Bridgerton is known for its iconic fashion. Throughout its three seasons and one spin-off so far, the series has continued to use fashion to make statements about the characters and their respective stories. Dresses are particularly used to highlight certain aspects of a character’s personality, intentions, and future. While many dresses may not be strictly historically accurate, they are also used throughout these series to comment on the status of women.
Some dresses, like Francesca’s (Hannah Dodd) debut dress, indicate a new chapter for a character. Others, like Queen Charlotte’s (Golda Rusheuvel) regal gold gown, represent a character’s stature and their place in this world. The franchise uses fashion to blur the distinction between historical realism and historical fantasy. The best dresses worn by the women of Bridgerton signal who they are and how they perceive themselves within this society.
5. Lady Agatha Danbury’s Dress and Hat
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Season 1, Episode 6
Lady Agatha Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) has always been one of the style icons of the Bridgerton universe. Her cane elevates any dress she wears. Lady Danbury plays a crucial role in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, giving viewers even more fashion choices from one of the franchise’s matriarchs. In the Bridgerton spin-off, Lady Danbury appears with even more dresses as viewers get a chance to see how this character has grown and changed over the years.
What makes this particular dress so effective is that it showcases how subversive Lady Danbury has always been. This dress and its associated hat represent Lady Danbury’s fierce commitment to her individuality. Lady Danbury’s dress in this episode also showcases how willing this character is to set her own trends and exercise her own power over this society. There is a regalness in this dress indicating that Lady Danbury will always be an indispensable part of the ton.
4. Edwina Sharma’s Wedding Dress
Bridgerton Season 2, Episode 6
In Bridgerton’s second season, Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran) is set to marry Lord Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey). Edwina and Anthony’s journey to the wedding day was overshadowed by Anthony’s growing romance with Edwina’s sister, Kathani, also known as Kate (Simone Ashley). Edwina ends up left at the altar, but not before several heartwarming moments that showcase this character’s sweetness.
Edwina’s wedding dress has a tragedy on its own, since Edwina is cheated out of her own romance. The beautifully detailed dress symbolizes everything that this character deserves. There is an additional poignance in having Edwina show love and support to the King and Queen during one of the King’s mental health episodes. This demonstrates Edwina’s compassion and the fact that she is keenly aware of the power of love.
3. Queen Charlotte’s Golden Gown
Bridgerton Season 1, Episode 5
In the Bridgerton universe, Queen Charlotte is noted for her fashion, particularly her hair. Her gowns signify that she is a woman of power. In the fifth episode of Bridgerton’s first season, Queen Charlotte receives Daphne and Simon, who are seeking her approval to marry. When she does so, she is dressed in a glittering golden gown, surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting. She never waivers in showcasing that she can materially impact the love lives of the upper classes.
The moment featuring this golden dress is a critical moment for Queen Charlotte as well as Daphne and Simon. At this time, the Queen is compelled to confront the fact that her husband is becoming more and more incapacitated. Watching her be so moved by Simon’s declaration of love for Daphne in this regal gown reminds viewers of this character’s humanity in spite of her stature. This dress symbolizes Queen Charlotte’s romanticism and her ability to be an effective monarch.
2. Kate Sharma’s Hunting Dress
Bridgerton Season 2, Episode 4
Kate Sharma made a massive impact when she was first introduced in Bridgerton’s second season. As she grows closer to the Bridgerton family, she invites herself on a hunt with the men of the family. She is prepared with a sturdy and stylish dress that allows her to not only keep up with the men on the hunt, but to outpace them at many moments. While wearing this dress, Kate and Anthony’s romance continues to grow.
Kate’s hunting dress showcases this character’s fierce independence, even as her love story continues to grow. The dress’s utility is a match for the character’s flexibility and ability to forge her own destiny. The dress is also a reminder that while Kate has an endearing love story, there is so much more to her than this. Kate is at her best when she is allowed to fully acknowledge both of these aspects of her character.
1. Penelope Featherington’s New Dress
Bridgerton Season 3, Episode 1
The most charming dress featured in the Bridgerton universe to date is Penelope’s (Nicola Caughlan). Until this moment, Pene
lope often wore citrus-colored gowns when making her way through society. There was a concerted effort on her mother’s part to ensure that this was always the color scheme associated with Penelope Featherington. At the beginning of the third season, Penelope takes her wardrobe into her own hands, and crafts a new look featuring a light, teal-colored dress.
What makes this dress so captivating is that it symbolizes Penelope’s new beginning right at the start of Bridgerton’s third season. Penelope’s journey to love herself first is represented by this new dress. The fact that Penelope is able to pay such close attention to her own wardrobe, including what she feels comfortable wearing and what flatters her, means that she is growing as a character. The dress is the start of Penelope taking hold of her own future rather than relying exclusively on her mother.
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