Dearest gentle reader: A new season of “Bridgerton” has arrived on Netflix, and with it, a return of the show’s iconic period costumes. But the fashion choices this season are largely debated, with some arguing that the outfits aren’t entirely historically accurate. Here are five outfits from season four that caught my eye, either out of repulsion or admiration. 

5. Philippa Finch’s floral nightmare 

Episode 3 at 14:35

While Philippa Finch is known for straying from simple patterns, her outfits can pop out in a strange, hear-me-out way. We hear that same call in this episode, as she steps out wearing a dress similar to something out of a couture runway — not daily life in 1810s London. The metallic hints, huge florals, splashes of color and large sleeves scream modernity in a way that shatters the illusion of the time period. Compared to the minimalist style and soft pastel tones that Daphne set the stage for in season one, Philippa’s dress is too loud and a bit tacky, reminiscent of your grandma’s upholstery or a flower shop in human form. While it’s obvious that the Featherington family is infamous for standing out in all the wrong ways, the uncomfortable sleeves in particular add to an overall distracting appearance.

4. Lady Danbury’s ombre offense

Episode 2 at 38:00

Lady Danbury’s looks never fail to stun me in the best possible way, which is why I was shocked by this almost mermaid-like outfit. Like Philippa’s dress, the purple and blue ombre alongside the sheen surface of this fabric is extremely contemporary. The dress starts flowing out from below the bust, as was common with Regency-era outfits — but it feels too dramatic, jump-scaring you with the excessive amount of fabric behind Lady Danbury when she turns to walk behind the couch. The sheer material that protrudes from the puffy sleeves and follows down her arms looks out of place, like she does while wearing it. Though this look has a few acceptable qualities, there’s no hiding how it simply doesn’t suit this character.

3. Sophie’s ice queen fairytale

Episode 1 at 19:34

While Sophie’s dress for this festivity is absolutely stunning, the outfit as a whole has some pitfalls. The white-silver color of the dress and how it sits on her body, along with her diamonds and satin gloves, are applaudable decisions for Sophie’s grand entrance into the show, akin to an elevated version of something that Daphne would wear. But the outfit’s Achilles’ heel lies in the mask: While it complements the dress and serves its function by hiding her face from Benedict, the mask is strangely aggressive, going all the way up to her hairline in a way that takes away from the elegance of the dress. By covering her whole face, the mask makes her look creepy — not gently mysterious. In a show where Sophie is arguably presented as an ingenue, the mask is quick to break that aesthetic.

2. Lady Danbury as Zeus

Episode 1 at 22:07

With this outfit, Lady Danbury absolutely redeems her Episode 2 catastrophe. The accents of gold pop so majestically against the dark base of the dress that they manage to stand out under the dim lighting. Her mask, albeit a departure from typical masquerade fashion, is chic because of its simple yet asymmetrical shape. The Greek detailing in her jewelry — also featured along the hems of the dress — turns this basic dark gown into a work of art, accompanied by shiny gold drape and a thunderbolt staff that tie the ancient Greek theme together. While this look’s over-the-top nature isn’t in line with standard fashion from the time period, it’s safe to say that the dress’s elegance and divinity pulled “Bridgerton” viewers in right away.

1. Lady Violet Bridgerton’s lavender royalty

Episode 1 at 22:09

When Violet struts into the masquerade ball, it becomes almost impossible to look away. This dress’s pastel colors and lightweight material are symbolic of her graceful nature — sparkling in a way that is not overdone nor tacky, with an empire waist and sleeves that come close to true Regency fashion. Still, the look maintains a whimsical quality. Its sheer purple and blue fabric delicately drapes down Violet’s arms, making the dress flutter gently, while the wispy gold mask holds touches of sparkle and lavender edges, upholding the outfit’s dignified yet romantic appearance. Her choice of accessories — a gold tiara and diamond necklace — is what brings the whole look together, perfectly pairing with her mask. Every small detail of this outfit culminates in her elegance, and justifies her title of viscountess. 

Bonus: Will and Alice Mondrich as Mark Antony and Cleopatra

Episode 1 at 23:10

This is an iconic duo that I just didn’t have the heart to leave out. At the masquerade ball, Alice stuns as Cleopatra with a long gold dress and sleeves draping all the way to the ground. Her hair is adorned with gold and blue beads, and her necklace follows the same color scheme to create a cohesive look — her clear depiction of Cleopatra is evident through her mask, painted with the pharaoh’s famous blue and black eye makeup. By her side is her husband Will dressed as Antony, wearing a blue outfit with intricate gold details embroidered on the front while shiny blue fabric falls down his back like a cloak. While his mask is a bit simpler than Alice’s, the gold pairs well with the rest of his outfit. It can be difficult to ignore the inconsistencies with the time period, but the precision and originality of these looks trump any discrepancy. The outfits tie Alice and Will together masterfully, complementing their already flourishing love. 

Contact Christobelle Rudes at [email protected].