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If there was ever a season made for Regency-era fashion, it’s autumn. Think misty countryside walks, sweeping coats, ribbons, riding boots, and the kind of billowing white blouse that makes you want to abandon your inbox and dramatically cross a field instead. Conveniently, Jane Austen–inspired dressing is having a major cultural revival.
Dolly Alderton recently launched Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Pride and Prejudice at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, England, where bonnets, Empire-waist dresses, and full Regency regalia were very much the dress code. Add the new Sense and Sensibility adaptation, out now, into the mix and suddenly the romantic costumes of Austen’s heroines are feeling particularly relevant again.
The Regency period, which spanned the early 19th century, was defined by a move away from the heavily structured silhouettes of the Georgian era toward softer, higher-waisted dresses inspired by classical antiquity. Empire lines, fine muslins, delicate embroidery, and long, fluid skirts became fashionable, while outerwear, gloves, ribbons, and bonnets added practical polish.
For stylist Bertie Taylor-Smith, part of the appeal lies in the contrasts that defined Regency-era fashion. “What inspires me most is the contrast between masculinity and femininity during the period and how they intertwined,” he says. “On one end there was a strong influence from military uniforms, so think rows of buttons and fitted tailoring. On the other, you have dainty embroidery, little frills, and ruffles—and both genders borrowed from each other.”
It’s perhaps why Regency references feel surprisingly easy to translate into a modern wardrobe. The period may be best known for its Empire-waist gowns, but there’s a much broader visual language to borrow from: romantic blouses, fitted jackets, delicate embroidery, soft color palettes, capes, ribbons, and elegant flats. (Sarah Flint even has a capsule collection inspired by Elinor and Marianne from S&S.)
“There is definitely fun to be had in embracing the soft color palettes and romantic layering,” Taylor-Smith says. “And I’d never shy away from an opportunity to put someone in a neck ruffle.”
Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images
Of course, I’m not suggesting we all start dressing like Elizabeth Bennet in the most literal sense. There is a fine line between “romantic heroine” and “en route to a period-drama convention,” and Taylor-Smith is equally unconvinced by some of the era’s more recognizable details. “I don’t see the infamous ringlets coming back anytime soon, and the Empire waist is reserved for the few that can pull it off.”
Better still, many of those pieces already slot neatly into the fall trends we’re wearing now. So consider this your guide to having a Regency autumn in 2026. No bonnet required.
1. The Empire-waist dress
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The Empire waist is perhaps the most recognizable Regency silhouette, with the waistline sitting just below the bust before falling loosely through the skirt. For fall, look for long-sleeve versions in darker florals, soft cottons, or heavier fabrics, then ground the romance with knee-high boots or chunky loafers. A structured trench, wool coat, or oversized leather jacket is perfect for cold weather layering.
Madewell Empire-Waist Midi-Dress
Aritzia Regent Trench Coat
Frye & Co. Miranda 14 Boots
Imbos 14k-Gold-Plated Daisy Pearl Studs
2. The romantic blouse and long skirt
Moritz Scholz/Getty Images
Moritz Scholz/Getty Images
Puffed sleeves, lace trims, high necklines, and soft gathers all tap into the Regency mood without requiring full historical dress. Pair a romantic white blouse with a long denim, suede, or wool skirt, then add loafers, Mary Janes, or tall boots. If the blouse is particularly frilly, keep the rest of the outfit simple so the overall effect feels modern rather than costume-y.
Lioness Veil Blouse
Cartolina Bea Embroidered Skirt
Difema Square-Toe Mary Jane Flats
Gorjana 14k-Gold Mini-Heart Necklace
3. The cropped riding jacket and jeans
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
A fitted wool or velvet jacket is one of the easiest ways to reference Regency tailoring. Look for cropped shapes, high collars, or military-inspired details, then wear with straight-leg jeans and a simple tee or knit. Riding boots will lean further into the equestrian feel, while loafers make the look more everyday. The sharper the jacket, the more relaxed the rest of the outfit can be.
Free People Fitted Velvet Military Jacket
Levi’s Wedgie Bootcut Jeans
Libby Loafers Tony Bianco
JW Pei Nova Baguette Shoulder Bag
4. The cardigan and romantic dress
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Moritz Scholz/Getty Images
For something softer, look to the countryside version of Regency dressing. A floaty midi-dress layered under a chunky cardigan feels especially right for fall, particularly with ribbed socks and Mary Janes or slouchy boots. You can also throw a fine knit over the top and let just the skirt show underneath.
Aelfric Eden Oversized Sweater
Intimately Finally Found It Midi Slip Dress
Steve Madden Steffi Leather Ballet Heels
J.Crew Baroque Pearl Necklace
5. The cape coat
Moritz Scholz/Getty Images
305pics/Getty Images
Capes bring instant period-drama energy, and they are surprisingly easy to style in real life. Wear one over a long skirt, a knit sweater, and knee-high boots, or throw it over jeans if you want a more relaxed version. Because a cape already makes a statement, keep the rest of the outfit relatively pared back. One historical reference usually feels far chicer than several competing at once.
Zara Wool Cape Coat
Mango Checked Midiskirt
Zara Suede Tall Boots
Jimmy Fairly Shiso Sunglasses
6. The ribbon, brooch, and ballet flats
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images
Atsuko Tanaka/Getty Images
If you want the Regency mood without changing your whole wardrobe, accessories are the easiest place to start. Velvet ribbons, antique-style brooches, lockets, ballet flats, and drawstring bags all add a little historical romance. Pin a brooch to a leather jacket, tie a ribbon around a ponytail, or swap sneakers for flats. Small details make the reference feel considered rather than theatrical.
DTJA Running Horse Brooch
The Horse Fin Drawstring Bag
Quince Leather Glove Ballet Flats
Fable England Forget Me Not Pearl Cameo Necklace
7. The waistcoat and riding boots
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Atsuko Tanaka/Getty Images
Regency menswear is just as useful a reference point. Waistcoats, vests, sharp tailoring, and high-waist trousers translate easily into a modern fall outfit, especially layered over a soft blouse or fine roll-neck. Add a long wool coat and flat leather boots for balance. If you want to soften the tailoring, a ruffled collar or antique-style jewelry brings the Austen mood back in without making the look too formal.
Cider Floral Jacquard Square-Neck Waistcoat
H&M Balloon-Sleeve Blouse
Free People Spotlight Menswear Barrel Trousers
Coach Riding Boots
A version of this story was previously published in Glamour UK.
