Selkie
Queen Of Angels Silk Gown, £1,209, selkiecollection.com
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. (L to R) India Amarteifio as Young Queen Charlotte, Corey Mylchreest as Young King George in episode 101 of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2023
Royalcore: The Regal Aesthetic Made For Kings & Queens
By
2 years ago
A trend with the royal seal of approval
If, like us, you spent all of your bank holiday watching (and rewatching) Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, chances are you’re also obsessed with the show’s gorgeously opulent wardrobe. The show’s leading lady, Queen Charlotte, takes after her historical counterpart as society’s biggest trendsetter – so it’s to be expected, really, that her onscreen presence would give rise to yet another internet trend: royalcore. Celebrating a love for all things regal and romantic, royalcore is the sophisticated sister to Bridgerton‘s regencycore. Think big dresses, lace-up corsets and lots of costume jewellery. Here’s everything you need to know about trend, and how to emulate it.
The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide
What Is Royalcore?
Royalcore is a fashion trend inspired by royalty and the elegance and opulence associated with it. It covers everything royal; from kings, queens, princes and princesses to knights, courtiers and butlers. The most common strands of the trend, however, are princesscore and regencycore (thank you, Bridgerton). Royalcore has been sitting under the radar for the last few years – making a short-lived appearance during lockdown – but is forecasted to make a comeback this year with the introduction of a young Queen Charlotte to our screens.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. (L to R) Sam Clemmett as Young Brimsley, India Amarteifio as Young Queen Charlotte in episode 103 of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Cr. Nick Wall/Netflix © 2023
This is a trend based on regality – which means you can be as opulent as you want when putting outfits together – but there are some rules to keep in mind if you want to stay as close to royalcore as possible. Here are four things to think about when putting together your wardrobe:
Colour
You can opt for regal colours when constructing your colour palette: think rich jewel tones (deep purples, dark reds, emerald greens and royal blues) as well as gold and silver.
Fabrics
Remember, opulence is key. Royals would rather wear high-quality, luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, brocade and lace over cotton or polyester.
Details
Go big or go home – especially when it comes to small details and accessories. Think embroidery, lace, pearls, beads and ALL the jewels in your jewellery box.
BRIDGERTON GOLDA ROSHEUVEL as QUEEN CHARLOTTE in episode 101 of BRIDGERTON Cr. LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX © 2020
Structured Silhouettes
Look to your history books for this one. Royal gowns typically have a structured silhouette created by corsets and puffed sleeves, while tailored suits were made more pronounced with breeches and embroidered coats.
Antique Styles
Notice how Queen Charlotte never wears an empire-line gown in the show? Not only does it differentiate her from the rest of the characters on the show (especially when we move onto her later years in Bridgerton), it also shows off her taste for grandeur over simplicity. Rather than stick to the era-typical empire-line gown, the queen opts for full Rococo skirts and Elizabethan corsets that create a more timeless style. The original vintage hipster, if you will.
Regal Wardrobe Picks
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Bovenue
Ghada in Ivory & Gold, £363, bovenue.com
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Merve Bayindir
Greenland, £1,190, mervebayindir.com
Paul & Joe
Long Flared Dress in Silk Organza, £1,371, paulandjoe.com
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Simone Rocha
Green Honey Pearl Earrings, rent from £25.76, hurrcollective.com
Erdem
Emanuela Gown Apolonia Faille Embroidery, £4,995, erdem.com
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ZIMMERMANN
Smocked Peplum Blouse (Size M), rent from £14 or buy secondhand for £335, mywardrobehq.com
Red Valentino
Silk-Satin Midi Skirt, £585, harveynichols.com
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Pretty Ballerinas
Tyra Flats, £229, prettyballerinas.co.uk
Kiki McDonough
Lace Pave Diamond Drop Earrings In White Gold, rent from £162.61, hurrcollective.com
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Taller Marmo
Dovima Dress, £1,915, harveynichols.com
Susan Caplan x HURR
Earrings, rent from £25.37, hurrcollective.com
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Rotate Birger Chistensen
Cream Satin Midi Dress, £340, harveynichols.com
Vivienne Westwood
Three Row Pearl Drop Choker, £370, viviennewestwood.com
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The Vampire’s Wife
The Anne of Cleves Cotton-Velvet Corset Top, £995, matchesfashion.com
Susannah Lovis
Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Foliate Scroll Tiara, £34,950, susannahlovis.com
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Needle & Thread
Violet Shimmer Strapless Gown in Spring Mint, £775, needleandthread.com
Jimmy Choo
Sacora 85 Ivory Floral Lace Sandals with Pearl Detail, £675, jimmychoo.com
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Prada
Lace-Trimmed Silk Blouse (Size UK 14), rent from £13 or buy secondhand for £290, mywardrobehq.com
The Vampire’s Wife
Sky Rocket Cape, £1,950, thevampireswife.com
Sky Rocket Dress, £2,500, thevampireswife.com
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Alexander McQueen
Floral-Lace Bustier Top, £1,050, farfetch.com
Costarellos
Elodie Sweetheart-Neck Corseted Woven Maxi Dress, £2,210, selfridges.com
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Thomas Sabo
Gold Plated Ring With Green And White Stones, £149, thomassabo.com
Featured image: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. (L to R) India Amarteifio as Young Queen Charlotte, Corey Mylchreest as Young King George in episode 101 of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2023
