‘Men adore our Bridgerton look – we get loads of attention'

Sophie Andrews, 26, and Abigail Rose, 32, take their love of the Regency costumes in the returning Netflix show to the next level

- LARA KILNER

Bridgerton is back for a new season full of swooning maidens and steamy sex scenes, ready to get those 82 million households who watched the first series all hot under the collar once more. But for some women, dressing in period costume – inspired in part by the hit show – has become a way of life.

Sophie Andrews, 26, regularly dresses up in the full regalia of Bridgerton’s Regency era and says it’s a boost for her confidence.

“I prefer what I look like in Regency clothing – it’s more flattering and feminine,” says Sophie, who is a Jane Austen superfan. “I used to only dress up if someone else was dressed like me, but then a couple of years down the line, I’m on the Tube in London in costume – a bonnet, cape, everything.”

She even took her dog for a walk in full Austen garb during lockdown. “It brought entertainment to the people at the park. They were all like, ‘What on earth?’” she says.

Sophie is the founder of the Jane Austen Pineapple Appreciation Society, a group of about 30 men and women who get together for balls, soirees – where they listen to harp music – high teas and picnics in National Trust properties, all while dressed in full period costume.

A WALLFLOWER NO LONGER