Thread by @MaryRobinette

I know you think the #Bridgerton costumes are over the top.

The reality is so, so much...extra.

When young ladies were presented at court, they had to wear a court dress. Queen Charlotte still insisted on hoops.

But fashion had shifted to a high waist.

Imagine panniers, which were already awkward, but now tie them directly below your breasts.

These dresses were worn at court and literally nowhere else.

To be presented to the queen you had stand around and wait until you were called to her. Then you'd walk to her, do a deep curtsey until she told you you could stand.

AND THEN you had to BACK UP while wearing these ridiculous hoops and a train.

Colors were also much more saturated than you would expect. Yes, a debutant likely wore weight or some other pastel, but everyone else was free to do whatever the hell is happening to the woman in this dress.

So the Featheringtons? Actually, pretty restrained.

Meanwhile, outside of court, people were wearing what we typically think of with the Regency. Straight lines influenced by the recent discovery of Pompeii.

Also? Color existed and people wore it.

Mm... Another time, we can talk about all the kissing games. I enjoyed the heck out of Bridgerton, but the central premise that kissing the Duke would have ruined Daphne?

Not so much.