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Embrace the Victorian era

Last Updated 14 February 2017, 17:37 IST

If there’s one thing fashion teaches you, it’s how to take risks. There are some trends that you could ease into (read: the cold shoulder) while there are a few others that require braveness of the heart and an ounce of experimental outlook.

One of spring’s wackiest propositions, the corset trend is not one for the faint-hearted. But nothing great ever came from anything too comfortable.

Most often associated with the Victorian era and as a boudoir staple, it is ditching its feminine reputation and embracing its edgier counterpart. It is being increasingly seen on the streets as the crème de la crème of the fashion industry are exploiting the trend and are corseting their way into sartorial glory. Their modern styling options have convinced us. We’re taking risks.

These three handy thumb rules would go an extra mile in keeping the look far from tacky.

Play with proportions
When it comes to corsets, proportion is key. The only way to balance this waist-cinching silhouette is by wearing it with anything oversized. A corset’s main function is split between shaping and support. The goal is to mould the figure into the right proportions to attain an exceptionally pronounced hourglass shape. Your best bet would be a T-shirt that is a minimum of two sizes bigger than your original size or an oversized shirt.

Different textures
The corset can take on any texture. But for an unexpected twist, wear it with your warm-fuzzy knits, pullovers or slinky satins. You can also wear it with bright velvets, leather, lace, metallics and even flowy fabrics like chiffon and georgette. Add some Mary Antoinette flair by going the traditional route — massive bishop sleeves, ruffles, full skirt. The result is a heady and volatile dose of dainty ladylike sophistication.

Layer up
Treat the corset as an accessory on its own, played up or down according to your various moods. A corset top over a turtle neck top, for starters, is a great way to pack a punch into your everyday wardrobe. When you are going out, wear it over a flowy dress to add structure. It can also be worn over jackets. Gigi Hadid wore hers over a rock-band tee and leather pants. Keep in mind that the other accessories compliment but not overwhelm the corset.

However, it is not completely wise to deny the corset its lingerie connotations. A risqué clack corset could be worn with mom-jeans a la Kim Kardashian, with luxe track pants or under a sophisticated pant-suit set, instead of a blouse, for a glamorous event. Today’s corset is equal parts athletic, sculptural and sensual at the same time.

Milder interpretations of this trend for the ones who want to test drive it, come in the form of wide belts, corset tie-up detailed tops and high-waist pants, and fit-and-flare silhouettes. When it comes to evening wear, cocktail dresses, wedding gowns, sari blouses and ‘lehenga cholis’ with a corset bodice help you stay a couple of miles ahead of the fashion curve.
(Contributed by Farah Magi)

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(Published 14 February 2017, 17:37 IST)

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