Nicola Coughlan, playing Penelope Featherington in Netflix's "Bridgerton," has received an on-screen makeover along with her transition from a supporting to a leading role in the upcoming third season starting May 16, 2024. Initially styled as "dowdy," Coughlan's character in the early seasons featured garish dresses and heavy makeup that aligned with the Featherington family's bold, over-the-top aesthetic. However, as Penelope steps into the spotlight in season three, her look has evolved into softer colors, more elegant hairstyles, and refined makeup, shedding the prior garish style for a more subdued and romantic appearance.
This transformation is typical in "Bridgerton," where characters who move to lead roles undergo significant style changes to reflect their character development. This phenomenon, referred to by fans as the "Bridgerton glow-up," aims to visually represent the character’s growth and new narrative importance.
The show's approach to these makeovers is notably focused on costume and styling rather than physical transformations like weight change, emphasizing the characters' internal evolution rather than altering their physical appearance extensively. Season three will also see Luke Newton’s character, Colin Bridgerton, adopt a darker, more mature look to signify his character's development.