10 Chic Corset Outfits To Wear On Repeat
Corsets can be chic – here’s how to style them for elevated elegance.
Garments like corsets and miniskirts have a necessarily bad reputation in the world of elegant dressing. But in the case of the corset, a look back in time will show that it was the start of elegant dressing during the Renaissance period. Before its invention, the wealthier classes and servants wore the same silhouette, as there was no diversity in dressing, other than fabrics and jewelry. When corsets were invented, it was a way for the upper classes to show that they were wealthy, and assert their dominance.
Now, that has all changed, as has the approach to corsets. There are still ways to style these to look elegant and elevated, as they did during the Renaissance – here are 10 styling ideas.
10 Chic Corset Outfits
1. Blazer
Cover up a corset with a blazer to keep the look elevated. A great way to think about styling in general is pairing opposite aesthetics. In this case, it’s pairing feminine with masculine – a favorite in French style.
Keep the rest of your look dressed down with jeans and boots or simple heels.
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L’Academie
Alama Blazer
At Revolve
Lulus
Straight Cropped Denim Jeans
At Lulus
2. Straight-Leg Pants
Like a blazer, a pair of straight-leg pants add a formal, masculine element to an outfit with a corset – and help avoid the outfit looking tacky.
If you’re experimenting with your first corset, go for something in a neutral color with minimal embellishments.
For the summer, pair this with flat sandals, or even a chunky loafer.
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Favorite Daughter
The Favorite Pant
At Revolve
Tory Burch
Miller Leather Flip Flops
At Nordstrom
3. Jeans
Another way to style a corset if you’re unfamiliar, or it’s far out of your comfort zone is to pair it with something super casual, like jeans.
For those who prefer to usually cover up more than a corset allows, many now come with sleeves attached like this one.
For a dressed-up look, pair this with heels, and to dress it down, go for boots.
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AGOLDE
90’s Mid Rise Loose Fit
At Revolve
Dolce & Gabbana
Heart Buckle Leather Belt
At Nordstrom
4. Mini Skirt
On the flip side, for those whose style is flirty and feminine, a floaty mini skirt will pair perfectly with a tight-fitted corset. Accessorize this with kitten heels and a fun bag.
This is a great outfit option for a girls’ vacation where the main agenda is to dress up and have a good time.
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LoveShackFancy
Ruffle Mini Skirt
At Revolve
Lulus
Glam White Pearl Handbag
At Lulus
5. Wide-Leg Pants
In the same tone as a blazer, wide-leg pants create a contrast from the fitted silhouette of a corset.
This is a great option for a formal evening outfit if you aren’t comfortable wearing a dress or skirt, but also can never find a top that is formal enough.
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COS
Pleated Wool Wide Leg Pants
At Nordstrom
petit moments
Rosa Flower Necklace
At Revolve
6. Cardigan
For spring and fall, when the weather might not be warm enough to allow for wearing a corset alone, take a leaf from the French fashion guide with a cardigan.
This is a great holiday outfit if you’re going to an open house or an indoor event where you don’t need to be too concerned with warmth.
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LEVI’S
White High-Rise Cropped Jeans
At Lulus
Cinq à Sept
Vida Feather Cardigan
At Nordstrom
7. Maxi Skirt
Maxi skirts are big in fashion right now. They are comfortable and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
For an evening look, go for a maxi skirt in leather or satin, and for the daytime, a denim skirt will look great.
You don’t need to worry too much about your shoes as these will mostly be covered up, but a pair of pointy shoes can be a great statement.
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House of CB
Navy Satin Bias Cut Maxi Skirt
At Nordstrom
Tony Bianco
Anja Heels
At Revolve
8. Sequin Skirt
Another great party girl look is a sequin mini-skirt paired with a corset. This outfit has a lot going on, so keeping the colors neutral or monochrome will keep it looking elevated.
A cropped blazer works well here if you want to dress up the look at the start of your night.
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Lulus
Sequin Faux Wrap Mini Skirt
At Lulus
Epifene
Kali Bangle Set
At Revolve
9. Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts are going to be big next season, owing to the rise of the “business core” aesthetic. We’ve already discussed pairing formal garments with a corset to amp up the look, and the same goes for this.
Keep the rest of your outfit elevated with a blazer and kitten heels for some old-world glamor.
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River Island
Belted A-Line Maxi Skirt
At Nordstrom
A.L.C.
Reeve Jacket
At Revolve
10. Black Formal Pants
For a party look if you don’t like dresses or skirts, a pair of black formal pants is a staple. Garments like this are underrated, but if you can find a pair that fits well, and is good quality, you can wear them for any occasion.
For an elevated look, opt for a black corset, though you can experiment with embellishments like feathers and sequins. Go for a belt to cinch in the waist, and you’ll be the talk of the party.
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MANGO
High Waist Wide Leg Pants
At Nordstrom
Streets Ahead
Minny Belt
At Revolve
Which of these corset outfits was your favorite? Also, do you fall into the camp of wearing corsets dressed down, or you prefer to save them for special occasions?
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