WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS
What is Regencycore?
Calling all ladies and gentlemen of importance, we’re here to impart to you the au courant fashions of the latest social season — ethereal, feminine looks that we, and the rest of the industry, have christened ‘Regencycore’.
We kindly request that you consider these regal style pieces for ventures inside your manors and, when permitted, outside too. Yes, we are all yearning for an excuse to spruce up – one that requires a more formal dress code than our day-to-day currently requires.
Below, we present you with the finest frocks, shoes, corsets, jewellery and other decadent fashion accessories that are redolent of the families and notable figures of The Ton — including the Bridgertons, the Featheringtons, the Cowpers and Her Majesty Queen Charlotte. We do hope that you discover a few period pieces that tickle your imagination.
Dresses
If you're looking to woo your suitor or get in with the ladies of the haute monde, we advise you to listen up. Florals and pastel hues inform the present mode of dresses, the style currently worn by both debutantes and stalwart socialites of The Ton.
This season’s incomparable is Marchesa Notte, a US-based label led by British fashion designer, Ms Georgina Chapman. Chapman’s whimsical designs are embellished with intricacies to help even the most unassuming gentlewomen stand out in a crowd.
Marchesa Notte’s sentiments are shared by Erdem, whose painstaking attention to detail is admired by the cream of society. The London-based label is of utmost importance to those looking to embrace Regencycore into their personal style, as the brand marries romantic prints and tasteful contemporary cuts with aplomb.
Other noteworthy dressmakers one may want to consider include Miu Miu, LoveShackFancy and Giambattista Valli. Each brings soft shades to their long, draped silhouettes, as well as frills, polka dots and botanical prints – creating garms that are tremendously easy to fall for.
Accessories
It's common knowledge that romanticism is at the heart of Regencycore – hence, whimsical accessories are paramount. And we have reason to believe that the two key ancillaries you will need to espouse the regal fashion trend are occasion gloves and fanciful hair accessories.
First, we must discuss the importance of the occasion glove. This accessory takes the notion of modesty to the max by allowing damsels and married women alike to quilt their arms and hands in regal fashion fabrics. Our pick of the bunch – a sophisticated pair of black velvet-effect gloves, embossed with a classic floral pattern – are produced by acclaimed German label Simone Wild.
Next, we’d like to bring the ultimate courting accessory to your attention – a floral hair clip. Bold, but not obtrusive, our selection for the season comes from Italian brand Dolce & Gabbana. We insist that this brass-and-silk hairpiece will ensure a fruitful pursuit of love.
Having said that, if you find yourself to be more of a Daphne than a Penelope, you may prefer to indulge in something more understated – perhaps a Parlor feather trim velvet headband or a Jennifer Behr wide bow hair clip. Or why not consider splashing out on a David Morris 18kt white gold tiara, an accessory that’s undeniably fit for a princess.
Jewellery
Aside from treacly melodramas, the biggest takeaway we took from the most recent social season is ostentatious jewellery worn by the upper crust. So, how does one go about purchasing treasures that Queen Charlotte would approve of? With the help of FARFETCH, naturally.
For daytime pieces – the kind one may wear to a luncheon or an afternoon tea appointment – we formally invite you to discover the work of Tory Burch and Dolce & Gabbana. In their latest jewellery collections, the former elevates freshwater pearls with brass hardware and its unmistakable motif; whereas the latter opts for a bolder take on Regencycore with earrings that take on the form of a pretty pink flower.
For evening pieces, we propose you investigate the designs of David Morris and Yoko London. These two jewellers are providing the bon ton with the swankiest metal and pearl jewellery on the market. We have our eye on David Morris’ 18kt white gold Trillium Akoya pearl and white diamond necklace. In fact, it reminds us of a piece from Lady Danbury’s coveted collection.
For costume jewellery that transcends dress codes, we recommend renowned label, Kenneth Jay Lane. The American jewellery designer produces day-to-night pieces, such as crystal-embellished chokers, that add a touch of sparkle to any outfit you may wear in or outside your stately home.
Corsets
As well as the latest scandals of The Ton, our sources (such as Tatler) provide us with sartorial facts that one may deem interesting. The most recent of these decadent fashion nuggets suggests that there’s been a proliferation of corsets worldwide since we first revelled in the Bridgerton’s relations. This surge fails to shock us as we’ve always been aware of the power of corsets to take a lady’s ensemble to new heights.
Of late, however, this has developed beyond seamstress Genevieve Delacroix’s ‘Modiste’ usual styles – corsets appear even more stylish when worn atop other layers. (See Master Dion Lee’s take on the trend in the image printed above, for reference.)
Here at FARFETCH, we have a fondness for corsets worn with masculine fits – it’s the epitome of current taste. When looking for such laddish pieces (think shirts, blazers and trousers) we encourage you to take style cues from your favourite Bridgerton brother – fortunately, each scrubs up just as well as the next.
Spanx Sculpture Shorts / Kiki de Montparnasse Underbust Corset / Spanx Sculpture Corset / La Perla Maison Corset
Shoes
Other titbits we’ve heard across The Ton seem to suggest the Mary Jane shoe silhouette is soon to make a staggering return. Personally, we’re partial to Ms Miuccia Prada’s ravishing take on the regal fashion trend – a dainty mule refreshed with a yellow crocodile-effect material. But, if it's an archetypal look you desire, we suggest you turn to Mr Alessandro Michele’s translation of the trend over at Gucci.
And there's more! Crystal-embellished pumps – for instance, those designed by Italy’s René Caovilla – are adding glamour to the looks of the most noteworthy women around. JW Anderson’s silk ballerina shoes are the current choice for those who prefer to wear flats to social affairs. While Amina Muaddi’s bejewelled mules are reported to be capturing the attention of the most sought-after princes, lords and debonair dignitaries – hence, they’re rapidly selling out. Fortunately, we’re stocking each of the aforementioned shoes right here.