ✨
Let’s talk about the relatively-unsung heroes of the Bridgerton series: the costume designers. Ellen Mirojnick was Season 1’s designer, Sophie Canale was Season 2’s, and John Glaser was Season 3’s (Glaser has revealed that his favorite look of this season was actually for Cressida, not Penelope our lead). These folks, of course, work hand-in-hand with historical consultants and history professors Amanda Vickery and Hannah Greig to make sure everything fits (I HIGHLY recommend this article where Profs. Vickery and Greig describe their work).
When it comes to historical accuracy, the Bridgerton costumes were described by Season 1 lead Phoebe Dynevor as “regency with a twist.”
According to Netflix, here’s what seems to be accurate for the Regency period:
The dresses’ silhouettes
Corsets that push up one’s bosom lol
The men’s costumes are apparently very accurate on the whole
Use of parasols
The updo’s
Brightly-colored accessories (but not so much clothes, see below!)
Lots of rouge or blush
And what’s a little less accurate:
The amount of skin shown for daytime dresses on the show – mostly that would be for balls and parties 💃
No bonnets – there would have actually been many, many hats lol
Use of color – Bridgerton’s costumes are more vibrant
What’s surprising to me about this – and honestly thrilling – is not only that the Bridgerton costumes seem to match up pretty well to history, but also that it feels so familiar to us now, even though this fashion is 200 years old.
Who What Wear actually did a great piece on Regencycore trends that are super popular today. There’s something so bizarrely comforting to know that we are connected across time to people who were long gone before we were born by fashion. It speaks to the human love of beautiful and aesthetic things and innovative, personal style – and how we have always and hopefully will always connect and bond with each other over this shared appreciation.
Look at this Graph
So, Bridgerton is set obvi in England between 1813 and 1827 – a time that is called the Regency period. I thought this graphic showing how the style changed and evolved over that time (and seems to be taken from an actual fashion magazine from that period) was adorable and a helpful way to see it all laid out. Do y’all have a favorite?? I personally think Miss 1818 learning on the column is a vibe.
Other Corners of the Internet
Speaking of classical-inspired work… if you aren’t following Noah Verrier and his incredible modern oil painting on Instagram, you MUST :)
I’m late to the party, but I just discovered the Girls Who Cluster community and I love!!
I have been meaning to give this small business a shout-out for weeks, and the Bridgerton research finally reminded me. I love Brin’s Jam, which is a woman-founded, farm-based business, and literally order it every single month – my favorite is the Banana Vanilla Bean jam!
I fell so hard for the fake Erewhon Charlie XCX Brat smoothie like I texted so many group chats lol. But don’t worry, we have a real recipe for it now!
For last week’s newsletter, the links with the most clicks were
’s fab piece on merch, the Loewe tomato lol, and the Finatics tee (which funds shark protection!).
And that’s all! See you next Friday xoxo