Corset Dresses & Shirred Bodices Are Everywhere Right Now…

From the wardrobes of Bridgerton to Kim Kardashian’s divisive Met Gala look, corset dresses are having a bit of a renaissance moment. And whilst that might not sound like the most practical trend to nip your toe in, there are plenty of brands working the look into a softer, more wearable shirred bodice approach. Here’s everything you need to know…
Fashion has long had a love affair with corsets. From the height of their popularity in Victorian times to pin-up girls of the ’50s and that iconic Galliano look worn by Madonna during her ’90s Blonde Ambition tour. Today, the traditional coset doesn’t feel that modern – overtly sexy, yes – but modern? No. But we’ve entered a new era of corsetry and dressing the female form in that underwear as outerwear guise, and honestly, we are loving it.
Fashion has long had a love affair with corsets. From the height of their popularity in Victorian times to pin-up girls of the ’50s and that iconic Galliano look worn by Madonna during her ’90s Blonde Ambition tour.
The look feels more relaxed, more free-spirited and crucially the construction of the season’s corsets, more comfortable.
There’s Tove with their drop-waist bustier style or Free People’s ruched babydoll shape, DOEN’s smocked almost prairie-like dresses and more subtle fabrics like linen and pretty floral prints. Technically speaking, 2024’s corset dress trend is probably not corsetry at all, but rather a nod to it or the illusion of it, making it all the more wearable.
So how do you style a corset dress for summer ’24? Keep it relaxed and low-key. We love a drop-waist, bustier midi in this season’s pale yellow buttermilk or simple black or white, paired with flat sandals, gold hoops and a raffia bag – the perfect holiday look. Or, go a little more fun and take the hemline up with babydoll-style shapes, dopamine-inducing colours and cute details like embellishments or bows. Pair with Western-inspired boots to bring the whole look a more casual vibe.
Keen to try the trend yourself? Shop our edit for corset dresses below…
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