Regency

Regency is the style of the English Regency era (early 19th century), known today from Jane Austen adaptations and the series 'Bridgerton'. Its signature is dresses with a raised waistline just under the bust (the empire silhouette), light flowing fabrics (muslin, batiste), a tender pastel palette, short puff sleeves, long gloves and delicate bonnets. The style arose as a reaction to the opulence of rococo: it celebrated a natural, almost antique-Greek simplicity and lightness. The menswear of the time was the age of the dandy, led by Brummell. Regency is associated with romance, balls, restrained elegance and tender femininity. It is regularly brought back into modern fashion by romantic and 'historical' collections, and the wave of 'regencycore' popularity has made this style fashionable and recognisable again.