Royalcore Aesthetic
For those who long for a time when chivalry, luxury, and scandal abound, royalcore offers a trip back in time to when monarchies reigned. This community draws inspiration from 5th-19th century values and etiquette, including separating the upper class nobility from the lower class. As a relatively new aesthetic, royalcore hasn’t adopted a fully-fleshed vision of what they represent in the way that dark academia or normcore have, so the major focus is on visual and home design.
Those who participate in the community indulge in long afternoons lounging in the garden, hosting fully-costumed tea parties, and posting videos about their lives in the lap of luxury. Many refer to it as the grown-up version of Disney Princesses, as it relies on a romanticized version of monarchial history without reflection on the politics, war, and more problematic behavior of their royal idols.
It’s a real fairy tale, where they are the main character and always live happily ever after.
That said, many of the most popular royalcore aesthetic influencers state they’ve found self-love, acceptance, and self-confidence that they lacked by bringing a little magic to their everyday life.
Royalcore Aesthetic Design Motifs and Themes
- Inspired by period art and castle design from the Renaissance to the Georgian eras, particularly Victorian, Elizabethan, and the High Middle Ages.
- Gilded furniture paired with luxurious upholstery
- Emphasis 0n classic ideas of proper etiquette; lady-like and gentlemanly behavior
- Color palettes focus on rich, deep tones like violet, royal blue, and burgundy, metallics like silver, gold, rose gold, and bronze, and in some cases, Versailles-inspired pastels
- Persian rugs and wall-hanging tapestries
- Pastries set out on elaborate serving platters or tiered dishes
- Elaborate lighting in the form of candelabras and chandeliers
- Floral or brocade wallpaper
- China tea sets and engaging in tea service
- Ornateness, elegance, and
- Values that revolve around maintaining an air of regality, demureness, and poise
- Elitism abounds, a quality that can be problematic for those who cannot afford to participate in the aesthetic
- Using quills and scrolls for writing, keeping classically-bound book collections, and studying classic literature
- Filling the home with whimsical knick-knacks, luscious textiles, and expensive dishware
- Brocade, damask, and jacquard patterns
Royalcore Fashion
Furs, jewels, and intricate patterns adorn those in the royalcore community, with some going all out with elaborately beaded ball gowns, opera gloves, and a tiara. Others opt for a more modern approach by incorporating royalty-inspired patterns and accessories into their everyday looks.
They use period art and historical record for inspiration, with most fashion featuring pre-Industrial silhouettes and designs. The color palettes vary from one extreme to the other, as sumptuous jewel-tones, gilded metals, and dainty pastels have all had their day during the height of historical monarchial eras.
- High-quality fabrics like wool, cashmere, angora, leather, furs, and velvet
- Lace, embroidery, beading, and other decorative accents
- Tweed or woolen skirts
- Ball gowns and “princess” dresses
- Cocktail dresses or evening gowns
- Feather and fur trims
- High-heeled shoes
- Corset tops paired with voluminous skirts
- Long coats and capes
- Crowns and tiaras
- Matching jewelry sets, usually pearl or diamond
- Cameos and brooches
- Opera-length gloves in coordinating colors
- Envelope clutches
Royalcore Aesthetic Influential Media
Books
- The Essence of Style: How the French Invented High Fashion, Fine Food, Chic Cafes, Style, Sophistication, and Glamour by Joan DeJean
“Joan DeJean takes us back to the birth of haute cuisine, the first appearance of celebrity hairdressers, chic cafés, nightlife, and fashion in elegant dress that extended well beyond the limited confines of court circles. And Paris was the magical center — the destination of travelers all across Europe.”
- The Ladies’ Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness by Florence Hartley
“If the correct rules of etiquette fail you, never fear, for this handy guide will instruct you in the correct ladylike manner! This indispensable nineteenth-century guidebook will entertain, educate and inspire in equal measure. What should you do if you notice a stranger’s dress is tucked up at the back? What are you meant to say if you are offered food you don’t like at a dinner party? And what ought you to wear if you’re invited to a ball? If these questions baffle you, fear not!”
- The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir
“First written by a Tudor scholar in the 1800’s, this classic account of The Wives of Henry VIII tells the story of each queen consort, from the time they first met Henry VIII to their (sometimes) early demise. Descriptions of the appearance of Henry VIII and each of the wives, written by their contemporaries, add color to this already vividly descriptive, fascinating book.”
