A Fashion Deep Dive Into Bridgerton Season 4

Dearest gentle reader, the time has come. A new Bridgerton season is upon us, and it brings with it many more costumes to feast our eyes upon. In case you haven’t had the chance to watch the four newly released episodes on Netflix yet, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.

Season 4 explores the love story of the second Bridgerton brother, Benedict, played by Luke Thompson and the enigmatic Lady in Silver (aka Sophie Baek, a maid and the illegitimate child of Lord Penwood) played by Yerin Ha. They cross paths at Lady Violet’s masquerade ball at the start of the social season and sparks fly instantly—but Sophie leaves in a hurry without revealing her name, leaving only a silver glove behind. It’s giving Cinderella, and we’re not complaining.

The rest of the season follows Benedict’s search for the woman who haunts his memory, and who may be closer than he thinks. Of course, it wouldn’t be Bridgerton without a carriage load of side plots. We also keep up with Francesca’s married life, Lady Violet’s romantic pursuits and even a glimpse downstairs as the Bridgerton servants get a story of their own.

Our favourite part, of course, is the costumes. The clothes in Bridgerton have long been quite the divisive topic. They’ve been accused of being too stripped-down, too escapist, too over-the-top…will they ever make everyone happy? (This author thinks not.) ICYMI: there have been three different costume designers across four seasons: Ellen Mirojnick for season 1, Sophie Canale for season 2 and John Glaser for season 3 and 4. Each one plays to their own strengths, but it’s clear that Glaser’s vision of fantastical extravagance stuck.

Here, gentle reader, we break down our favourite looks from Bridgerton season 4 and what they say about their characters.

Sophie Baek captures our hearts as the Lady in Silver

If you’ve seen even the smallest snippet of season 4, you’ve undoubtedly seen Sophie’s iconic Lady in Silver costume at the masquerade ball. As her pseudonym would suggest, her gown is glittering with silver gems and tulle with a classic Regency-style empire waist and short, voluminous sleeves. With it, she pairs opera gloves and a large, lacy silver mask that covers most of her face (because it is a disguise, after all). The decadence of her ball ensemble contrasts her true identity as a maid. Although it may be the most beautiful, her other costumes say far more about her character.

Sophie has worn three maid costumes in season 4 so far: a plain brown dress while working at Penwood House, a striped purple dress with a white fichu, and the familiar Bridgerton House staff uniform after Benedict lands her a job as Eloise and Hyacinth’s lady’s maid. These darker coloured, simpler costumes make her stand out against the rest of the ladies in the season, just as she stands out in her social status.

During Sophie and Benedict’s stint at My Cottage, viewers get a preview of what she might look like if she lived as a lady of high status in the ton. She borrows a handful of the Bridgerton sisters’ old dresses—all pastel blue and in a classic Regency cut—but still wears her hair up in her signature maid bun. This duality shows that, even in a fantasy away from society, Sophie can’t escape the reality of her position and the class divide separating her and Benedict. Only time will tell if Sophie will get the chance to wear this style of gown again later this season.

Benedict Bridgerton looks rakish as ever

Benedict Bridgerton, the man that you are. Notorious rake, free-spirited romantic and (almost) forgotten second son. After his younger brother Colin beat him to matrimony in season 3, now it’s time for Benedict to shine.

Aside from “avoiding eligible ladies like the plague” and chasing after the mysterious Lady in Silver, Benedict has been busy serving looks around the ton. This season, he dons several loose-fitted poet blouses with ruffles trimming a deep V-neck opening. This look is associated with the Romanticism art movement in the early 19th century, making it the perfect pairing with his artsy, rebellious spirit. Dare we say this is our favourite of his looks yet?

This author didn’t think we could get any more spoiled after Anthony Bridgerton’s wet shirt moment in season 2, but the second brother is now channelling Mr. Darcy, too, with a ravishing lake scene of his own in episode 3. We won’t give away too much—it’s best experienced first-hand—but if you haven’t seen it, what are you waiting for?

