Nicola Coughlan, our beloved Penelope Featherington, recently graced Instagram with a series of snapshots that sent fans into a frenzy. The first photo captured a heartwarming moment between Coughlan and Luke Newton, her on-screen love interest, both decked out in their wedding finery. Coughlan, positively radiant in a lavish ivory gown and cascading veil, was the picture of bridal bliss.

But upon closer inspection, something rather unexpected caught the eyes of eagle-eyed fans. Peeking out from beneath the layers of silk and tulle were.

..fuzzy Birkenstock clogs?

"Okay, but can we talk about those Birkenstocks?" one fan commented, summing up the collective amusement.

Comfort is King (and Queen) on the "Bridgerton" Set

It turns out, Coughlan's cozy footwear choice wasn't an anomaly. The chilly British winter, during which much of season three was filmed, led to a delightful clash of centuries on set. Between takes, the opulent world of Regency-era London transformed into a haven of modern-day comfort. Think shearling-lined clogs, puffy parkas draped over antique furniture, and actors sporting comfy Ugg boots beneath their elaborate costumes.

“You might see a pair of Sambas peeking out from under a petticoat, or a down parka thrown over the back of an antique drawing room chair,” one crew member revealed.

Even those cozy Dryrobes, usually spotted on surfers braving frigid waves, became ubiquitous on set, providing warmth and respite from the demanding filming schedule.

Nicola Coughlan: A Self-Care Maven

Coughlan’s dedication to comfort extends beyond footwear. In a recent Vogue Beauty Secrets video, she confessed to being an avid user of the NuFace facial toning device.

"You can tell which days I really went ham on it when watching season three," she joked, her eyes twinkling. “The cheekbones are cheekbone-ing.”

Her self-care routine also includes a healthy dose of Olaplex hair products, regular massages to "switch my brain off," and indulgent face masks applied while tidying up her home. And, of course, she prioritizes the "boring stuff," like getting enough sleep, especially during long days on set.

A Refreshingly Relatable Approach to Glamour

In a world obsessed with unattainable beauty standards, Coughlan's relatable approach to glamour is a breath of fresh air.

She reminds us that it's okay to embrace comfort, to prioritize self-care, and to find joy in the simple things, even when you're dressed in a corset and tiara.

"I think it’s really good to invest in yourself,” Coughlan shared in an interview. "It doesn’t have to be all aesthetic stuff. Mind, body, soul, when you look after that, you’ll be very glad you did.”

And really, who are we to argue with a woman who can rock both a ball gown and a pair of fuzzy Birks with equal aplomb?