Bridgerton: How has the series influenced 2021 fashion trends?

Who would’ve thought corsets would be one of the fastest growing trends as we entered 2021? I certainly wouldn’t have predicted it, but it goes to show just how quick and easy it is for trends to evolve. Inspired by garments of the 19th century, we have Bridgerton to thank for corsets hitting the block once again.

Produced by Shonda Rhimes, Bridgerton is undoubtedly one of the most talked about series at the moment. After it was projected to be screened in 63 million households within four weeks of its release, the regency-era series didn’t disappoint – and neither did the fashion. Even someone who’s only watched the first episode will be able to tell you about the spectacular attire worn by each and every member of the cast.

One of the most notably eye-catching outfits is Daphne Bridgerton’s pale blue moment – you know the one I’m referring to. Her aim was to catch the attention of possible suitors, but she caught the eyes of us viewers too. Although the series portrays a reimagined reality of regency England, this dress is everything you would imagine an elegant young lady of 1813 to wear. We have to acknowledge the dainty white floral and pearl embellishments on the main body of the dress and the mesh, lace-like sleeves, which tie the look together.

This outfit features two fashion statements which recur throughout the series: pale blue and pearls. I’m sure Lady Whistledown would agree pale blue is the colour of the season, and who better to wear it than the diamond herself. Daphne’s wardrobe is a spectacle of pastel blue, and surely it’s no coincidence that pastel colours are set to make a comeback this spring. It’s also no coincidence that this year is all about embellishment. As we push for greater sustainability in the fashion industry, people are resorting to upcycling their old clothes which no longer suit their style. I don’t know about you but after watching Bridgerton you’ll find me sewing pearls onto my unwanted clothing for the foreseeable future.

The narrative follows the lives of the Bridgerton and Featherington families, who both sit at the top of society but couldn’t be more different if they tried. The most desired colours of today’s society are worn by the Bridgerton family, who typically wear pastels and nudes, such as blue, pink and cream. They’re subtle but never fail to mesmerise. Whereas, you’d be able to see the Featherington family from a mile away as they always sport bold colours. They fail to remember that sometimes less is more. The yellow hues Penelope Featherington, the youngest family member who experiences her first season out in society trying to find a husband, wears are particularly striking. As someone with a similar hair colour to Penelope’s, I can appreciate her disarray when she’s continually put in a colour which clashes with it.

I’m sure my fellow Bridgerton lovers were thrilled to hear a second series is on the way; it can’t come quick enough. Not only are we dying to know what happens next, but to see what the costume department has in store. Surely it can’t get any better than the wardrobes of series one? We’ll have to wait and see but until then, put your corset on, embellish your old clothing with pearls and embrace your inner Daphne Bridgerton to fill that Bridgerton-shaped whole in your heart.