Embrace Your Inner Bridgerton This Summer
Image Courtesy: WWD
I’ve never been one to venture outside my home in a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that—in fact, there have been plenty of times that I wish I could be a little less high maintenance and dress comfortably. I just so happen to be someone who enjoys wearing her jeans at all hours of the day.
My proclivity for overdressing was matched by the Regency culture of Bridgerton, whose simplest lounge outfits consist of intricately designed dresses and updos. If Regency-era garb is your cup of tea—pun intended—the modern revival of Bridgerton-reminiscent attire can be found in billowing sleeves, Austenian ringlets, and refined high-waisted, empire-cute gowns. These looks are fitting for the diamond of the season, or even for a grocery store run if you’re a self-proclaimed overdresser like me.
Image Courtesy: Strike Tallahassee
1. Empire waist dresses
Empire waist silhouettes are flattering on virtually any body type. The waist cinches at your chest and elongates your bottom half, creating the illusion of longer legs to add a few sneaky inches to your height (which, if you’re 5’3 like me, is a big deal). While dresses are innately a “classier” clothing item, empire waist dresses can still appeal to the girls who love to sport leggings instead of jeans. Since the waist isn’t super tight, these dresses are pretty breathable and perfect for those hot summer days.
Image Courtesy: InStyle
2. Elaborate hair accessories
Having longer hair in the summer requires constantly tying it up into a messy updo, simply to prevent overheating and keep the strands from sticking to the back of your neck with sweat. Regardless of your hair length, you might draw inspiration from Bridgerton’s royalty and experiment with tiara headbands, a bow instead of your usual scrunchie to elevate a ponytail, or even a braid shot through with faux flowers to give pizazz to an otherwise standard hairstyle.
3. Jewelry and opera gloves
When opting for your jewelry fix this summer, you don’t have to go as gaudy as the ladies of Bridgerton do (but no one’s stopping you). One of my favorite ways to elevate a simple T-shirt and jeans is to add funky earrings or a statement necklace. You don’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars for these items- thrifting for costume jewelry at your local Goodwill is a great option. Just find yourself a chunky set of plastic pearls, and you’re all set. The opera gloves might be a stretch for the summer because they’ll leave you a bit warm, but they could be fun to flaunt if the air conditioning is on full blast.
Image Courtesy: We Got This Covered
4. Puff sleeves
I used to fantasize about only ever wearing puffy sleeves after reading Anne of Green Gables, recalling when Anne cries to Marilla because every girl in her class wears fantastically puffed-sleeved dresses except for her. The same seems to ring true for Bridgerton, as there are puff sleeves galore. They’re breathable, too, which is perfect for the summer. I think they can turn any basic top or dress into something a little more special. Plus, they’re just more fun to wear.
5. Mules, loafers, flats, and kitten heels
The hairstyles in Bridgerton might just be higher than the inches on their heels. Regency-era footwear was surprisingly comfortable, often made from silk (the more expensive option). If you loathe the idea of wearing socks when it’s 90 degrees outside, consider the classic ballet flat, a slip-on loafer or mule, or a trusty kitten heel (these usually are less than an inch of heel, so still walkable). I hate most flip-flops and sandals, so a comfortable-yet-exciting shoe I can easily slip on and off sounds like my ideal situation.
All that being said, of course, always just wear whatever you want and whatever makes you the happiest in your own skin. If you’ve been looking for ways to revive your wardrobe, though, consider going about it Bridgerton-style—you can’t go wrong with trends that are both decently comfortable and chic.
Strike Out,
Writer: Gillian Bennett
Editor: Noelle Knowlton
Tallahassee