Gentle Reader: is anyone else obsessed with the Nexflix series Bridgerton? Shonda Rhimes’ binge-worthy, Regency-era series is filled with allll kinds of eye candy (and the fashion’s not bad either, *wink*). Season 2 dropped recently, and after watching an episode or two, we find ourselves experiencing the Bridgerton effect: walking straighter, enunciating our words properly, and wondering what Lady Whistledown would say about our outfits.
Part of the deliciousness of Bridgerton is the unabashed return of truly gorgeous fashion. Think: frills, layers, ruching, flutter, puff, smocking, tiers, lace, florals, and the occasional petticoat (ha). It’s put us in the mood for pretty, long, romantic dresses…but dresses with fancy (yet wearable) vibes. Enter: 12 Bridgerton-esque dresses done right.
Let’s Get Fancy: 12 Modern Dresses With Regency-Era Vibes
Some of our dress finds skew seriously femme and girly, while others flirt with a sexy-elegant appeal (which apparently exists??). I especially love these silhouettes in classic, light florals and pastels, but I’ve also added in a few darker, louder choices. These somehow exude that pretty, peasant-style vibe, but with a touch of boldness.
I know this style may not be everyone’s cup of tea (heh), but in this lot you can go total-ruffle-mania or subdued-tiered-dream.
These pretty pieces could be donned absolutely to a Renaissance ball (jealous if that’s on your schedule), if paired with a pair of fancy heels (and maybe a parasol?), but more realistically to a spring wedding, baby shower, christening, fancy night out (with sandals or my fave dress pairing — sneakers), a cool theme party, etc., It’s just so fun to get dressed up with this era as inspiration.
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1. Reformation Odette Linen Dress
Ohhh yeah. This Reformation dress has a perfectly subdued-but-feminine style. The smocked back bodice skews it slightly casual, while the length and sweetheart neckline pack that punch of romantic elegance. Doesn’t it just look so comfy? An airy linen dress in a good color (there are 3) is such a spring and summer staple. Adore.
2. LoveShackFancy Harlyn Lace-Trimmed Floral Midi Dress
SO in love with this outfit that I can totally see Shana rocking. Tall boots + pretty midi dress is an outfit combo that I die over every time. It’s just crazy pretty and unpredictable with that juxtaposition of pretty and romantic yet classic and structured vibes. The dress though… insanely gorgeous on its own. This bust style is sooo flattering, along with the slightly fluttered cap sleeves.
3. Pilcro Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress
This midi dress has more of a casual vibe and I’m here for it. Looks like an easy throw-on dress for summer dinners out or an errands-but-cute feel. Comes in four pretty, bright colors though this green is just speaking to me. Flutter sleeves with a form-fitting bust is such a good combo, too.
4. Rocco Sand Lily Ruffled Floral Maxi Dress
Total Bridgeton-meets-modern-day vibes, right? This maxi dress is SO cool. The colors of the floral print are unexpected and bright, which gives the girly lace and tier action a bit of spunk instead of being too full-on ballgown. Click on the link and look at the up-close picture of the print & lace. SWOON. Spring wedding guest perfection.
5. En Saison Eyelet Detail Flutter Sleeve Poplin Maxi Dress
How pretty is this poplin maxi dress?? Like, kiiind of simple from the front, but totally exciting in the back. The eyelet sleeves and bottom add some really good volume to an otherwise straight-form dress. (I have this and let me tell you — the sleeves PACK volume in such a cool way. Adds so much to the dress.) Comes in four spring-y colors.
6. Reformation Greyson Linen Dress
Gah. Reformation…You guys know we love their dresses. Just so light and breathable while looking seriously beautiful. The long, puff sleeves make this linen dress a great spring option for when it’s juuuust not warm enough for exposed arms/shoulders. I gravitate towards square necklines and this one just shines with the sleeves/mini length. So, so pretty in the Kelly green and butterfly print options, too.
7. Anthropologie Slim Lace Maxi Dress
This. Lace. Print. Wow — I am so in love. There’s just something about the large flowers on this dress that make it so interesting to look at. The slim (then somewhat flared starting at the waist) shaping makes this dress super-wearable, too. By the way, reviewers say it runs small.
8. DRAPER JAMES RSVP™ Squareneck Puff Sleeve Dress
Just so cute and easy. Love the feminine puff sleeves of this squareneck dress, plus the basic silhouette. Can so be dressed up with heels or down with sneaks or flat sandals. Love the versatility and the price.
9. Current Air Ruffled & Tiered Midi Dress Dress
Tinkerbell vibes in the best way. Right??? The tiers on this dress are so elegant in a non-overly-precious way — probably thanks to the midi length and ruched top. Really liking the pretty mint green.
10. LoveShackFancy Burnley Midi Dress
Ahhh everything about this midi dress is IT. The print…the flowing hem…the off-the-shoulder sleeves and little ruffles….just so good. Can totally be a maternity dress, too with that nice bust smocking above the belly. LoveShackFancy has some reeeeally good feminine dresses if you’re in the mood to gaze at some more dreamy floral numbers.
11. Free People Follow Rivers Convertible Dress
This Free People dress looks like the perfect fancy cover-up. You know those ones that you throw on over your swimsuit at the beach for a quick lunch or even dinner out? That kind. Apparently it can also transition into a maxi skirt if you tuck in the straps. Loooove multi-functional pieces, especially for summer packing. (Take 10% off if you subscribe to the Social Threds newsletter.)
12. LoveShackFancy Shanley Ruffled Floral Mini Dress
This floral mini dress is just so sweet. It’s pretty short, so mayyyybe not for taller gals (model is 5’10”) , but I love the playful silhouette and cute ditsy floral print.
Just for funzies, here’s a list of PDE (pretty dang expensive) Bridgerton-inspired dresses to really get you drooling. (I couldn’t help myself.)
Xo
Abby
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 vibes. Enter: 12 Regency-era dresses done right.){kind=link}