Corset Tops Are Back and Already Gaining Popularity

In many A-list circles, the corset top as a fashion trend is somewhat of a mainstay. The Kardashian clan may have put waist-trainers on the map (and Kim's recent Vogue Australia shoot was almost nothing but corsetry), however, pop stars have been more than partial to corsetry for the past four decades, at least. From Madonna (remember her conical Jean Paul Gaultier styles?) to Beyoncé (she's worn every kind of imaginable corset style going), we don't know how stage costume rails could exist without them.

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In light of the coming autumn/winter 2016 season—where lingerie trends and these cinching belts and corset tops take up many an outfit's centre spot—it's no wonder that they're starting to filter into the wardrobe of the fashion-conscious on a more casual, day-appropriate level, as well remaining a trusted go-to among A-listers.

Carine Roitfeld has long been a supporter of the corset top trend, becoming the first woman we've seen to get her hands on—and waist into—Prada's soft, lace-up versions for A/W 16. Not so long ago, Victoria Beckham took the bandeau trend to Cannes Film Festival; Rihanna's been spotted in a vintage Chanel shirt dress with an integrated corset; and the streets are slowly but surely filling up with them layered over shirts and dresses.

If you're feeling inspired to lace up, see five ways you can style and shop the corset top fashion trend now…

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#1: Make It a Going-Out Top
(Image credit: Alo Ceballos/Getty Images)

Style Notes: Gigi's taking the old-school route some of you may remember. Black trousers plus a going-out corset is always a good idea again.

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#2: Channel a Costume Drama
(Image credit: Edward Bethelot/Getty Images)

Style Notes: Period drama–influenced silhouettes are also presenting themselves on the runway. Designer Ulyana Sergeenko mixes the idea up with a very short hemline.

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#3: Take It Back to the '80s
(Image credit: Melodie Jeng/Getty Images)

Style Notes: Even though this picture was only taken a few days ago at Paris Couture Fashion Week, it has vintage Jean Paul Gaultier vibes written all over it.

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#4: Layer It Over a Pretty Dress
(Image credit: Silvia Olsen/Rex/Shutterstock)

Style Notes: Use your corset top to toughen up a pretty dress, like Chiara Ferragni.

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#5: Extend a Pencil Skirt
(Image credit: Rex/Shutterstock)

Style Notes: Not only does this corset add a long-line effect to Carine's pencil skirt, but hers is purposefully left undone to mirror the catwalk styling—so it's not all about being totally trussed up. And, breathe.

Shop our corsetry picks:

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.