Corsets are a piece in fashion that keep coming back. The concept of corsetry grew in popularity in 16th Century Europe as a result of the French aristocrat Catherine de Medici. The garment that has shaped the key features of what we would identify as a corset today is the corset of 16th Century Spain. It was supported in the front by vertical rods of wood or bone known as a busk, which became the predominant feature of future corsets. This element was integral in creating the desired flattening and lifting of the breasts. Corsetry signaled a shift in the purpose of undergarments; instead of using the clothing to shape the body, corsets were instead being used to mould the body to the clothing.
Historically, corsets have been a symbol of both beauty and oppression. The physical restriction of the corset, as a result of the boning, has typically been used to signify the limitations women faced in society. They have long been seen as items of clothing that confine and contort women into a vision solely based upon the male gaze. The female body was fashioned into a hyper-sexualized form through the corset accentuating the breasts and slimming the waist. Corsets therefore allowed men to control the appearance of the female body, as not only did the shape the garment created cater to their preferences, but corsets were often made by men; giving them both emblematic and literal dominance over women.
However, the narrative of this garment has been somewhat rewritten, and they have been transformed from symbols of oppression to ones of empowerment. In contrast to their historical purpose, corsets in the 21st Century are being used to accentuate women’s natural femininity. Corsets are an ideal item to celebrate the female body, as they highlight the breasts, waist and hips. Today, women are finding both liberation and power in calling attention to the feminine parts of their bodies; especially as this is often done in disregard of the male gaze. Women are no longer wearing corsets due to an expectation to conform to society’s, and by proxi men’s, idealised version of women. Importantly, these garments are no longer worn under clothing. They are not, as mentioned before, items used to manipulate the female body to fit the current fashion, they are now exposed pieces of clothing making a stand-alone fashion statement.
On most major clothing websites you will find some form of corsetry. Whether they have only taken elements of the corset, such as its general shape, or they have created a 16th century replica, corsetry inspired fashion is everywhere. A factor contributing to this resurgence of interest is the undeniable and universal love for period dramas and their fashion, specifically Netflix’s Regency era drama Bridgerton. This show provided some much needed escapism, though elements of the series made its way into our wardrobes, as according to Vogue, searches for corsets spiked by 123 per cent since the show aired. They coined the phenomenon Regencycore; a trend that takes inspiration from debutante fashion. From Urban Outfitters to Dolce and Gabana, all ends of fashion have hopped on board this classy trend.
Styling Your Corset:
Below we have demonstrated some casual ways to style a corset. A primary reservation people have when attempting to integrate this item into their fits is the corset’s assumed formality. As the structure of the corset has been associated with grand balls, evening wear and even lingerie, it often feels difficult to style alongside the everyday items in your wardrobe. Incorporating them into your casual outfits is the best way to get the most out of your corset, as is also a great look. Contrasting femininity with more masuline or oversized pieces is always a stylish and striking look; who says you can't feel sexy while wearing a hoodie.
Image credit: Amy Cope
Here, we have styled this fit around an olive green Urban Outfitters corset. Though this exact corset is no longer available, UO is the place to go to get your hands on a trendy corset, as they are constantly coming out with new inspired designs. We have paired this stunning top with oversized pieces, such as the brown gap hoodie and wide leg blue jeans. The hoodie we have used is a vintage item, but you could either look at Gap’s basics for a similar yet more minimalist version, or you could try your luck on Depop. Additionally, Monki has this great pair of wide leg jeans in this lovely mid wash, which as an added bonus is also made with organic cotton.
Fit summary:
- Urban Outfitters corset
- Gap hoodie
- Wide leg blue jeans
- Pearl necklace
Image credit: Amy Cope
Here we have styled the same Urban Outfitters corset in black. This is a more versatile piece and can easily be dressed up or down. We have gone for a more casual look and have paired the corset with a chunky oversized cardigan from Weekday (out of stock in sage green but available in cream). You can wear any jeans with this look, but here we have gone for a darker blue washed flared jean, similar to this pair from ASOS.
Fit summary:
- Urban Outfitters corset
- Chunky cardigan
- Blue flared jeans
Image Credit: Amy Cope
This crop top is once again from Urban Outfitters (you may be sensing a pattern), and is a great alternative to a full on corset. This top has injected elements of the corset into a classic crop top, as it is made out of cotton yet includes an underwire detail. This piece is suited to a more everyday look, as the boning detail is extremely subtle. UO have a similar, though slightly more statemented, version on their website currently: Lucinda Lace-Up Corset top. We layered this over a basic white cropped tee for a more casual and wearable look, which you could easily substitute for any other tighter fitting tee or turtleneck you have. Finally, we paired this layered ensemble with some eco-conscious beige wide leg jeans with contrast stitching from Monki. This creates a striking yet neural everyday look.
Fit summary:
- Urban Outfitters top (black)
- Cropped tee (white)
- Beige jeans with contrast stitching
- Pearl necklace
Image Credit: Amy Cope
Finally, we styled this look around a stunning lace and satin corset which is currently on the Urban Outfitters site. This corset has more of a Regency, lingerie feel, but is a beautiful piece to style with some oversized items. We styled the corset with this oversized North Face puffer jacket in white, though you could use any larger coat you own. We went for a blue on blue look, and paired the top with some light wash blue straight leg jeans, similar to this pair from COLLUSION. Though it is not visible in the image, we also went for some black Dr. Marten boots to contrast the femininity and softness of the lace. The outfit’s palette of blue, white and black (with gold accessories) once again creates a subtle coloured yet striking look.
Fit summary:
- Urban Outfitters corset
- Oversized coat
- Light wash straight leg jeans
- Layered necklaces (any metal)