ONCE a symbol of oppression, corsets have quite a controversial history in fashion. Basically a tightly fitted undergarment designed to shape the wearer’s body, early styles are believed to date back as far as 1,600 BCE, and corsets were widely seen in the 18th and 19th centuries.
These adjustable garments could be tightened (sometimes to the extreme) to help give what was thought to be a desirable hourglass silhouette, with a small waist.
Corsets developed something of a bad reputation, particularly as they fed into unrealistic beauty standards. They certainly were not made with the wearer’s comfort in mind.
By the mid-20th century, they corset started to be pushed aside – but not for too long. The corset soon reinvented itself as the star of the show. Vivienne Westwood is perhaps the best example of this – from the 1970s to today, the designer has incorporated elements of punk corsetry into her collections.
Others followed – just think of Jean Paul Gaultier’s iconic cone bra corset for Madonna in 1990.
Corsets faded towards the end of the 2000s – but now, they're back, largely thanks to the wild popularity of Bridgerton, the blockbuster Netflix historical drama which features characters in bosom-heaving corsets.
Here's our quick guide to bringing some Regency flair to your post-lockdown looks…
BRIDGERTON
There’s a reason Bridgerton is the most-watched original series on Netflix: it’s saucy, fun, and the outfits are incredible. The high street is taking cues, though, luckily, this doesn’t mean you have to wear full satin dresses and layers of petticoats. It’s about taking inspiration from the era – think romantic patterns, whimsical detailing like puff sleeves, and plenty of pastels.
:: Superdown Coralia Bustier Top, £43 (jeans sold out), Revolve
:: Nasty Gal Corset the Mood Faux Leather Chiffon Top in White, £16 (was £32)
UNDERWEAR AS OUTERWEAR
Corsets are intrinsically sexy, and designers can’t get enough of the ‘underwear as outerwear’ look. Instead of wearing a full-blown, lace-up corset, tops pull out elements from the look. Think cup detailing, cinched waists and delicate detailing.
:: Pretty Little Thing Black Velvet Corset Bardot Mesh Insert Bodycon Dress, £25 (was £28)
:: ASOS Design Bonded Satin Corset Top in Leopard Print, £16.80 (was £28)
NINETIES VIBES
The 90s’s take on corsets is all about simplicity: muted tones and lots of denim or leather. Keep detailing to a minimum with these styles, and let the corset be the star of your outfit.
:: Pretty Little Thing Brown Croc Pu Corset, £18 (was £20); Brown Croc Pu Wide Leg Trousers, £27 (were £30)
:: H&M Denim Corset Top in Denim Blue, £14.99; Cropped Top in White, £12.99; Wide Ultra High Waist Jeans in Denim Blue, £34.99
COMFY CORSETS…
If you’re living in joggers and the idea of donning a constrictive corset really does not appeal, there are plenty of knitted or sweatshirt styles that wouldn’t look out of place with a comfy pair of trackpants.
:: Stradivarius Corset Detail Knitted Top in Ecru, £25.99, ASOS
:: Nasty Gal Hey Don’t Sweat It Cropped Corset Sweatshirt in Grey, £13 (was £26)
