How to Wear Corset Dresses

We certainly have come a long way from the days of panty hose to lingerie being worn out as evening wear!  A popular trend for this year will be fitted corset dresses.  Gorgeous corset dresses are fairly common to come by, but the key is in the fit!  For this coming season, designers are re-defining the corset with corset dresses by mixing unexpected patterns and materials for the corset and for the bottom. 

What concerns most women in purchasing a corset or corset dress, is the fit. "How exactly should the corset part fit?" The truth is, there is such a thing as "too tight"! (I've seen it!) We want to look as if we can at least breathe! Unlike the 18th century contraption, we aren't trying to mold our bodies, we are simply using the structure of the corset to make a fashion statement. We want the curves, but we don't need to start passing out left and right.

The reason the corset shape is fabulous is because it fits all sizes and figures. For larger women, the perfect corset can be a tremendous asset in accentuating curves and outlining a waist. For smaller women, the boning of the corset and the contrast of the cups can help push up "the girls." Grab your kitten heels and get to corset dress shopping!

Yes, the corset dress can reduce your waistline by up to 6 inches! However, you don't want to look like you are busting at the seams. When trying on a corset dress, make sure that the corset doesn't move, but that you still can. Turn around, sit down, and jump around to make sure you fit into the dress. If you feel like your bust if just pouring all over the place, it probably is! Get a corset dress with larger coverage on top. They do sell corsets with full coverage cups, so ask for them! And likewise, if you are smaller on top, you can opt for a minimal coverage corset to reveal more cleavage!

Because the corset look can look too costume-y or like clubwear, I love to keep it classy. Keep the look classic by maintaining the length of the dress, or by throwing on a cardigan or shrug. For accessories, I also love to go understated. Go for a modest kitten heel, but go as wild or glitzy as you want in terms of pattern. Also, it helps to keep the shoes closed-toed.

I adore these leopard ones by Talbots, I almost bought them on sight!

There's no better look than gorgeous red lips with a bold corset dress. The two are the perfect pairing!