THE CORSET

SACHA VAN NIEKERK

CORSETS are the fashion piece of the moment; from casual to dressy, this piece will be the star of any outfit.

From sexy lingerie to edgy fashion pieces, women have successfully reclaimed this garment for themselves. The corset has been revived from former eras of fashion, making their way, once again, into the modern world. The flattering garment with a fitted bodice and boning lined structure has been around since the 1500s and was worn by both men and women. Worn as both an outer and undergarment it was used to cinch the waist offering the wearer an elongated torso.

Once merely a "contraption" to restrict women’s waists and create a more hourglass figure it has been reclaimed by women. In the present day, period films and series offer us a peephole into how corsets were used as a means of physical oppression and sexual objectification. In a scene from the series Bridgerton, Daphne is laced into a corset and becomes increasingly breathless with every yank of the ribbon which constricts her. The shapewear was used to lift the breasts, beautify silhouettes and ensure modesty up until the wedding night. According to an article by Every Culture, it had as many as fifty laces were worn from childhood. On the wedding night, during consummation, the groom had to tentatively unfasten the lace to demonstrate self-control.

Of course, the corset styles we’re seeing today aren’t emulating the Middle Ages, but rather, they're the product of late 90s and early 2000s fashion influence. Icons of the decade include Paris Hilton, Beyoncé and Christina Aguilera. In 2021, the colours are more muted, classic and avoid the glitzy extras of denim patchwork, bedazzled studs and feather trims. This transformation allows the garment to seamlessly find its way into any wardrobe and pair perfectly with a variety of outfits for any occasion ranging from formalwear to streetwear.

More recently, Billie Eilish graced the cover of British Vogue for their June 2021 edition. Shedding her usual garb of baggy tracksuits and oversized t-shirts, the seven-time Grammy Award winning artist broke the internet with a regency-esque lingerie look featuring the now iconic pink corset with a satin sheen. The bombshell of a cover was shared all over the internet with fellow celebrities praising Eilish for her message of body positivity and confidence. As the voice of the younger generation, the star has an insurmountable influence when it comes to any decision she shares publicly.

From her fashion choices to social activism, political views and beyond, when Eilish speaks, Gen Z listens.

WITH SOME JEANS

Who knew that in 2021 we’d all be rocking corsets with a pair of blue jeans as casually as t-shirts? Since these waist-flattering pieces reemerged, they’ve been given a very sleek and minimalist makeover with little to no bells and whistles attached. From linen to knit, the fabrics are more versatile than the luxurious silks, satins and even denim and lace we’re used to seeing.

GO ALL OUT WITH Y2K

Sometimes when you mix a few of the most popular fashion trends, you get an outfit so remarkably Instagrammable balanced out with the edgier elements of streetwear. For example, wide-leg pants - they’re bottom-heavy so the delicate sweetheart neckline and cinched in the waist of corsets pairs beautifully. Add black rectangle framed shades, a mini baguette bag and some squaretoed strappy sandals to finish the look.

OVER KNITS AND SWEATERS

Knit dresses, oversized sweaters and cosy sweaters are what autumn and winter are all about. However, the material is often not the most flattering especially if you’d like to show off your figure. In place of a chunky, wide belt, use a corset to achieve the same effect in a more fashion-forward way.

WITH A SUIT

Wearing lingerie under oversized blazers has been the trend for the past few years, but taking over is the corset. The curved boning, elegant lace and curvaceous silhouette it offers the wearer complement the rugged, masculine energy of suits with their wideshouldered jackets and flowing pleated pants. This look can easily be dressed up with accessories for a smarter, more formal look. Knit dresses, oversized sweaters and cosy sweaters are what autumn and winter are all about. However, the material is often not the most flattering especially if you’d like to show off your figure. In place of a chunky, wide belt, use a corset to achieve the same effect in a more fashion-forward way.

OVER A WHITE SHIRT

White shirts have become a staple piece in most wardrobes since the 1940s and continued to gain traction in the decades to come thanks to cinematic masterpieces like Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn. Their versatility has the ability to elevate any outfit whether it’s being worn tied at the front as a beach cover-up, as a light layer during the summer or tucked into a pair of jeans. In recent years the white shirt has taken on a more baggy style that needs the femininity of a corset. Cinching in the waist and pushing the outfit to something a little edgier, the likes of Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid have been seen rocking this combo either with strappy