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Best corset tops for nailing the underwear-as-outerwear trend
The wardrobe staple that has you feeling (and looking) good as hell 🔥
The corset top has made quite a comeback in recent years. Back in the ‘80s, Madonna famously subverted the patriarchal connotations behind the boned bodice with an iconic conical number by Jean Paul Gaultier that she wore on tour – come on, vogue! In our humble opinion, that was the moment wearing underwear as outerwear became a must for every fashion gal.
Since then, it’s gone from avant-garde to overdone and all the way back again. TBT to the corsets + low-slung bum-ster jeans in the early noughties, Britney Spears’ iconic denim corset outfit at the 2003 American Music Awards, and its high-fashion resurrection from Vivienne Westwood’s Marie Antoinette vibes to Prada’s laced corset belts. From Hailey Biebs to Kendall J, EmRata and Selena Gomez – celebs love a cinched moment too. And in more recent years, the rise and rise of Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton has cemented our love for the lingerie staple and all things Regency-core.
The truth is, this trend is surprisingly versatile: you can wear a bustier solo on a night out, layer it up with shirting and tees during the day, or just save it for the bedroom. From satin and lace styles to cute denim and puffed-sleeve iterations, we’ve rounded up 28 of our faves right here for the party season and beyond…
Australian fashion brand Lioness should be your go-to for trend-led, feminine staples. This dusky-pink top features delicately ruched cups, a unique layered bodice and lace-up front – the perfect modern twist on traditional corsetry.
It’s official: yellow is the colour of the season (we know Penelope from Bridgerton would approve), and we’ve already added SKIMS’ corset to the top of our summer wish lists. How good would this lace design look under an oversized denim jacket?
Urban Outfitters has a whole host of corset tops on its site RN, and one of our absolute faves has to be this dainty floral number. With ruffled blue trims and a supportive underwire, this pretty printed number is a real summer’s dream.
An easy way to nail the underwear as outerwear trend is to incorporate lace into your looks. This spotted, smocked corset top from Reformation is perf for going out, but can also be made daytime-appropriate by swapping leather pants for oversized jorts.
There’s something so gorgeous about an old-school strapless corset top. Featuring ruffled lace trims, statement checks and a cropped hemline, this piece is the perfect mixture of pretty and cool.
Live out your Bridgerton fantasies in this beaut peplum top from Reformation. The voluminous silhouette, square neckline and covered buttons are giving Regency vibes – play it up with frou frou skirts or keep it casual with barrel jeans.
How cute is this floral embroidered denim corset top? From the panelled design to the tie sides, it's giving Regencycore with a Y2K twist. We'll be styling with white maxi skirts and heading to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in this number.
Get heatwave ready with H&M’s linen-look corset top. We’re obsessed with the ruched sides and fitted silhouette. Plus, at under £10, it’s a bit of a bargain, too.
Noughties tube tops are back, ppl. But forget the stretchy jersey iteration of 20 years ago – in 2024, it’s all about the denim corset. We love Cos’ take on the trend with its distressed denim wash and A-line silhouette.
If you love the look of a vintage blouse but don’t have time to spend hours thrifting, we’ve found the corset top for you. Kimchi Blue’s collared corset is legit perf for festival season, but can always be worn with high-waisted, wide-leg trousers once the party's over.
The contrast seams on H&M’s staple vest create the illusion of traditional corset boning, so this top is a great alternative to sometimes uncomfortable structured styles.
Trust our fave lingerie brand SKIMS to nail the underwear-as-outerwear trend. We’re obsessed with the flattering boning and structured cups on this lil’ pink velvet number.
Kendall Jenner and Taylor Swift are both big fans of the denim corset top. If you’re looking to dip your toe into the trend, why not start with this Reformation number? We particularly like the square neckline and button down silhouette.
Nothing says summer quite like a gingham top, and this Zara number is just too cute. From the sweetheart neckline to the pretty tie-bow and subtle cut-out, this corset can be worn with everything from shorts to white maxi skirts.
We love Reformation’s ‘grown-up’ take on the corset top with its stunning sweetheart neckline, peek-a-boo bra detail and smocked back. Wear yours with statement chandelier earrings for a real ‘80s feel.
Go full cottagecore with Out From Under’s gingham corset. We’re loving the pretty lace trims, underwired, structured cups and tie-up back. Style yours with boyfriend denim to contrast the top’s girlish vibe.
This versatile black corset top from Reiss is a real party wear staple. The cross-back shoulder straps bring a modern twist to the traditional corsetry aesthetic and the belted waist is beyond flattering.
This versatile cream corset top from Mint Velvet has an on-trend strapless neckline, a split front and beaut covered buttons. We think it would look just as good with jeans and trainers in the day as it would dressed up with leather trousers and strappy heels for a night out.
No doubt you’ll have heard of the metallic trouser trend that is taking over the runways and high street this spring/summer. Wanna rock a full shimmery look? Check out H&M’s silver corset top – the flat seams are designed to look like boning but this baby is actually hella comfy.
Our Fashion Editor has waxed lyrical about & Other Stories’ occasionwear edit, Savoir Collection – and for good reason. Crafted from a silk-cotton blend, this gorge corset top features a traditional lace-up back but feels uber modern thanks to the peplum silhouette.
Rosie Davenport is a former Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sunday’s weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Prada’s AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of London’s iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport
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