The costumes of Bridgerton season 4 have arrived with a flourish, signaling a bold step forward in the series' sartorial storytelling. Premiering in two parts, with the first part released on January 29, the latest season does not disappoint with its lavish and elegant 19th-century wardrobe. The new season highlights Regency-era fashion with a modern twist, featuring pastels, empire silhouettes, embroidery, delicate lace, intricate brocade, and puff sleeves.
This season spotlights Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, as he finds his diamond in the new social season. According to Tudum, Benedict is "loath to settle down" until he meets a woman known as the Lady in Silver, portrayed by Yerin Ha. The season's costume design leans into this dynamic, enhancing the narrative through visual cues.
One of the most anticipated events of the season is a masquerade ball, a key moment where Benedict and Sophie (the Lady in Silver) first meet. The theme for the ball, held by Lady Violet Bridgerton, is "Midnight in a Woodland Forest," drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The costume team created 172 looks for the ball, featuring imaginative designs such as chess pieces, animals, and celestial bodies.
Sophie's introduction features her in an iridescent ivory gown with floral appliqué and beadwork, complete with a matching mask. Organza shoulder trims shaped like soft sculpted bows, an embroidered mask tied with a satin bow, and an extravagant bow choker highlight her innocence and mystery. For Benedict, the costume team created a "Shakespearean bard feel," inspired by Shakespeare in Love, with a "devil-may-care poet look". His all-black attire includes calf-high boots, formal black chinos, a frilly chiffon shirt with black laces, a ruched leather jacket, and a plain black eye mask.
Bows are a prominent detail throughout the season's costumes, appearing on neck chokers and masks. Eloise Bridgerton's costumes reflect her growing maturity, with pastel colors and bolder silhouettes. She sports a dove-grey dress with a water-wave pattern and a wide silk bow choker. Penelope Bridgerton is seen in a blush-pink floral brocade gown with a square neckline and soft pastel shimmer.
The "villainous" characters, Sophie's stepmother Araminta Gun and stepsisters Rosamund and Posy, also showcase bows in their masquerade ball gowns. Araminta wears a structured black gown with jacquard, sheer gloves, and a bow-shaped sheer mask. Posy wears a mint-seafoam gown with pearls and sequins, her braided hairstyle threaded with ribbons tied into bows. Rosamund dons a powder-mint rococo gown with floral embroidery and a large satin hair bow.
Queen Charlotte's costumes continue to be dramatic, featuring a regal explosion of blue brocade, crimson lining, and jewel-toned embroidery. Her skirt panels are edged with ornamental bow-shaped folds, and her outer robe gathers into sculptural bow-like drapes. Even her towering silver headpiece curves like an abstract bow. According to actress Golda Rosheuvel, who plays the royal, her looks involve double corseting and require significant physical training.
The male costumes also receive considerable attention. Benedict's wardrobe shifts away from traditional Bridgerton polish, embracing looser styles and darker colors like deep blues and inky teals. Collars sit open, and his simple, molded leather masquerade mask adds to his artistic persona. The designers for season four drew inspiration from Mr. Darcy's wet shirt from the 1995 Pride and Prejudice series.