Dress like a Bridgerton - Regency core crowned most popular UK fashion trend
If you’ve been glued to the screen to catch up with your friends in the Ton, caught the ‘Kanthony’ fever, or if you’re just waiting for Colin to FINALLY realise he loves Penelope dearly - this read is for you!
According to research by Fenwick Department Stores online demand for regency fashion has increased almost threefold (+186.92%) over the previous year, making it the most popular UK fashion trend in 2022.
Since December ‘21 and in the run up to the second season of Bridgerton, there has been a considerable spike in online searches for regency dresses (+175%). The data paints a picture of a Britain ready to fully embrace the so-called “regency core” trend.
The trend is so popular, it’s overtaken the y2k fashion trend, previously a highly seeded trend of the year contestant.
If you’re a little puzzled and don’t fancy showing up to work in an empire waist gown then bear with.
Regency core isn’t only dressing grand and for special occasions, it can be bringing small details into your everyday life such as wearing a pearl accessory, a clutch or a pair of dainty heels to liven up a minimalist outfit. There are many ways in which you can add a bit of a regency feel to a contemporary look.
Demand for dopamine dressing skyrockets (+2000%)
In addition to the rise in regency fashion - the study also reveals a massive increase in the popularity of dopamine dressing; dressing in clothes that bring you joy - sorry for stealing your tagline here Marie Kondo.
Dopamine dressing can mean many things. It can be wearing yellow because it makes you smile. It can be wearing a pair of bright dungarees because it reminds you of being young, wild and free - or perhaps just because they’re unbelievably comfy.
Although often referred to as ‘joyful’ colours and lush textures, dopamine dressing is an individual art of finding items that make you happy and give you a confidence boost.
One could argue that a certain Lady Whistledown aka *spoiler alert* Penelope Featherington is an expert in dopamine dressing with her love for bright yellow gowns and colourful details.
With searches up a whooping 2.000% since March 2021, dopamine dressing is the fastest growing fashion trend in the UK, followed by regency fashion (+186%).
Data shows demand for Y2K fashion in decline
An otherwise big fashion hit that we’ve seen return over the past few years, Y2K, has seen a slight decline in average online monthly searches in the previous year (-1.19% per month), and an overall significant decrease in popularity (-16%) making way for other trends such as regency fashion which are growing fast.
Although still popular, perhaps the return of baby tops, baguette bags and dangerously low rise jeans will be more short lived than predicted?
