Get The Bridgerton Look

January 19, 2021

All images via Netflix

It may have been almost a month since the first season of Bridgerton dropped on Netflix, but I am still spending way too much time thinking about this fun and sultry Regency series. The Dukes are hot, the clothes are eye-catching, and the idea of spending months just flittering around from one ball to the next in search of handsome suitors and juicy gossip sounds more delightful than ever in this era of social isolation.

It should come as no surprise that I enjoyed the fashion of this series for its playful modern take on Regency styles. Between this and EMMA. 2020 was quite the year for Regency fashion, and between the two I have found my interest in interpreting these styles for the modern age growing. Sure, I may not flock to wear a bonnet and opera gloves to promenade around The Grove, but I have noticed my eye focusing on dainty midi dresses in pastel hues, corset-style tops, and delicate pearl and feather details. So if you are like me and loving the Bridgerton style, here are some ways to bring the fashion inspirations into the 21st century:

Look For Empire and Babydoll Midi Dresses


The traditional garb of the Regency debutant was a classically-inspired empire dress, fitted at the torso and ballooning out below. Our modern take on this would probably be the babydoll dress, what with its exaggerated high waistline. If you're looking to dress like a modern-day Daphne Bridgerton, I'd suggest typing in "empire midi dress" or "babydoll midi dress" for modern equivalents. In case you need some inspiration, I've rounded up a few options for you:

Opt For Jacquard, Toile & Lace


These decadent fabrics are staples of the 18th and 19th century and will make any ensemble look glamorous and regal. To keep with the Bridgerton aesthetic, stick with fabrics in light hues and pastels for that candy-colored vibe.

Add A Corset (Or Stay)


Technically stays were the more popular form of upper undergarment during the Regency period, since the billowing dresses didn't require a snatched waist, but corsets are having a big moment right now anyway so you might as well lean into it. I think they look super fun when paired with relax-fit jeans, but throw on a corset over your sweet midi dress for an exciting twist on Regency style.

Ruffle Some Feathers


The ladies aren't the only ones having fun with fashion in Bridgerton. I love the menswear of the Regency era, from the stylish tailcoats to their ruffled collars. Channel their energy with a high-necked ruffle of your own.
 

Adorn With Embellishments


An outfit isn't complete without plenty of sequins, feathers, pearls and jewels. Rock a feathered headband or pretty pearl necklace to complete your Bridgerton-inspired ensemble.

What do you think of Bridgerton's fashions?

Pants That Aren't Jeans: What A Concept!

January 17, 2021

 

Sometimes you walk into Target in hopes of finding Clorox Wipes and body wash and walk out with a cute new pair of pants!


I'm going to be perfectly honest with you: I am not a pants person. I feel most comfortable in a flowing midi dress and often feel like pants are fussy, ill-fitting, and unflattering (or at least, it's hard to find pants that flatter both my waist and my thighs). After almost 27 years of living in this world, I have found that of all the pant-like items in the world, jeans—and stretchy skinny jeans in particular—are the pant style that most suits my lifestyle and my body. I'm also fortunate enough to work in an office where the dress code is pretty casual, meaning I wear jeans all the time.

But my friend, I will admit that after ten months of that WFH lifestyle even a diehard denim advocate such as myself has been asking: is there anything more out there, pants-wise? Potentially a style that doesn't cut into my belly all day long as I sit at the desk in my room?

I've been searching the internet for such a pair of comfortable yet stylish pants, but pants are a tricky thing, size-wise. You must take into account the waist, the inseam, the length, and so many other factors that online size guides don't often detail, meaning I've had my fair share of failed pant fittings when ordering online. The knowledge that a pair of pants may not end up working out—and even worse, may appear unflattering, further deterring me from my mission—made me hesitant to ever hit the "checkout" button even when a pair caught my eye.

But last weekend I found a captivating pair at Target, of all places. There I was, running errands for body wash and other household items, and I found myself staring at a cute pair of plaid, high-waisted, wide leg pants. They were everything I was searching for, and at about $30, the price was right for experimentation. I threw them into my shopping cart and hoped for the best. Once I got home, I tried them on and sighed with relief when I realized that not only did they fit, but they were super cute! And after wearing this ensemble for a whole day of work-from-home business, I can confirm they are comfortable as well.

So there you go: the saga of my brand new pair of pants. Now that I know this style looks good (I've always been self-conscious about how a lot of pants frame my thighs) I think I might seek out a few more pairs like these. And in case you are interested in similar styles, I've rounded up those at the bottom of this post too!



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