Lady Penwood gives evil stepmother a whole new look

Upon first watch, it might seem that the widow of Lord Penwood has a startling lack of outfit changes, considering her status in the ton. Upon closer inspection, however, Lady Araminta Gun’s wardrobe must be wall-to-wall with all-black gowns, because she sports a new (yet nearly identical) one in every scene.

Played by Katie Leung, Araminta’s costuming is undeniably taking notes from the pointed shoulders and high necklines of the evil stepmother in Disney’s animated Cinderella. Just like in the classic tale, she’s portrayed as a fortune hunter with two exceedingly wealthy dead husbands. The dark dresses match her equally dark intentions, but they also accurately represent her mourning period. Widows in the 19th century would’ve been expected to wear black for up to a year after the death of their husband (harsh much?), so her ominous collection makes perfect sense.

While we may not endorse her behaviour this season, we have to respect her sartorial senses: she clearly knows what she likes and sticks with it. But who knows? Maybe she’ll breathe some colour back into her wardrobe (and demeanour) in the second half of the season.

Lady Violet Bridgerton’s garden is in full bloom

The internet predicted it first: the biggest Bridgerton glow up of season 4 is Lady Violet, played by Ruth Gemmell. This season, she’s letting her hair down (literally) and loosening up amid the confines of her status as Dowager Viscountess. We watch as her budding romance with Lord Marcus Anderson—Lady Danbury’s dashing brother, played by Daniel Francis—goes from crush to secret affair.

Her costumes in the first three episodes are much more youthful than usual and dare we say…sexy. Her day gowns show off a tasteful display of décolletée and incorporate à la mode styles that compete with even the debutantes. They’re still classic Bridgerton pastels and florals, because who would she be if not dressed in light blue?

The biggest costume shock of the season was Lady Violet’s corset and robe bedroom set revealed at the end of episode 4 that had us (and Lord Anderson) gasping for air. No wonder the Bridgertons have so many siblings! We love to see her finally tending to her garden in bloom.

The Bridgerton sisters are all grown up

The Bridgerton sisters take a bit of a backseat role this season, but that certainly doesn’t mean they’re lacking in costumes.

Much to Lady Violet’s chagrin, Eloise has accepted her fate as a spinster this season, and her costumes show it. At home and around the ton, she blends into society for once with traditional gowns and unassuming styling. Unlike her, is it not? Her masquerade ball look, on the other hand, tells another story. The costume pays homage to Joan of Arc, a feminist icon, and it matches Eloise’s character flawlessly. The unique silhouette amid a ballroom of typical debutante dresses reflects her defiant nature that viewers know and love. We hope to see more daring looks like this from her in the coming episodes.

Although her love story with the Earl of Kilmartin unfolded in season 3, Francesca is still at the forefront of the plot this season. Always the introverted sister, she is the pinnacle (iykyk) of grace in both her character and costuming. Her wardrobe is made up of almost exclusively pale blue floral gowns with matching spencer jackets—a safe, although beautiful choice, if you ask us. As she explores her identity and spontaneity in the second half of the season, we have to wonder if her costuming will take more risks, too?

After revealing her identity as Lady Whistledown and reuniting with Eloise at the end of Season 3, Penelope Bridgerton has given up her life as the wallflower—her costuming reflects this. Now an honorary Bridgerton sister by marriage, her character is dressed in the familiar floral pastel fabrics signature of the family. This is a huge shift from previous seasons (notably the Featheringtons’ garish citrus hues or the deep emerald green gown from Season 3), and it paints a clear picture: Penelope finally fits in.

And we can’t forget Hyacinth! The youngest Bridgerton sister is all grown up with a wardrobe upgrade to prove it. In the opening of episode 1, she tells Eloise that “Mama finally let me lower my hems,” signalling the move from girlhood to young womanhood in the Regency period. This key moment is a clever yet subtle way for the costume designer to signal her character development simply by altering the length of her dresses. Talk about a mix of historical elements without sacrificing fun design.

With that, dear reader, the first half of Bridgerton season 4 comes to a close. But don’t worry; there will be plenty more splendid costumes to come in the second half, releasing on February 26. Until then, catch us daydreaming about Regency fashion and watching the first four episodes on repeat!