In recent years, fashion has once again proven its cyclical nature by reviving an unexpected aesthetic from the past: Regencycore. Popularized by the dazzling visuals of Netflix’s Bridgerton, this trend brings 19th-century opulence to the 21st-century wardrobe. But Regencycore is more than just a fleeting stylistic moment inspired by period drama. It is a cultural movement rooted in escapism, femininity, and reimagined history, blending old-world elegance with modern sensibilities. As the lines blur between costume and streetwear, fashionistas around the globe are embracing the drama, decadence, and romance of the Regency era—one puff sleeve and pearl necklace at a time.
The Allure of the Past
To understand the appeal of Regencycore, one must first appreciate the visual richness of the early 1800s, a period marked by empire waistlines, delicate fabrics, and intricate embellishments. The Regency period, which spanned from 1811 to 1820 in Britain, was characterized by a shift from the heavily structured garments of the Georgian era to more fluid and natural silhouettes. Think lightweight muslin gowns, elbow-length gloves, and pastel palettes. The look was both refined and soft, evoking a sense of grace that modern wearers find both romantic and empowering.
Shows like Bridgerton have brought this aesthetic back into the spotlight with sumptuous costuming that, while not strictly historically accurate, captures the spirit of the time. The fantasy it offers—of candlelit balls, handwritten love letters, and aristocratic glamour—strikes a chord in a modern world often dominated by minimalism and fast fashion. In an age when much of life is automated and rushed, there’s comfort in the idea of slowing down and dressing with intentional elegance.
Regencycore in the Modern Wardrobe
The charm of Regencycore lies in its adaptability. While few are walking down the street in full-length gowns and corsets, the style has been translated into wearable, everyday pieces that retain the spirit of the original aesthetic. Modern designers and fashion enthusiasts have taken the key elements of Regency dress—like puff sleeves, empire waists, lace, and embroidery—and incorporated them into blouses, midi dresses, and even tailored trousers.
Brands ranging from high-end labels to fast-fashion outlets have embraced the trend. Think floral-print dresses with square necklines at Zara, or pearl-adorned accessories at Anthropologie. Even streetwear brands have dabbled in the look, offering juxtaposed styles that blend oversized tailoring with delicate, Regency-inspired detailing.
Key items in a Regencycore-inspired wardrobe include:
Empire-waist dresses that accentuate the bust while flowing gently over the body.
Puffed-sleeve blouses that add a dramatic silhouette to otherwise simple outfits.
Corset-style tops reimagined for comfort, often with elastic backs and soft materials.
Lace gloves, cameo brooches, and pearl jewelry that provide the finishing touches to a romantic ensemble.
The palette tends to lean toward pastels, creams, and floral patterns—colors that reflect the gentility and softness of the era. Fabrics such as silk, chiffon, and cotton voile are favored for their lightness and texture.
A Feminine Rebellion
While on the surface Regencycore may appear to be about delicate beauty and nostalgic fantasy, there’s an undercurrent of quiet rebellion within it. In reclaiming such an overtly feminine aesthetic, modern wearers challenge a fashion landscape long dominated by streetwear, androgyny, and utilitarianism. For many, embracing Regencycore is a way to assert individuality, to lean into softness and grace in a world that often prioritizes edginess and speed.
This trend also intersects with broader cultural shifts, such as the resurgence of interest in “cottagecore” and other aesthetics that emphasize domesticity, nature, and self-care. In that sense, wearing Regency-inspired clothing becomes not just a fashion statement, but a lifestyle choice—one that values intentionality, romance, and craftsmanship.
It also connects with the current cultural obsession with period dramas and romantic escapism. As digital fatigue sets in and social media grows increasingly performative, people are seeking depth and beauty in older, seemingly simpler ways of life. Fashion, as always, reflects this yearning.
Influencers and Icons of the Trend
Social media has played a pivotal role in popularizing Regencycore. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are filled with creators who style themselves in Bridgerton-inspired outfits, sharing everything from DIY dressmaking tutorials to afternoon tea aesthetics. Hashtags like #Regencycore and #BridgertonStyle boast millions of views and have built a community around shared admiration for the era.
Celebrities have also embraced the trend. Florence Pugh, Zendaya, and Anya Taylor-Joy have all been spotted in Regency-inspired gowns on red carpets, elevating the aesthetic from niche to mainstream. Meanwhile, fashion houses like Simone Rocha and Rodarte have consistently explored femininity through voluminous silhouettes and ethereal fabrics, paving the way for Regencycore’s entrance into haute couture.
Beyond the Costume
Perhaps what sets Regencycore apart from other nostalgic fashion movements is its emotional resonance. It’s not merely about dressing up, but about embodying a mindset. There’s a sense of grace, poise, and romance woven into the aesthetic that transcends fabric and fit. It invites wearers to step into a story—one where love letters replace text messages, and afternoon promenades replace hurried commutes.
At the same time, modern interpretations of the trend are far from regressive. Today’s Regencycore is more inclusive and diverse than the world it draws inspiration from. People of all genders and backgrounds are embracing the style, often mixing it with contemporary elements that make it their own. By doing so, they aren’t replicating the past—they’re reimagining it.
This reinterpretation also encourages conversations about the historical context of the Regency period. The popularity of Bridgerton, for instance, has prompted greater awareness of issues like class, colonialism, and gender roles during the era. In embracing the visual elements of the time, many fashion enthusiasts are also engaging critically with its history.
The Future of Regencycore
As with all fashion trends, the question remains: will Regencycore last? While it’s unlikely that every wardrobe will forever include puffed sleeves and empire waists, the core ideas behind the aesthetic—romanticism, elegance, and slow fashion—are likely to endure. In fact, the popularity of vintage styles in general suggests that fashion’s future might be rooted in more than just forward-thinking innovation. Sometimes, the best way forward is to look back.
Designers are also likely to continue mining the past for inspiration, and with the success of media like Bridgerton, it’s safe to say that the appetite for period aesthetics isn’t waning. As sustainability becomes a more pressing concern, fashion lovers may also gravitate toward pieces that feel timeless and made to last—qualities that the Regencycore aesthetic embraces.
