Regencycore is an interpretation of the Regency aesthetic originating in the early 2020s. Rather than it being an accurate recreation of the Regency historical period, this fashion style and literary genre utilizes a more modern or over-the-top tone that incorporates Rococo/Baroque and Royalcore aesthetics and literary tropes that would not be true to Regency society.

The aesthetic's inspiration, the Regency period in Britain, has been popular and immortalized from Jane Austen's writings. In her novels, she paints a vivid picture of the lifestyles and concerns of Regency women, such as finding a suitable husband, running a household, navigating social situations within Britain's hierarchical society, etc.

Many authors in the 20th century wrote historical fiction and sought to capture the tone and setting of both Austen and her contemporaries.

This aesthetic can be credited entirely to the 2020 Netflix series Bridgerton , which has amassed a large following and is characterized by a more fanciful reimagining of the period. For example, rather than the minimalistic design of the period, the costume designers used glitter, gemstone appliqués, and bright colors, which would not have existed during that time .

Because of this wide appeal, many magazine articles were written on how to embody the show's aesthetic. Part of this show's appeal, as discussed in a Vogue article , is the escapist yearning for historical eras during the COVID lockdown, similar to Cottagecore's appeal and the rise of Lirika Matoshi's "strawberry dress." It is here that the tag "Regencycore" came to be, in order to distinguish this style from genuine Regency historical costuming and scholarship.

From Bridgerton's popularity as well as the rise of romance fiction from BookTok, there are new Regency historical fiction novels which use a heightened version of the period. In addition, there is a rise in Regency-themed parties and events, often using terms from Bridgerton itself. (The series invented many social expectations and does not rely on pre-existing British historical norms.)

Regencycore is also either the originator or retroactive description of the rise of feminine, historical-inspired fashion in the 2020s. Fashion motifs from the Regency era, specifically puffed cap sleeves, an empire waist silhouette, and low necklines, are common in mainstream fashion from 2020 onwards (as of 2025). Additionally, the trend of wearing corsets is also cited as Regencycore, however, the style of modern corset typically worn in the 2020s more resembles 1820s and later corsets.