Imagine an overcast day, running through the English countryside in a long, billowy gown. You end up at your enormous home that’s basically a castle. You open your large, heavy, ornately carved wooden double doors and enter your foyer. You glide into your living room lined with powder blue wall paper made of silk, of course. There’s tea and tiny cakes waiting for you along with other beautifully dressed women. Sisters? Friends? Who cares? Can we all agree the main character of the show Bridgerton is the aesthetic? I don’t even watch the show and I “burn” for the aesthetic!
Why should we swoon over this look vicariously through the screen? Let’s achieve the Bridgerton aesthetic for modern day! Wear this look for your next special occasion or whenever and wherever you feel like it. And better yet, let’s make the modern Bridgerton aesthetic in all thrifted fashion!!!
There was very little waste back then and absolutely NO plastic. Let's keep this wonderful sustainable theme going. Join me as I shop my closet and create a guide for the modern Bridgerton aesthetic look with ALL thrifted clothing!
Say Yes To Updo's & Simple Make up
Let's start with the hair. A stranger casually mentioned my hair was very "Bridgerton". My hair is in a ponytail with pieces falling in the front and back in this picture. The Bridgerton hair look is quite easy and simple. Whatever texture your hair is just put it UP. You could even get the curling out if you have time. No need to hit the hair salon. A bun or ponytail with soft tendrils falling in the front and back will do the job.
As for makeup, the look is very natural. Light eye make up with a little color on the cheeks and lip. I personally love this look because it’s classic. Keep it simple and fresh!
2. More Sleeves Please
Looks like puffy sleeves are a favorite for the show. To make the look more modern, I opted for sleeves with interesting designs. So I grabbed dresses from my closet that had a flowy, romantic feel. Ruffled and bell sleeves are easy to find and scream Bridgerton. One dress I wore didn't even have sleeves, but the fully ruffled bottom made up for it.
3. Opt For Floral Prints and Light & Bright Hues
The color range for the Bridgerton aesthetic is quite broad. Pastels and even jewel tones work wonderfully. Think light and bright colors and hues for the outfits. In terms of seasons, think Spring and Summer colors. Add some delicate floral printed pieces for the aesthetic. Save the busy floral prints for a boho look.
4. Keep The Accessories Simple
Ok one thing was borrowed instead of thrifted. I borrowed these pearls from my son and it was Bridgerton perfection. Honestly the pearls were more than enough. Think dainty over big statement pieces. Pearls aren't something I would normally wear, but it definitely completed the modern Bridgerton aesthetic!
And now lets' take a look at the thrifted outfits I put together for the modern day Bridgerton aesthetic!
"Why Must Our Only Options Be To Squawk And Settle Or To Never Leave The Nest? What If I Want To Fly?" - Bridgerton quote
Let's fly away with these sleeves! I love the ruffle details on this dress, especially the ruffle on the fallen sleeves. The print and color are exactly what I wanted for the modern Bridgerton look. And the slit is definitely a modern detail that makes the look more present day. This dress would be great for attending weddings or a summer garden party!
"You are the bane of my existence and the object of all of my desires." -Bridgerton quote
This dress is the object of all of my desires! The light and bright yellow color makes it perfect for tea or a graduation coming up. I added the contrasting turquoise belt for a modern ribbon/sash look that used to be worn back in the Bridgerton era. The drapey sleeves and the dainty floral print are so modern Bridgerton. I actually think this dress would have fit in back in the Bridgerton era. What do you think?
"All I find myself thinking about, all I find myself being able to breath for...is you"
-Bridgerton quote
All I've been thinking about is when I'm going to wear this look! This is the only dress without sleeves, but the other details are so spot on for the modern Bridgerton aesthetic. This dress had me with the corset top and floral eyelet fabric. Add in the full tiered, ruffled bottom with a slit, and I just need to know where my carriage is. This modern Bridgerton take would be perfect for a day date to a botanical garden with a picnic lunch....ok now I know where I'm wearing this look.
"We are not guaranteed a fairytale ending."- Bridgerton quote
Oh sweetheart, that's why we create our OWN fairytale ending. And that's why I chose to end this modern Bridgerton aesthetic guide with jeans...yes jeans! And it's giving all the modern Bridgerton vibes I could ask for! This white eyelet duster/dress has the perfect modern Bridgetron sleeves. I added a white crochet top underneath and it made a great combo. The light blue color of the denim is a nice Bridgerton hue. And the wide leg shape and solid color give for a more dressy denim look. This look would be perfect for a casual party or darty (day party) or even a visit to the farmer's market. You'll be living in your very own fairytale.
And there you have it - the modern Bridgerton aesthetic thrifted edition! This was honestly so fun to create with thrifted clothing! Just proves we can still have fun and love fashion while being mindful consumers.
I truly will be living in this modern Bridgerton aesthetic. I call it the modern Bridgeton aesthetic, but it's essentially that Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice feel with a little Enola Holmes (great show by the way) added. I hope this inspires you to try this storybook look with thrifted clothes or clothes your already have. We should ALL feel like we're living in our own fairytale, so why not dress like it?
Are there any other shows or periods you'd like to see recreated in a modern way? Leave a comment and let me know!
xx -Kirn
Thank you for the inspo! Now I just need a Bridgerton party invite! 🤞🏼🌟