Beneath their “very mindful, very demure” Regency attire—empire dresses, Mary Janes, and all—Bridgerton’s characters are pure brat
“Very mindful, very demure.” As the latest TikTok trend takes over and we all return to city life after a Brat Summer fuelled by Charli XCX’s latest album, we’re left wondering: Is Bridgerton Brat or Demure?
As avid fashion and TV enthusiasts, we had to investigate Shonda Rhimes’ latest brainchild, Bridgerton—the very series that dropped its third season with record numbers on Netflix just before our Brat Summer began.
But first, a quick refresher. While many of us have at least dipped our toes into the Brat aesthetic, we’re now up against its counterpart: Demure. This term, resurrected and revamped by TikTok creator Jools Lebron, was showcased in a week full of videos demonstrating what “demure” means today.
Lebron’s workday look? “Very demure. Very mindful,” she said. “Your demure is what it means to you. It’s being mindful and considerate of the people around you, but also of yourself and how you present to the world.”
So, it all makes sense now: beneath their “very mindful, very demure” Regency getups—empire dresses, Mary Janes, and all—Bridgerton’s characters are pure brat at heart. But let’s be real, we’re here for the clothes, right?
In case you’ve forgotten amidst your Brat Summer adventures, we’re here to talk fashion. And let’s face it—pulling off the Brat vibe is as fabulous as it is exhausting, and it’s a whole lot easier when it’s all sunshine, beach days, and warm weather. Come September, it’s totally fine to dial it back, add a sprinkle of demure to your fashion capital looks, and stay on trend. And why not take a page from Bridgerton? Keep a hint of rebellion under your demure exterior, and you’ll be serving up style with a side of sass!
Why Is Bridgerton’s Wardrobe So Demure? (Or Are They Just Faking It?)
Bridgerton has everyone hooked by blending the Regency era with a modern twist. The series, which focuses on the romantic escapades of the Bridgerton siblings, mixes drama, passion, and just the right amount of scandal. Historical elements meet contemporary style in the wardrobe, making it fresh and visually captivating for today’s audience.
The costumes in Bridgerton are all about voluminous dresses, empire silhouettes, corsets, bonnets, gloves, and luxurious accessories that nod to the era. But it’s the modern touches—like bold shades and striking patterns—that really give the show its signature flair and keep viewers glued. It’s not strictly Regency, but that’s what makes it so compelling.
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It’s a Family (Fashion) Affair
Every family and character in Bridgerton has a unique look that reflects their personality.
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The Bridgertons exude a clean, classy vibe with elegant details. Daphne Bridgerton, for instance, starts with pastels and soft patterns that highlight her innocence. But as she evolves, her wardrobe becomes more sophisticated and embellished while still maintaining the classic Bridgerton charm.
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In contrast, the Featheringtons are all about boldness and drama. Their style is a riot of clashing colours, flamboyant patterns, and oversized accessories that demand attention. Unlike the Bridgertons, they embrace a loud, attention-grabbing aesthetic. Tasteful? Not so much, but that’s the whole point.
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Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury, both powerhouses in high society, showcase very different styles. Queen Charlotte’s wardrobe screams royal dominance with towering wigs, extravagant gowns, and lavish jewels that highlight her supreme status. On the other hand, Lady Danbury opts for sophisticated simplicity. Her outfits are rich and understated, often in deep, serious colours that reflect her maturity and authority.
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In Bridgerton, the demure clothes do more than just look good—they tell a story. They reveal status, personality, and a perfect blend of old and new. Each outfit is crafted to show a little something about the wearer’s place in society’s grand scheme.
Behind the Fashion Design Curtains
Bridgerton’s costume designers—Ellen Mirojnick, Sophie Canale, John Glaser, Dougie Hawkes, and George Sayer—went all out to infuse authentic Regency elements into every piece. They’ve nailed elegance and opulence by diving deep into Regency-era books and art. Each outfit is a work of art, reflecting its character’s personality and role with meticulous detail.
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Since Bridgerton hit the screen, Regency-inspired designs have made a major comeback. They’ve even slipped into the “coquette” trend, featuring corsets, puffy sleeves, embroidery, and pastel hues. Now, they’re ready to fuel this season’s demure obsession. What began as historical drama has turned into a full-blown style phenomenon. Fans are dreaming of Bridgerton-themed weddings, birthdays, and daily wardrobes. The mix of historical and modern touches has mesmerised viewers and turned costume inspiration into today’s hottest trend.
Helga Colichon Schuler
Fashion Management, Digital Communication and Media, 2nd year, Milano
A version of this article originally appeared on CLOset, an editorial project created by students from Istituto Marangoni’s Fashion Management, Digital Communication, and Media programme: Selen Yilman (Editor-in-chief), Helga Colichon (Fashion Director), Pilar López (Art Director), Luna Alcantara & Isabela Pereira (Fashion Editors).