Regency in the 21st Century

In 2020 and 2021, we’ve seen quite a few fashion trends from past eras make a comeback: 70’s inspired flared jeans, bucket hats and cardigan sets from the 90s, and an explosion of Y2K items ranging from butterfly clips to velour joggers. That being said, the last thing I expected to see were pieces from the period of Regency. If you’ve watched Bridgerton on Netflix, then you know about the latest craze for Regency-Core: a term used to describe the latest trends of puff-sleeves, bell shaped skirts, and pastel-colored frills that once filled the streets of the Regency period. As we embrace this aesthetic, it’s only right that we take a look at where it came from and how we can properly incorporate it into our wardrobe today.

Origins

Tucked in between the Georgian and Victorian era from 1811 to 1820, this period in the United Kingdom of Great Britain is especially remembered for its distinctive trends in fashion and culture. Known by the French as “Empire Fashions”, women’s garments went from sleek and understated to elaborate and ornamental. Empire waistlines, puff-sleeves, and ribbons that laced up the back adorned the average Regency woman’s outfit. The high-waisted chemise dress is a perfect example of fashion from this period, and it was actually considered somewhat scandalous by older generations due to its undergarment-inspired origins. The goal was to combine comfort and elegance by accenting a looser-fitted garment with lace, ribbon, pearls, and frills among other things. This period’s culture notably drew from the convergence of several influences of the time, with hints of Revivalism, Orientalism, and Romanticism bleeding together to create the pieces that are actively making a comeback in our closets today.

Revival

While we aren’t exactly seeing the traditional floor-length gowns accompanied by a floral bonnet on the streets today (yet), items first seen in the spring and summer fashion shows of 2020 have successfully made their way down the line of couture boutiques to department stores, with some of the best finds being in your grandmother’s closet. So, what exactly is “Regency Core”? While the term for this revival only emphasizes the Regency period in name, certain characteristics of Victorian era fashion are blended in. This trend can ultimately be summarized by the phrase “underwear as outerwear”, with key items being corsets, silk slips, cottage-core dresses, and items accented with pearls or tulle (Agus Panzoni). The idea is to pair a basic piece of clothing (plain tee-shirt, jeans, white-button down) with one of these Regency-Core items to accentuate the figure and add an element of elegance to your outfit. Some of my favorite brands that have beautifully brought this idea to life in recent collections are For Love and Lemons, Orseund Iris, Saza, and Dyspnea.

Final Adorations

I adore this trend not only for its over-the-top elements, but also for the romanticism it brings in a time where nudes, lounge wear, and basics are pushed to the consumer. Regency-Core dares us to embrace the magic of fantasy. All body types are invited to be highlighted with pearled corsets and silk gloves, mixing intimacy with elegance. It’s a bold and whimsical way to pay homage to fashion of the past, and I cannot wait to see how it affects the industry in the future.