With lingerie bowing out of the intimate sphere, fashion circuits the world over are welcoming the corset. LAVANYA LAKSHMINARAYANAN tells you all you need to know about reinventing this 16th century garment for the perfect look this summer
CHENNAI: The corset has had a bittersweet tryst with fashion sensibilities ever since its first appearance in France in the late 16th century. It marked a path-breaking shift in perception, whereby for the first time, bodies were modified to suit clothing. Soon enough, the corset found itself falling out of favour with consumers, thanks to impossible body standards and health hazards. Most recently, Emma Watson’s point-blank refusal to wear one is a case in point. We do, however, see this medieval wardrobe accessory making appearances through the course of sartorial history, coming back now in a fresh form to become a party and formal staple. Think of Alexander McQueen’s floral masterpiece or Robert Balmain’s metallic wonders. We tell you how to ace the look, taking cue from some of the industry’s best pairings.
High by the beach
Everyone remembers Priyanka Chopra’s neon bustier bikini top from the music video of Exotic. With the summer knocking at our doors, this is a great addition to your beach wardrobe. Pairing it with a block-coloured high-waist pair of shorts or sarong is guaranteed to make heads turn. We can’t help the tan lines, though.
Skirting the issue
Selena Gomez’s love for the bustier is not unknown, thanks to her patronage for the garment on red carpets and a night-out with friends. We like her semi-formal Dolce and Gabbana tropical hued bustier-pencil skirt combo. Keep the accessories minimal, particularly the footwear, to let the outfit do the talking. If you like a darker palette, designer Donna Karan’s coordinated bralette and skirt combo on Bella Thorne is the look to recreate for a subtle gothic vibe. Meanwhile, Dakota Johnson’s David Letterman appearance taught us a thing or two on how to make monochrome checks look sexy, pairing her midi skirt with a plunging subtly ruffled black Oscar De La Renta corset.
THE SPECIFICS
Take your pick from underbust and overbust variants. While the former works well with off-shoulder dresses or formal shirts for a crisp silhouette, the latter works well for a bare clavicle and a breezy ensemble. Choose your waist length according to your body type and ensure a perfect fit to avoid slips or suffocation.
Loosen up
If skirts aren’t your favourite silhouette, pair the tight corset with a flary pair of palazzos or culottes instead. These pant variants are great corset companions, as Jessica Alba’s patronage to the look testifies. Go with a block-print combination to balance the colours and design and throw in a lustrous or matte peep toe to finish the look.
Dressed to kill
You can either choose to go for an underbust corset over a full length gown for an English-countryside inspired outfit or opt for a more contemporary corset dress, like Sonam Kapoor’s strapless Ulyana Sergeenko emsemble. While clutches and embellished footwear work well with these looks, jewellery is best kept minimal.
Go with the flow
Corsets work well with flowy skirts, and designer Manish Malhotra knows exactly how to give this a desi spin. The velvet corset keeps things low, with a simple stripe embellishment, making the lehenga the star of the ensemble. Taking cue from Neha Dhupia, keep the neckline low and throw in a statement earring set or neckpiece to highlight the shoulder line. If strapless blouses scare you, go for a strapped variant, with a bare midriff for a neat look.
All in the jeans
Who said corsets can’t be casual? Miley Cyrus’s bustier-denim shorts ensemble, paired with boots and shades is lazy with a dash of style. Add a jacket or casual checked shirt, depending on the occasion, and you’re set for a sunny day out.
The suit life
Bustiers are a blazer’s best friend, particularly if you’re going for a suave semi-formal look.
Jennifer Lawrence’s peach-black corset-suit combo strikes the perfect balance between lounge
and work wear. With pantsuits and androgynous outfits taking the red carpet by storm, this
ensemble is sure to make heads turn. We like the lace-on-satin pairing of the bustier.
(The writer is a freelancer journalist)