- Victoria: The Queen by Julia Baird
“The true story for fans of the PBS Masterpiece series Victoria, this enthralling biography reveals the real woman behind the myth: a bold, glamorous, unbreakable queen—a Victoria for our times. Drawing on previously unpublished papers, this stunning portrait is a story of love and heartbreak, of devotion and grief, of strength and resilience.”
- Madame de Pompadour by Nancy Mitford
“When Madame de Pompadour became the mistress of Louis XV, no one expected her to retain his affections for long. A member of the bourgeoisie rather than an aristocrat, she was physically too cold for the carnal Bourbon king, and had so many enemies that she could not travel publicly without risking a pelting of mud and stones.”
- The Other Windsor Girl: A Novel of Princess Margaret, Royal Rebel by Georgie Blalock
“Diana, Catherine, Meghan…glamorous Princess Margaret outdid them all. Springing into post-World War II society and quite naughty and haughty, she lived in a whirlwind of fame and notoriety. Georgie Blalock captures the fascinating, fast-living princess and her “set” as seen through the eyes of one of her ladies-in-waiting.”
- Hugh and Bess: A Love Story by Susan Higginbotham
“Forced to marry Hugh le Despenser, the son and grandson of disgraced traitors, Bess de Montacute, just 13 years old, is appalled at his less-than-desirable past. Meanwhile, Hugh must give up the woman he really loves in order to marry the reluctant Bess. Far apart in age and haunted by the past, can Hugh and Bess somehow make their marriage work?”
Shows
“Follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and the events that shaped the second half of the twentieth century.”
“A dramatic series about the reign and marriages of King Henry VIII.”
“In 1667, 28-year-old all-powerful king of France, Louis XIV, decides to build the greatest palace in the world – Versailles. But drained budget, affairs and political intrigues complicate things.”
“A chronicled look at the fall of the Romanov dynasty in Russia.”
“After the downfall of Cardinal Wolsey, his secretary, Thomas Cromwell, finds himself amongst the treachery and intrigue of King Henry VIII’s court and soon becomes a close advisor to the King, a role fraught with danger.”
“Spanish princess Catherine of Aragon navigates the royal lineage of England with an eye on the throne.”
Movies
“Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt experiences both triumph and tragedy as she attempts to resist the imperial ambitions of Rome.”
“The retelling of France’s iconic but ill-fated queen, Marie Antoinette. From her betrothal and marriage to Louis XVI at 14 to her reign as queen at 19 and to the end of her reign as queen, and ultimately the fall of Versailles.”
“The world’s greatest ever playwright, William Shakespeare, is young, out of ideas and short of cash, but meets his ideal woman and is inspired to write one of his most famous plays.”
“A dramatization of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria’s rule, and her enduring romance with Prince Albert.”
“The cruel King Louis XIV of France has a secret twin brother whom he keeps imprisoned. Can the twin be substituted for the real king?”
“Two sisters contend for the affection of King Henry VIII.”
“A mature Queen Elizabeth endures multiple crises late in her reign including court intrigues, an assassination plot, the Spanish Armada, and romantic disappointments.”
Royalcore Aesthetic Resources and References
Internet Personalities and Social Media
- TikToker Queen Astreaea
- Social Media Influencer Porsha Hall
- Social Media Influencer Jordan Brown
- Social Media Influencer Nathalie Roach
Spotify Playlists
- 🕊️ royalcore fantasies 🕊️ by Katrina Cortado
- Dancing in a Ballroom/Royalcore by Silvija Tubaite
Subreddits and Tumblr Blogs
- r/royalcore
- r/historicalcostuming
- r/monarchyhistory
- Princess Core Aesthetics
- Celestial Angels
- Royalcore Fantasy
Pinterest Boards
- Aesthetic: Royalcore by Aleksei M
- `~.+*Royalcore*+.~` by ‘~.+*Katana*+.~`
Podcasts
- Royally Obsessed hosted by Gallery Media Group & PureWow
- Treasures in Trash– The Rise of Royalcore– New Opportunities for NFTs on Trends Premium hosted by Steph Smith