Bustier tops and corsets have traditionally been kept hidden under clothes or reserved for the bedroom. But this season, corset tops and bustiers are coming out of the lingerie closet as the finishing touch to a chic outfit. You can credit the Prada Fall 2016 show for helping to popularize the trend by sending white corset belts down the runway, but we’ve also seen the look at Fenty x Puma by Rihanna and Balmain. Currently taking over street style, bustier tops of all shapes and sizes are being paired with everything from oversized white shirts to coordinating suit jackets. Surprisingly, it all works.
If you want to try taking your corsets and bustier tops out of the bedroom and onto the streets, let these fashion girls show you how it’s done.
How to Actually Layer a Bustier
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White There
A white shirt is something that people say you can wear with literally everything and this outfit proves how accurate that statement is. Style an oversized white shirt with your equally versatile jeans and add a corset top. Mega platform boots and panda bag optional.
Image: Imaxtree
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Blue and Burgundy
If you want to try the bustier-as-outerwear trend, you probably want to really showcase the look, so choose a corset in a contrasting shade as your top. Tie everything together by wearing a pair of printed pants that have the same two shades.
Image: Imaxtree
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Toughen Up
Add some edge to a floral dress by layering on a black bustier top. A pair of coordinating over-the-knee boots will tie everything together.
Image: Getty
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Waist Training
The Prada Fall 2016 runway proved that corsets can go over everything, including your coat. Undo the laces of your corset, then layer it over your coat. Add a belt on top because why not?
Image: Imaxtree
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I See Blue
Can you see it? For a sexy yet understated look, coordinate your corset top with your outfit. Black is the easiest, but don't be afraid to try a bold color.
Image: Getty
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Suited and Booted
Love the idea of wearing a suit, but not the corporate cliché that comes with it? Try a black suit with cropped flares and an oversized jacket. You can keep the traditional white shirt, but try adding a bold black bustier on top. A leopard bag will make it clear that you're not going to any board meetings.
Image: Imaxtree
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Dressed Down
When Rihanna does something, everyone pays attention. The singer-slash-designer dressed down a black corset top with slouchy sweatpants, a hooded top and a logo infinity scarf at her Fenty x Puma show.
Image: Imaxtree
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Underwear as Outerwear
The old faithful white shirt is one of the most popular pieces to pair with your bustier because you can style the look with almost everything. If you're wearing a patterned corset, try wearing another printed piece, like this striped bustier with plaid skirt. It's the right kind of mix.
Image: Imaxtree
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Double Trouble
These fashion girls nailed the trend in two decidedly different ways. A black bustier with matching trousers gives the illusion of a jumpsuit, while a black corset top adds some serious edge to a sweet dress.
Image: Imaxtree
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On the Outside
Make your black coat feel like new by adding a waist corset on top. Resist the urge to tie it too tightly. You want it snug so that it won't slip, but you still want to be able to breathe.
Image: Imaxtree
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Gold Times
You can rock a corset in almost any weather. On warmer days, try a bustier top with a black T-shirt and denim mini. If you're feeling chilly, you can always throw on a bright puffer jacket.
Image: Imaxtree
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Blushing Pink
For a more understated take on the trend, coordinate your corset with your entire outfit a la the Balmain Fall 2016 runway. Add some contrast with your shirt and a pair of chunky boots.
Image: Imaxtree
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Cool Co-Ords
If you can find a bustier that comes as part of a set, buy it. You can wear the pieces by themselves, but adding a white shirt underneath adds another element to the look. Same goes for a sparkly choker and cool shades.
Image: Imaxtree
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Anything but Basic
This is one sweater-and-jeans combo you probably haven't seen before. Upgrade your tried-and-true basics by topping them with a flared corset and a long coat.
Image: Imaxtree
