Consider This Your Crash Course in Styling Corset Tops
While every new season brings with it a bevy of exciting trends and outfit ideas, none sit as close to my heart as summer. I’m a sucker for peak-summer style and a good swimwear trend. But this year, the prospect of summer feels all the more exciting—not only because of the rise of the villain-era style aesthetic but also because, after extended periods of quarantine, it’s nice to look forward to spending time outdoors in the sunshine. There are many things to be excited about, but if I’m honest, there’s one specific trend that has me sweating more than the others: corset tops. While the lingerie-inspired look is nothing new, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that this risqué trend was at the top of my shopping list. It’s already an alluring top, and with new versions of the staple including everything from underwire busts and puff sleeves to bold patterns and cozier fabrics, this trend is too spicy not to try.
Still not sure how you feel about corset tops or unsure of how to actually wear one? Ahead, we’ve rounded up 20 corset-top outfits that make a serious case for investing in the trend for the summer. Dressed up or dressed down, this top is the must-have staple of the summer.
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@emnittaWHO: Emna Sellimi
WEAR: BY FAR Tube Mini Bag; Immoral London corset top and matching skirt
The easiest way to style a corset top is by opting for a coordinated look. Pair your top with a matching miniskirt, matching heels, and a bold handbag for a no-fail way to style this sultry staple. Bonus points if you go for a bold hue or print.
A little black bag is a must-have for wearing with any corset top this summer.
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@the_real_chiWEAR: PrettyLittleThing top; Free People Pants; Coach Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag ($260)
Half of pulling off a corset-top outfit is styling. You’ll want to find the perfect iteration of this top for you (in strapless, cotton, or halter form), and to make your top sizzle, you’ll want to pair it with bold separates. Don’t be afraid to mix colors and textures. Opt for a pair of leather pants or an It shoulder bag of the season to finish the look off.
Idk what makes this top the best: Is it the hybrid halter-corset design, or is it the fact that it's affordable? Either way, I’m hooked.
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@hodanyousufWHO: Hodan Yousuf
WEAR: Sabina Sommer blouse; Demonia boots
Modest dressers can get in on this trend, too. In fact, a corset top is a perfect piece for playing with layering. The key to making this piece work for your style is to not be afraid to play with unconventional lengths and pairings. Go ahead and wear a jumpsuit, a blouse, a skirt, and a corset, or throw it over your favorite turtleneck and trousers. The pairing possibilities are endless with this top.
What’s great about this top is that it has the corset boning and puff sleeves so it's the perfect summer staple.
The punch of structured combat boots pairs perfectly with a pretty corset top.
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@yoyokulalaWHO: Yoyo Cao
WEAR: IreneIsGood Label hat; Rotate Birger Christensen top and pants; Balenciaga bag
Color more your thing? Then you’ll want to opt for a monochromatic look, just with a colorful corset top. Personally, we’re living for this pale-yellow corset top paired with matching linen pants, but no matter what color you choose, you can’t go wrong with this look so long as you finish it off with a fun bucket hat.
A yellow corset top is the summer essential you didn’t know you needed.
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@daniellejinaduWEAR: Meshki top and pants
The best thing about corset tops? Versatility, darling. Get creative with layers or take a minimal, monochrome approach. (Think of a white corset and matching trousers paired with your favorite jewelry.) Basically, this top will be the only thing you’ll want to wear all summer long.
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@aniyahmoriniaWHO: Aniyah Morinia
Who said a corset top couldn’t be comfy? With newer iterations of the lingerie-inspired piece crafted from linens and knits, you can wear this sultry top without breaking a sweat. Just be sure that the top includes some sort of bustier element or fitted ribbing to give the same effect as the real thing.
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@piashah_WHO: Pia Shah
WEAR: Rinesa Bajrami corset; Denim by Orlee vintage jeans; Nike Air Jordan 1 Pine Green ($250)
Opting for a corset in a comfier fabric isn’t the only way you can make this trend more approachable to wear daily. Try pairing a corset top with oversize jeans and sneakers for a fun, unexpected look to wear to brunch, out on errands, or just for the chance to finally leave the sweats behind.
These sneakers will match any corset top.
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@ninasandbechWHO: Nina Sandbech
WEAR: Rozie Corsets corset; Amina Muaddi heels
For many, like myself, the prospect of returning to the streets serving a full look is top of mind. No other garment is entirely up for the challenge like a corset top. I can’t think of a better way to tell the world that we’re back than wearing a bold corset (think bright colors, feathers, lush fabrics) paired with bold printed pants and your new revenge heels. Watch out, world. The corset top is taking over.
