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The Minoans, a Greek civilisation that resided on the island of Crete, were the first to wear corsets. Since then, the corset has made its way around the globe, from the affluent French women’s wardrobes of the 15th and 16th centuries—the corset’s “golden era”—to regency fashion, punks who traced their history in Victorian-style corsets, the Vivienne Westwood runway, and Jean Paul Gaultier’s pink satin corset for Madonna. It’s now seen a resurgence, thanks to Netflix’s Bridgerton series.
Traditionally worn as a restrictive, yet indispensable, undergarment, corsets are now a style statement that you can flaunt, and of course, are now more freeing than restrictive, having left the ugly, lace-up, hard-to-wear format in the past. It’s easy to wear your Victorian, Elizabethan, Edwardian or Regency core romanticism—here are seven modern interpretations of conventional corsets and how to wear them.
The Ruched Empire-waist
These gorgeous ruched Empire-waist corsets were popular throughout the traditional Regency period. This is a flattering option, since it slims the waist and emphasises the bust, especially when worn with gowns.
Recreate the look
Pick a ruched corset dress that mimics a Regency short corset shapes and contours the body.
Wear this with coordinating gloves, see-through stilettos, and a statement jacket.
Expert speak
“The styling of the corset needs to be minimal and sharp because it is the main element to be highlighted,” advises Nilesh Parashar.
Dior’s Basque corset
Corsets can be a fun element in your everyday wardrobe, particularly in the style of Dior’s basque or guêpière corset—commonly known as a bustier. Dior’s classic, ‘The New Look’, which was first seen in his collection in 1947—has a type of bodice that either extends below the waistline or over the skirt with a V-shape and close contoured fit.
Recreate the look
You’ll need a bustier, a waist cincher, and a garter belt.
Wear a long coat that falls just below the waist to complete the outfit.
Expert speak
“Modern corsets are a dream come true in your wardrobe and can be styled to dress up your look to be opulent and glamorous, or dressed down to be minimalist and edgy,” says fashion designer Nivedita.
Edwardian style
The Edwardian era’s contoured corsets have a rhythmic movement. These “S-bend” corsets were intended to be more “natural” and “healthy” than its predecessors.
Recreate the look
Wear a simple Edwardian corset with full-length net sleeves and a classic Indian saree in the Gujarati style. Add a gold choker to complete the look.
Expert speak
“The corset is such a versatile garment that it can be styled beyond imagination. It goes well with a skirt or denims, but it looks equally good with a lehenga or a saree,” affirm Shivangini Padhiyar and Rekha Datla, founders of The Summer House.
Regency wrap stays
The Regency stays were the lighter alternative to a full-blown corset and were typically long, reaching the hip bones, with shoulder straps. The shorter, wrap versions were easier to adjust since they didn’t have hooks, and were likely also used to sleep in.
Recreate the look
Layer a criss-cross halter cut-out bustier corset over a basic long, white button-down shirt or long tee.
Add chic stilettos and long contrast shrugs to enhance the look.
Expert speak
“You could even wear a long shirt dress or slip dress and style it with a corset belt,” suggest Shivangini Padhiyar and Rekha Datla.
Renaissance style
During the Renaissance-era, Catherine de’ Medici enforced a ban on thick waists for those attending her at court in the mid 1500s, thus bringing the corset into fashion, creating an hourglass silhouette with its lacing and whalebone stays. This also introduced the world to the sweetheart neckline, which has since accentuated corsets and other hyper-feminine silhouettes for centuries.
Recreate the look
Wear a matching denim set, with a corset that has a vibrant, shiny, sweetheart neckline for a sleek look.
Expert speak
“Like the Americans do, ladies can style corsets with tailored suit pants, black shoes and sleek hair, whereas youngsters keep it simple and comfortable, styling it with baggy denim trousers,” says Nilesh Parashar.
Victorian drama
Victorian corsets are over-the-bust corsets that slim the waist and create the traditional hourglass figure.
The bustline is curved, the neckline is usually sweetheart, and the bottom is pointed.
Recreate the look
Keep the corset short, breathable, and with simple fastenings.
Tulle, fine netting, and oversized corsages can all be used to create a statement if you want to commit to the Victorian-era look.
Expert speak
“A corset in your wardrobe is worth an investment. Team it with a traditional uncut diamond choker and a jacket, or a diamond set with a saree. Accessorise it with traditional potlis,” says Nivedita.
From HT Brunch, November 5, 2022
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