Subscribers would then either make dresses themselves, or have their dressmaker(s) whip up a copy for them. The magazine was chock-full of articles, but it was the fashion plates that the ladies went gaga over.įrench fashion designers were considered “de rigueur” or “a la mode” (to use terms of the time), hence the French name for an English magazine, and French names for the styles. However, Regency fashions transcended country borders, and began in the decades before the Prince of Wales (Prince George) was made Regent in 1811, and continued after he was crowned King George IV in 1820.ĭuring the Regency era, fashionable women of the English ton would pounce on a new edition of the women’s magazine La Belle Assemblée, a periodical magazine published between 1806-1837 in Britain. The Regency period in history is named for Britain’s Prince Regent. Before and after that, although the era might still be called Regency, women’s dress styles were markedly different, with wide skirts set at the natural waist. High-waisted dresses with narrow skirts and low necklines for evening wear, are good examples of Regency fashion between the years of 1800 to 1825. ( Regency Era French Fashion: Le Costume Historique, 1888) This last requirement (of mine) is often missing from books that are described as Regency romances, and that are otherwise top-notch (a separate list!). Humor in the form of wit – either witty dialogue, or in the author’s narrative.Characters should plumb some heights and depths (it’s ok for a hero or heroine to suffer a little, not necessarily for love).Historical accuracy for the particular period (it doesn’t have to be 100% accurate, but there should be no glaring faux pas).Well written, with complex characters that leap off the page and drive the plot.While romance is a given, there are some other must-have’s on my list to make a particular author and their novel stand above the crowd: Not all authors and novels grouped in this genre fit my criteria for a “true Regency romance”, in my opinion. ( Promenade de Longchamp 1802 Fashions: Le Costume Historique, 1888) Here’s a look at some vintage Regency-era fashion plates, and my take on the best modern Regency romance authors and books that will surprise and delight you.
Bridgerton‘s author Julia Quinn’s books, which the TV series is based on (similar but different to the TV show), meets my exacting criteria.
There are literally (pun intended) thousands of romance writers, and hundreds who set their novels specifically in the Regency era. I’ve heard some people say they watch it for the Regency fashions others, not so much. Just in time for fans of the Bridgerton series on Netflix (season two starts soon).
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