Dearest Gentle Reader,
Part one of season four is out now and has been as promising as past seasons. In “Bridgerton,” fashion isn’t just used to dazzle, but also to confess and drive the storylines.
This season shifts its focus to Benedict Bridgerton, the second oldest and most free-spririted of the siblings. His love stories follow him and Sophie Baek, which challenges the rigid boundaries of class, identity and visibility within “the ton,” the show using this term with abandon, reflecting fashionable and high society.
At its core, season four explores who is allowed to be seen and what it costs to love openly — especially beneath your class in a society obsessed with keeping up appearances. This season’s fashion reflects this idea perfectly from episode 1.
Season 4 opens with the glamour and gossip that Bridgerton is known for, with Benedict facing the pressure to marry from his mother. Benedict is known to be artistic and liberated, which is easily reflected in his wardrobe so far this season. His clothing leans into a more bohemian and artsy look, representing his spirit.
Throughout the four episodes, there are minor changes that symbolize his emotional turmoil and transitions. His silhouettes are intentionally softened, which is a way to visibly show his growing vulnerability and emotional fluidity, especially as he slowly exits his “rake,” an affectionate yet critical term for a charming, wealthy and aristocratic man known for his promiscuous, irresponsible, and sometimes scandalous behavior.
Benedict’s masquerade outfit is almost underwhelming in comparison to the rest of the attendees and extravagance around him. But it matches his character and his arc perfectly: Benedict doesn’t want to be at the ball to begin with, let alone attending to find marriage.
His costume consists of clean lines and dark tones, his look slightly more reserved, suggestive of someone physically — not mentally — present.
Sophie Baek, a maid, lives between two worlds. She is the Cinderella of the story, cleaning and working for her stepmother and two stepsisters.
Sophie’s clothing represents her status within the ton, which is not one of high stature. Before her meetings with Benedict and change of servitude, she wears very simple clothing, modest and unnoticeable.
When Sophie first gets to the Masquerade Ball in episode one, she wears a beautiful, silver regency gown. It moves in a flowing way that allows Sophie to move through the crowd like a ghost. Spending the evening in another world, the way she moves and carries herself makes it obvious she feels uncomfortable.
The way her dress is situated makes her stand out in her room full of elaborate costumes. Her mask is a delicate half-face covering in matching silver, hiding her identity and status from the people surrounding her.
After the ball, we see her wardrobe begin to soften. Taking on a regency-era silhouette, her clothing reflects her entry into a higher society.
Lady Violet Bridgerton wears a pastel purple and blue gown with a gold mask. The colors are romantic, hinting at her own romantic subplot as well as her desire for her children to marry for love.
Eloise Bridgerton was wearing a costume inspired by Joan of Arc. Her costume has a fitted silhouette in Bridgerton Blue, with gold accents and shoulder pads mirroring that of a knight. Her look is tied together with a blue and gold mask, a gold choker and a bobbed wig that mirrors Joan of Arc’s hair.
Penelope Bridgerton sports a bold look during the Masquerade. She has a long, blonde wig and a gold and black long-sleeve dress. Additionally, she wears a black and gold pirate hat with a crown sitting upon it, her look tied together with pops of emerald.
Colin, similarly, used black, gold and emerald in his outfit, though it appears much simpler in comparison to Penelope. In true pirate fashion, he also has a scarf tied around his head.
Lady Danbury and her brother both sport Zeus-inspired costumes, complete with matching gold masks. Queen Charlotte wears a costume inspired by the Queen of Hearts, with a dress consisting of blue and silvers and wide pleats on her skirt. The cherry on top? A heart-shaped, silver cage that protects her crown.
Choosing to forgo the mask, her dress is still distinctly Georgian style, wearing it so her sick husband can recognize her.
Overall, season four of Bridgerton stunned with the visuals from the Masquerade ball, as well as their normal flair in the costume department. Only part one is out on Netflix, but we can look forward to more dazzling looks and captivating storylines for Benedict, Sophie and the rest of the Bridgerton family in part two.
