Coveting Corsets — The Lexington Line

Pop singer, Madonna, pictured wearing Jean Paul Gaultier corset during her Blond Ambition Tour (source: AnOther Magazine)

What’s something that Marie Antoinette, Scarlett O’Hara, Wonder Woman, Marilyn Monroe, and Madonna have in common? They all wore corsets! And guess what? You can too. Yes, that’s right. You, too, can harness the beauty of these style icons. Fashion has coveted corsets for hundreds of years—and for good reason. I mean, who doesn’t want to wear something that flatters their figure, helps their posture, looks timeless and on-trend all at the same time? Whether your style is romantic, edgy, sporty, classic or bohemian, there are countless ways to wear corsets to fit your personality. Here are five styles to get your outfits together in a cinch, so to speak!

ROMANTIC RENDEZ-VOUS

Instagram influencer Katja wearing Orseund Iris corset skirt as top (source: @katjalater )

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Do you drool over Marie Antoinette’s fabulous Rococo wardrobe? Yeah, me too. We definitely lean more on the “Romantic” side of the fashion spectrum, for we naturally gravitate towards feminine silhouettes, soft color palettes, and indulge in sensual ensembles. Corsets are a wonderful complement to this type of style, especially those made out of silk satin, lace, and light colors. I personally love layering corsets and corset belts over feminine dresses. It is also great to pair frilly corsets with a simple skirt or pant to balance a look. Here is a selection of très chic corsets that even Marie Antoinette would love:

PRETTY IN PUNK

A cutting edge New Yorker in a corset, a.k.a a match made in heaven. All you “Edgy” fashion enthusiasts out there, rejoice! Corsets can be just as punk-rock as they are feminine. There is a huge medley of punk/edgy corsets that come in dark and dramatic shades, harder materials, and even adorned metal accents that would be a great way to push the boundaries of your wardrobe. Just imagine . . . you can match a pair of cargo pants with a black leather corset bustier and cropped band t-shirt to put the femme in femme fatale. You can even wear a studded corset with a simple pair of black jeans and heels for a fun night out. Here’s an assortment of corsets that are perfect to give your outfits the edge you’re looking for:

“SPORTY SPICE”

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I’ll be honest, I hate sports. But I am definitely a cheerleader for “Sporty” fashion. Athleisure has taken the fashion world by storm the past few years, and I can see why. It has created a new breed of corsets that fall into the sporty sector of style. Made with athletic materials such as neoprene, fun colors and snazzy details, these corsets and corset belts can be the perfect accent to the rest of your athleisure wear. Don a sporty neon corset with a pair of track pants and some bright sneakers for an electric look that will make the New York City streetlights envious of how brightly you shine. For a more laid-back look, layer a corset belt over a hoodie with your favorite comfy jeans. Here is a collection of corsets that you will want to be sporting this fall season:

CLASSY IN THE CLASSROOM

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If your style is “Classic,” then simple investment pieces are staples in your closet, and a timeless corset would fit in seamlessly. Now, I know corsets and corset belts are seen as “trendy.” But trust me, these are pieces that transcend time. Maybe you want to invest in a corset that is really great quality, or perhaps you want to get a few that would easily blend with the color palette in your wardrobe. This can include corsets that are made in neutral tones and overall simple designs. Got a little black dress? Add a corset belt to bring definition to your waist. A simple suit or man-tailored shirt? Throw a corset on overtop to add a flirty yet sophisticated touch. Here is a selection of corsets that are classic beauties:

BOHEMIAN BAZAAR

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A bohemian flower-child needs a wardrobe as equally wild and free. Corsets are a must-have for “Bohemian” style lovers. I know, because I can tune into the boho aesthetic any day of the week if I’m in the mood. Corsets are naturally fun to wear if you are bohemian, as they are a great way to play with texture and bring a hip vibe to your outfits. They come in a wide variety of materials and colors that will mix beautifully with your “boho chic” wardrobe. Just think of everyday as being Coachella. Layer a corset over a lace blouse with a pair of bell-bottom jeans to get a funky ‘70s vibe, or put a corset belt over a flowy vintage dress to add another element of what I like to call “Woodstock Glamor”. Here is an assortment of corsets that are perfect to channel your inner “Flower Power”:

There is definitely a corset out there for everyone. I own several, and I love each and every one of them. They each have their own personality—just like us. It is important to note that the 21st century corset is made for the 21st century woman. They are meant to accentuate the figure and be playful—not make you uncomfortable or rearrange your organs. Cringe. Always remember that a corset today is here to work for you, so work it! Express your personal style in all its beautiful forms. Which corset will you covet next?