How to style corsets

Take style inspiration from these influencers.

If you’re into noughties fashion, chances are you’ll love the corsets trend that’s taken off in 2021 – but how do you wear them?

Searches for the waist-cinching garment have been up since Bridgerton aired at the end of 2020, but they rose again dramatically after the release of British Vogue‘s latest cover featuring singer Billie Eilish. According to Lyst, online searches spiked 74% within two days.

However corsets aren’t a passing trend. They’ve been around for centuries, although they started not as a style statement but a symbol of oppression and torture.

Kim Kardashian wearing a brown leather corset and suede trousers — @kimkardashian

Fortunately women have reclaimed the garment since then. In the 90s, Madonna brought them back when she wore the now-iconic cone bra corset from Jean Paul Gaultier during her Blonde Ambition tour – and while they disappeared for a while, they’re now well and truly back. Just look at these sustainable and size-inclusive fashion brands, which make them to order.

So how do you wear them? Look no further than these fashion forward influencers for inspiration.

How to style corsets

Influencer Eve Lily wearing a floral corset top and ruffled skirt — @evelilycp

Sustainability-advocate Eve-Lily is a big fan of the corset, often wearing them as part of her layered looks. We love this cottagecore-style piece, layered over a shirt and teamed with a ruffled skirt.

Layering over a shirt offers a more demure look, ideal if you’re dipping your toe into the trend.

Influencer @nicula_adelina wearing a floral corset top and cream skirt — @nicula_adelina

Another way to wear the trend is to keep it simple. You can wear corsets with neutral skirts, trousers or even a pair of jeans.

Influencer @lefevrediary wearing a feather-trimmed pink corset — @lefevrediary

A corset is enough of a style statement to keep the rest of the outfit simple with layered, dainty jewellery.

@thecollectivefashionblog wearing a House of CB corset in white and some neutral paperbag pants — @thecollectivefashionblog

Team your corset with paperbag pants, a comfy alternative to jeans. We love this minimal look.

@champagnemani wearing a printed corset with green jeans — @champagnemani

You can dress down a corset too for to create a more casual outfit. Simply throw on a cardi and some mom jeans.

Bex Fountain wearing a gingham corset from Mia Layzell over a collared shirt — @bexjadefountain

Obsessed with gingham right now? You and the rest of the fashion world. This made-to-order corset from Mia Layzell, as worn by Bex Fountain, is the perfect way to give the trend a cottagecore twist.