The Corset

The Victorian era saw the wasp waist corset structure underneath dresses to create the idealized hourglass shape.

The 1920’s saw Coco Chanel’s influence on women’s fashion with her vision of making women’s clothes comfortable and liberating this saw a movement away from the Victorian corsetry.

But gone are the days when the corset was a symbol of women’s oppression and unrealistic body standards.

This once controversial piece has gone through a much needed revolution over the years thanks to the works of designers such as Vivienne Westwood in the mid-80s with her punk aesthetic making the once upon a time underwear garment outerwear, Westwood transformed its structure as well, replacing the whale bones of the traditional corset with stretch fabric and opting for a zip instead of lace all making the corset more comfortable to wear and who can forget Madonna’s cone corseted body suit at her blonde ambition tour in 1990 performance.

That moment went down in history books as one of the hallmark moments that the corset took on a new meaning and reinterpretation from literally and figuratively constricting to liberating. Madonna true to her rebellious persona appeared on stage performing in a Jean Paul Gaultier pinstripe suit revealing a provocative cone corseted pink bodysuit playing on masculinity and femininity. This iconic moment made a powerful statement on women taking back their power on how to present their bodies and own their sexuality.

More contemporarily, period dramas like Bridgerton that is set in the regency era inspiring a renewed frenzy over the corset. It’s not about having the impossibly tiny wasp waistline anymore, today the corset meets the middle ground between giving that feminine silhouette while still leaving space for comfort and body positivity. Popularly celebrities like Billie Eilish, Dua lipa and the Kardashians have been sported rocking the timeless piece.

You can rock the corset whichever way you choice, comfortably and on your own terms. Corsets of lace, leather, bright colour, print, you name it. Here are some fresh takes on the corset to incorporate into your closet;

Corsets Layered Over Button Down Shirts

Corsets over button down shirts, a trend that walked down the run way of Fendi’s 2022 fall collection is one sassy way to wear a corset. Want to find new ways to wear the pieces you already have in your closet, one way to do this is by wearing your basics in an elevated way. Layering a sultry corset over a classic long sleeved shirt is just the right way to create mystery and add a surprising edge and tease to an otherwise conservative look.

Corseted Co-ord

Two piece sets/co-ords are having a moment right now and you can take this look to the next level with a corseted co-ord outfit. This makes for the perfect summer and night out look. There are trouser co-ord sets, shorts co-ords, skirt co-ords to choose from.

A Corset Paired With Your Favorite Denim Jeans

Jeans are a wardrobe staple for a reason, their versatility in that they can be worn with pretty much anything so pair your corset with denim jeans if you want to be casual yet dressy and let the corset take centre stage. Particularly boyfriend jeans and cargo pants paired up with a corset create a beautiful combination for the juxtaposition in the fit of the two pieces that creates the perfect balance.

Pair A Corset With Something Leather

Leather in and of itself is edgy, put together with a corset and what you’ll have is one fierce head turning ensemble. Do this by wearing a leather corset or pairing your corset top with leather pants or a chic leather skirt. Alternatively a corset top, mini shirt and thigh high boots is the perfect bold ensemble for a night out.

A Corset In A Splash Of Color

What better time is there to wear a corset than in the summer time. Explore your daring side by donning a vibrant colored corset top that you can pair with jeans or a matching vibrant skirt for a day to night look.