Throughout all eight episodes of the first season of this utterly binge-worthy series, the women were almost always dressed to the nines. Glorious ballgowns replete with embroidered pearls and worn with matching elbow length gloves, fancy headdresses, fabulous jewellery and yes cleavage for days. Even at home, they are all perfectly primped and doing ladylike things—playing the piano, needlework, sipping tea…
Of course this being the start of a new social season in London, every lady in the ton who’s come of age must put on their very best if they should hope to snag a good husband. After all, to cop a phrase from Jane Austen, it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.
But fashion trends during the Regency Era weren’t typically defined by such excess, as any Jane Austen novel or movie will attest. The mood of this period was tuned rather more towards simplicity and elegance, than pomp and circumstance as the series portrays. Rattled by news of the civil war in neighbouring France, British high society wisely opted for more functional and streamlined clothing.
Women began wearing lots of empire cut dresses with scooping necklines and little jewellery, if at all. Nothing ostentatious, as the idea was to focus on a woman’s natural beauty. Hair is always worn as an up ‘do, occasionally with just a tiny accent of pearls or ribbons. Correspondingly, only the daintiest earrings and necklaces were worn at casual affairs, while bigger pieces were strictly reserved for major events such as the many glitzy balls held during the social season as depicted in Bridgerton.
Fashion trends during the Regency Era weren’t typically defined by such excess.
The show’s costume designer Ellen Mirojnick tells Vogue Singapore in this interview, “We paid a lot of attention to the scooped necklines and how they fit the bust, as opposed to having a [straight] line that doesn’t allow you to see the body. This show is sexy, fun and far more accessible than your average restrained period drama and it’s important for the openness of the necklines to reflect that. When you go into a close-up, there’s so much skin. It exudes beauty.”
When not waltzing around lavish ballrooms, the ladies promenade around pretty gardens engaging in light-hearted conversation—or in the case of our two leads Daphne and Simon, trading barbs. On outings like these, one mustn’t overdress with loud high jewellery pieces. Instead, do as the eldest Bridgerton belle does, with dainty chains that accentuate her elegant décolletage.
Here are Vogue Singapore’s top picks to wear—oh and did we mention, they’re perfect come Valentine’s Day.
Stone and Strand Tiny Solitaire pearl necklace
Our go-to brand for dainty jewellery, here’s one with just the tiniest freshwater seed pearl pendant on 14K gold.
Persée Danaé diamond and 18K rose gold necklace
A tiny round-cut diamond keeps things extra discreet here, where the chain goes through the culet so you can see it from all angles.
Tiffany & Co. Paloma’s Studio hexagon blue topaz pendant
Celebrating the designer’s love of exuberant colour combinations, here’s a twist on the classic round pendant.
Raphaele Canot Set Free diamond, ruby and 18K gold necklace
Feel free to wear two stones instead of just one, and these ones move freely as they adjust to your movements.
Hermès Finesse pendant in white gold with diamonds
Dainty proportions meet hardware-inspired design in this delightful and exquisitely crafted everyday wearable necklace.
Cartier Saphirs Légers pink sapphire necklace in rose gold
Nothing says romance more than pink gemstones and this one set neatly in rose gold is perfect for date night.
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra carnelian necklace in rose gold
Always recognisable and perpetually desired, the Alhambra motif goes extra small and dresses in passionate red carnelian.
Lee Renee opal and diamond necklace
Subtle flashes of colour in the round opal meet the fire of diamonds on either side, paired with a recycled 9K gold chain.
Persée Alphabet 18K gold diamond necklace
Wear your chosen letter (it doesn’t have to be your own) around the neck, these ones by Persée are adorned with the brand’s signature floating diamonds.
Ana Luisa diamond necklace
Made of 100 per cent recycled gold with a single lab-grown diamond pendant, this one is lovely when worn super short.
Pomellato M’ama non M’ama 18K rose gold diamond necklace
A dainty circular charm set with diamonds and punctuated with four gold studs, worn with the brand’s signature Milanese chain design.
Melissa Joy Manning 14K gold necklace
Love the natural beauty of rough stones? This pink diamond necklace is for you, worn on a dainty recycled gold chain.
