Your Cart is Empty
FREE SHIPPING on USA orders over $100. CODE: SHIPFREE22 .
Processing time 4-8 business days .
Over the years, historical romance novels continue to grab the public's attention, wrapping readers in tales of noble families, restrictive social rules, and subsequential forbidden love stories. Also contributing to the rise of period or historical romance as a genre is the increasing amount of movie and television adaptations. From Netflix's adaptation of Austenites' favorite, Persuasion, and the revival of the cult-favorite show Sanditon. Of course, we'd be remiss to exclude fellow Netflix hit Bridgerton from the list of various pop cultural phenomenons feeding the historical romance craze.
Understandably, the intrigue and romance of these reinvented stories and pastoral settings translate to our contemporary times. Thanks to the boom in historical romance stories, brides-to-be everywhere are incorporating Bridgerton-inspired bridal shower outfits, themes, and decor. This means elegant and regal outfits or modernized takes on the fashion from the era, such as flowy maxi dresses with floral prints and puff sleeves.
If you're also part of the historical romance fandom and want to integrate the genre into your bachelorette party, there are lots of materials to draw from. It's also important to note how broad the historical part of historical romance can be, extending far beyond the corsets and puffs of the Regency era. Below, we'll be sharing some non-Bridgerton historical romance books to inspire your bachelorette party:
From Kathleen Tessaro, this one may be slightly more modern than other entries on the list. The story follows characters from 1920s New York to 1950s Paris. The novel is an exploration of the complex relationship between muse and artist, uncovering the story of a woman who inspired one of Paris' greatest perfumers. Thanks to this flexibility, you can theme a bachelorette party around one of your preferred decades. A nod to 1920s New York may bring out images of the iconic Flapper look and bobbed hair, while drawing from the luxury and elegance of 1950s Paris may bring to mind long full skirts and petticoats, cinched waists, and accessories such as gloves, hats, and handbags to complete the outfit.
Fortunately, for those unfamiliar with The Perfume Collector, it's one of many trending historical romance ebooks on the ebook subscription platform Everand. Featuring hundreds of thousands of other books in the romance and historical romance genre, you may also come across other similarly themed or set books to help put together the lookbook for your bachelorette party.
Another thematical twist for those looking to stand out from the sea of Bridgerton-inspired parties and gatherings, One Heart to Win is set in the historical American West. This means cowboys and horses but also doesn't forget the common elements of historical romance, such as the importance of money and social standing, warring families and clans, and, of course, forbidden romance. Thankfully, cowboy core fashion has been on a resurgence as of late. Beyonce released her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, early this year, featuring collaborations with iconic country voices like Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus, and Dolly Parton.
This can already set the tone of your bachelorette party. At the same time, cowboy boots and hats continue to be a niche fashion interest and would make for fun pictures from your bachelorette party. If you're new to cowboy core, think of fringe, denim, and leather and try to modernize the look based on your daily wardrobe. There's also the 1991 film Thelma and Louise, where Western-inspired attire dictates the character's adventures if you need visual aid.
If you'd like to stick to the regal look and elements of historical romance, The Other Boleyn Girl is set in the glamorous time of the English Renaissance, which means distinctive, luxurious fabrics and dramatic silhouettes. Of course, this doesn't mean you should have you and your bachelorette party guests in tailored Renaissance fashion. Another key element of the look and fashion of this era is its love for ostentatious decor, from embroidery to jewels, slashes, ribboning, and patterns. Think of stockings, linen collars, and even lace as a main theme for the bachelorette party.
Written by "the queen of royal fiction," The Other Boleyn Girl is considered a must-read for historical fiction and romance fans. It follows the story of determined Mary Boleyn, who must defy her family and take fate into her own hands. If you're not particularly interested in being historically accurate, there's a 2008 film adaptation of the book starring Natalie Portman as Anne Boleyn and Scarlett Johansson as Mary for visual reference and putting together your bachelorette party decor and lookbook.
Now, we inch closer to Bridgerton's alternative Regency era. A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure is set in 1860 London with a steampunk twist. This is great if you want a break from the visually uptight look of other Regency-era-themed parties. The book is termed a "whimsical Victorian" and draws inspiration from Jules Verne and The Nutcracker. Filled with colorful characters and an adventurous premise that may seem out of place in the era, the book is a great way to break the Regency pattern.
If you'd like to take your bachelorette party to the next level, you can incorporate fun parasols and petticoats. While the era's silhouette was defined by the dramatic width of hoop skirts, you can simply incorporate popular colors and fabrics from the era or have your fun with wigs for puffs, curls, and braids commonly seen through the era.
The second in the classic trilogy, The Italian Woman depicts the life of a powerful Queen in a love-hate relationship with her people. What results is a complex tale of politics, love, and faith. Another little twist from the London Regency, The Italian Woman, is set around the times and fashion of the French Regency in the 16th century. As such, this era's fashion dealt with familiar wide and conical silhouettes for women, featuring contrast fabrics, clashes, and other accessories.
Fortunately, modern high fashion draws greatly from Catherine de Medici's influence and fashion sense. You can model your bachelorette party looks around the woman's "Black Queen" look during her mourning period following Henry II's death, marking black as her power color accented with lots of lace, patterns, and jewels and pearls to complete the look. You can also center your look based on complex geometric embroidery to mimic the controversial Queen's use of fashion as a show of power.
