One of the oldest and most dramatic pieces of shapewear around is the corset. For us at Elle Courbee a corset is a symbol of everything that we love about shaping style. It’s sexy, striking and curvelicious. And, what’s even better is that the corset has evolved. It’s no longer the restrictive whalebone breath-shortener of old. Instead, the corset has become a superbly flexible and varied piece of underwear. So versatile in fact that it’s even made the move from underwear to outerwear! We look at the best styles and flourishes that help you to make a splash in a corset.
As a Foundation
Traditionally, the corset was created to form a silhouette. The days of organ crushing and lunch squeezing may be gone, but a corset is still a core piece of foundation wear for many women. Today’s corset silhouettes are seamless, technical and most importantly comfortable.
Fabrics
Technology in fabric has improved immeasurably in recent years. This means that compression garments like corsets are constructed with breathable fabrics that don’t make you overheat. These elasticated fabrics allow you to move around more freely too, so a corset has become a much more accessible piece of underwear.
Compression
The key to a corset making an excellent piece of foundation wear is that it compresses in all the right places. So it will cinch your waist while smoothing the line of your hips and bum.
Silhouette
This brings us onto the silhouette that corsets create. Out of all of the different types of shapewear, a corseted hourglass silhouette is by far the most dramatic. How extreme you choose to go is up to you, but with such a huge range of products out there, the scope is broad!
As a Style Statement
A visible corset layer is bang on trend in eveningwear and a great way to dress up a pair of jeans! With corset tops available in everything from satin to denim there are a multitude of looks you can go for.
Under Bust
Some girdle styles look bohemian and romantic over a loose fitting blouse or a floaty sundress. Or pair an underbust corset with a bralette top in contrasting fabrics for a more edgy, sexy look.
Over Bust
Whether you go for strapless or one of the more common wide strapped styles available currently, a full corset is a versatile fashion piece. These look fabulous with a skirt for elegance, or with low slung jeans or cargos for a more casual sexy style.
Colour
It’s not just about the colour of your corset, it’s about colour matching or contrasting with your outfit. Layering a black or red corset over a white shirt, or metallic sheer T gives a dramatic, high contrast look that’s bound to turn heads!
As Lingerie
We would choose the corset as the hands down sexiest piece of shapewear in town. So whether you want to get your partner salivating or want to feel your sexiest from your underwear up, a corset is the way to go.
Detailing
From lace embellishments to embroidery, bows, buckles, zips, and straps, there is no end to the detailing on offer in the world of corsets! Some garments are truly a work of art, leaving you feeling dressed to the nines while simply in your lingerie!
Stripped Back
Of course, details isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some of us feel sexier in smooth, sleek lines or seamless black fabrics. These styles are an understated but no less sexy style of lingerie.
Clearly, the world of corsets is a big one. In fact you could have a different style of corset to fit every mood! We love the feminine, sexy line that only a corset can provide – it’s a lot of fun and a great confidence boost! Shop our range here.
Becky is a content manager who writes informed industry based articles for businesses and consumers. She’s written for Elle Courbee on women’s issues and fashion for a number of years.
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