I binge-watched Netflix’s latest period drama Bridgerton like an avid Lady Whistledown devotee. The story, which unfolds like Twilight fanfiction or a kilig-filled K-Drama complete with a contractual courtship, was an easy watch from start to finish. Though be warned of the many makeout scenes that will unfold in later episodes, the cheesy dialogue, beautiful cinematography and over-the-top costumes are enough to keep you entertained. It truly is Gossip Girl set in the 1800s.
But it’s the show’s brilliant costume design that really made me want to stream the series in a day. Bridgerton’s fashion may not be entirely historically accurate—but does it really matter? The steamy romcom is set in a fantastical London after all, and we love the commitment to this colorful, diverse, and not-at-all dreary Regency period filled with royal balls and scandal every 30 minutes.
That said, Daphne Bridgerton may be the perfect pretty heroine of season one, who can do no wrong in shades of blue and white frocks to match her vanilla beauty, but it is her sister Eloise and best friend Penelope Featherington who dress so uniquely stylish in every scene they’re in.
The two make an unlikely pair, and are styled to match their wallflower roles in society—with dresses that seem to come straight off the runways of Rodarte, Erdem, or even Giambattista Valli.
Here are 7 reasons why Eloise and Penelope are the real style icons of the hit Netflix series Bridgerton:
1. Curvy and petite, Penelope Featherington never lets her body shape get in the way of dressing loud and proud.
We love her penchant for fully embroidered bright frocks that look great against her porcelain skin and bright ginger hair.
2. We need to talk about Eloise’s hair bows!
Daphne’s sister is the show’s oddball for more reasons than one—and it’s her baby bangs styled with pastel bow headbands that make her unique from episode one.
3. Who says full-figured women can’t wear a floor-length frock in one color?
We love Penelope’s Barbie pink getup that brightens up her complexion even more.
4. The two times Eloise wore a ball gown in the series were simply memorable.
For both occasions, she opted for muted pastels (one peach and the other a dove gray) that evoke simplicity and sophistication. Both looks would have been boring if not of the intricate tone-on-tone embroidery on her dresses and her adorable hair accessories.
5. Texture and prints are also Penelope’s bestfriend.
Unlike her two older sisters who prefer peacocking, the youngest Featherington knows how to pare down her overall look with a minimal but statement-making hair accessory to match her frock.
6. Having trouble layering under your dresses? Eloise has some great tips!
The aspiring writer loves a sheer top with a statement bow or frill to cover her décolletage. But apart from appearing modest, Eloise’s 'fits are always a tad bit quirky. Not to mention we love the cropped jackets she dons when she’s out and about. We’re sure Gucci’s Alessandro Michele would approve.
7. Both Eloise and Penelope are great at accessorizing, too!
Penelope matches her jewels to her dress almost all of the time and she isn’t scared of bright colored rocks either! While Eloise chooses to wear minimal to no diamonds at all (even her tiaras are simple bands compared to Daphne), and opts for ribbons and bows instead. The best friends know that a beautiful dress is enough to command attention on screen.
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