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@celmatiqueWHO: Celeste
WEAR: Urban Outfitters corset; Clandebanlieue Bucket Hat, Bowling Shirt, and Bowling Shorts
Not ready to slip into some heels? No problem. Try a more athletic-inspired look by pairing a corset top with basketball shorts, a sports jersey, a bucket hat, some jewelry, and your signature sneakers for an everyday outfit that still will turn heads.
You can dress this corset top up or down, depending on your mood.
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@maggie_mccormackWHO: Maggie McCormack
WEAR: Saza Floral Corset ($130)
Whether you’re a fan of period pieces like Bridgerton or you just enjoy the idea of a floral-inspired look with puff sleeves and a corset top, then this outfit idea is all you. A stunning printed corset with sleeves is a must for the summer, as it can be styled over a silk dress, with a silk skirt, or even with jeans. The possibilities are endless.
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@jeannine.roxasWHO: Jeannine Roxas
WEAR: Dear Alex dress; New Balance sneakers
Florals not your thing? You can still wear a corset top this summer without feeling like you’re an extra on the set of Bridgerton. Throw on an oversize white button-down dress and your favorite sneakers with a traditional corset or even a bustier cup to spice up this wardrobe staple.
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@sophiabrennWHO: Sophia Brenn
Let me say it loud and clear: Corset tops are the staple that will carry you through every summer event. Yes, you can wear them out for the day or date night, but they’re also perfect for a dinner party at a friend’s house. Pair them with a linen button-down and some pajama pants, and you’ll have a cozy-chic look that you can curl up in while having a glass of wine with your besties.
Yes, this can be paired with your most comfortable sweats.
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@samimiroWHO: Sami Miro
WEAR: Sonya Lee bag; Simon Miller boots
While the world hasn’t reopened fully, this corset-top outfit is one you’ll want to pin for later. Maybe it will be for drinks or a concert, but this head-to-toe leather look paired with the colorful second-skin top and platform boots is everything we dream of reemerging in, and then some.
Imagine this leather bustier over your favorite second-skin top—steamy, right?
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@moeblackxWHO: Moe
WEAR: PrettyLittleThing jacket, corset, and jeans
Did your brow just break out in a sweat thinking about the idea of wearing head-to-toe leather? You can still pull off a corset-top outfit and maintain the drip without drippin’ in sweat literally by opting for a denim-on-denim look instead. Pair a denim corset with your favorite jacket and jeans and add sneakers or sandals for a breezier take on this look.
Investing in a quality denim jacket is something you’ll never regret.
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@mariaaliaWHO: Maria Alia Al-sadek
WEAR: Dior dress, D-Lace Corset Belt ($2500), and Caro Bag
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to style pants with a corset top. If you’re opposed to tailored bottoms (like me), don’t be afraid to style your corset over a maxi dress. It’s a fail-proof way to avoid thigh sweat and wear your beloved staple.
Imagine this dress under a corset—dreamy, right?
Opting for a bustier or garter belt over your maxi dress can give off the same vibes as a corset top.
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@oumaymaboumeshouliWEAR: Dion Lee corset jacket and Teardrop Hosiery Tank; Louis Vuitton bag; Balenciaga square-toe pumps
Corset tops aren’t just for the off-duty moments; there are ways you can dress this look up for more formal occasions. Finding a blazer with corset detailing and pairing it with slacks and heels is one way to do it. Who said corsets couldn’t be corporate?
This blazer can go from day to night in a second.
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@nooreWHO: Noor
WEAR: H&M Blouse; & Other Stories denim; Polène Numero Nuf Handbag ($390)
Styling a corset top is all about knowing your comfort level, and if you’re looking for an outfit that strikes the right balance between dressed up and casual, look no further. Pairing your corset with a button-down top, jeans, and heels is the perfect way to make this structured top work for you.
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@alyssainthecityWHO: Alyssa Coscarelli
WEAR: Miaou corset; Rejina Pyo Nane Bag; Simon Miller Black Leather Beep Thong ($420)
For those hotter-than-hot days, wearing jeans and a button-down may be too much to handle. Instead, pair a corset top with denim shorts—or even Bermuda shorts—thong sandals, and a fun statement bag to keep yourself looking good without overheating.
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@himichelleliWHO: Michelle Li
WEAR: Miaou Campbell Top ($225); Lisa Says Gah jeans
You’ve made it this far, so you know there are so many ways you can style a corset top—the key is to be creative. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns (like the outfit above) or style it with pieces you wouldn’t think would go together. When it comes to wearing this top, there is no right way to do it; you just have to have fun with it.
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@_marisamartins_WHO: Marisa Martins
WEAR: Missoma Jewelry
When in doubt, the best thing you can do is opt for an all-black look. This truth holds up when wearing a corset top, too. You can style this lingerie trend so many ways, but the easiest way is to pair it with some black trousers and layer on the jewelry. We promise this outfit (and all the other ways to wear this top) will be the highlight of your summer.
