*Spoiler warning for Bridgerton Season 3*

Dearest Gentle Reader,

With June 13th seeing the much anticipated release of Season 3 Part 2 of the most lavish and decadent show to grace our screens in a long while, this author has compiled a list of her favourite garments donned by the ton of Mayfair in the latest season of Netflix’s hit Regency drama Bridgerton.

“This is not a history lesson. This is a show about beauty, glamour,’’ says Bridgerton costume designer John Glaser in an interview with InStyle. The fantastical, candy coloured world of Bridgerton has been criticised in the past for its lack of historical accuracy, however, Glaser makes it clear that the show is in fact ‘’Regency fantasy.’’ The costume design team combine modern fabrics with historical silhouettes and take inspiration from pop culture icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. The result is lavish costumes that exude high fashion appeal whilst expertly depicting the essence of characters as they develop throughout the show.

Penelope Featherington

Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan, was adorned in some of the best costumes of Season 3 as viewers saw the self proclaimed wallflower grow in confidence and begin to step into her power. Gone were the classic Featherington citrus hues, and instead we saw Penelope draped in soft and romantic shades of pastel blue and green as her and Colin grew closer. This baby blue dress, worn by Penelope in the library scene in Episode 4, is one of my favourite looks of the season. The delicate puff sleeves and matching headband, combined with Coughlan’s loosely curled hair and rosy makeup, leave Penelope looking like a cross between Cinderella and Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

Eloise Bridgerton

Eloise also had a wardrobe update in Season 3, with her previously high necked and practical outfits being switched out for elegant and ruffled ensembles as the character makes an attempt to fit in with the rest of Mayfair’s high society. This bow embellished look, inspired by Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady, is another favourite this season.

Kate Sharma

Kate Sharma, Season 2’s leading lady, definitely made an impact even with her limited screen time this season. The costume designers incorporated Indian fashion inspired elements to her looks, with the sleeves and the cut of her dresses being influenced by saris in the way they flow at the back. The golden hued gown (above on the left) that the new Lady Bridgerton wears in the opening scenes of Episode 1, adorned with intricate nature inspired embroidery, exudes regality.

Cressida Cowper

Cressida Cowper, who viewers saw a new side to this season as she befriends Eloise and struggles to find a husband, has some of the most elaborate costumes of the ton. Glaser says that Cressida’s clothes were designed to make her look like a bird trapped in a cage, mirroring her entrapped position in society as her parents attempt to force her into marriage. ‘’We were trying to say she’s entrapped, so we thought, ‘Let’s entrap her in her clothes.’” This outfit, with its feather detailing and soft pink hue, was my favourite of Cressida’s.

The New Mrs Colin Bridgerton

And of course, I must mention Penelope’s bridal outfit in Episode 7. The new Mrs Colin Bridgerton looked stunning in an understated but elegant gown in delicate blush pink. “Some people thought [the wedding dress] would be over the top, but we spoke to Nicola, and we all decided that we wanted nothing to take focus away from her character,” Glaser says.

With Season 4 of Bridgerton not set to be released until 2026, this author does not know how she shall endure the wait to once again behold such exquisite and resplendent costuming. Do favour us with the knowledge of which of this season’s outfits you, dearest reader, hold in the highest regard in the comment section below.

Yours Truly,

Lady Amira

References:

Manocherian, J. (2024) ’Bridgerton’s season 3 costumes include Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite shoe, InStyle. Available at: https://www.instyle.com/bridgerton-season-3-costume-fashion-details-8650314 (Accessed: 20 June 2024).

Daily Bridgerton (2024) Daily bridgerton, Tumblr. Available at: https://dailybridgerton.tumblr.com/post/751465502014046208 (Accessed: 20 June 2024).
Seth, R. (2024) Bridgerton’s costume designer talks season 3, British Vogue. Available at: https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/bridgerton-season-three-costume-designer-interview (Accessed: 20 June 2024).
Venable, M. (2024) Dressing the ton: What the ‘Bridgerton’ costume designers want you to know about the season 3 looks, Shondaland. Available at: https://www.shondaland.com/shondaland-series/shondaland-bridgerton-behind-the-scenes/a61109598/bridgerton-costume-designers-on-season-three-costumes/ (Accessed: 20 June 2024).

The Best Costumes in Bridgerton Season 3