Corset Remix
[ 5 September 2007 ]
The other day, a friend & I were discussing our old gothic predilections. It turned out we were both harbouring corsets in our closets, but since we both felt like we had moved past our old style, didn’t really know what to do with them. Corsets, especially the good ones, tend to be really expensive & some of them are gorgeous pieces of work. Too precious to throw out or give away, but too ‘goth’ to wear.
However, the more I thought about it, the more I realised there was a middle ground.
If you, like us, are in a similar situation, try these suggestions…
Wear your corset over a dress for added structure, fanciness & a super-cinched waist. This is an especially good way to wear a dress that normally isn’t too flattering or you or doesn’t showcase your shape! Try your corset over all types of dresses: you’ll be surprised at how often it works. Vintage dresses, silk sundresses, little black dresses…
If you want to retain the attitude of a good corset, sling it over the top of a crisp white shirt (with puff sleeves, perhaps?), a skinny black tie & a black high-waisted pencil skirt. Add seamed stockings & killer heels into the mix, & with cat’s eye glasses & your hair in a bun you’re ready to dish out some discipline!
...Or for a slightly less rigid look, put it over the aforementioned crisp white shirt & pair with your favourite jeans.
A corset is a fantastic addition to any garment which doesn’t have a lot of shape. Think of it as a big belt! See Lisa’s outfit for an example of how you can pull this off effectively. (Ahh, I love her, she’s so cute!)
Wear your (overbust) corset underneath a blazer with a slinky skirt. Only do up a couple of the blazer’s buttons for sex appeal plus plus!
But if you absolutely cannot fathom wearing your corset again — Chartreuse memories, perhaps, or maybe it just doesn’t fit any more — you can always have it framed or hang it above your bed as a gorgeous installation piece. I’m picturing it undone with the laces flying behind it…
Happy tight-lacing!
Super-love & cupcakes,
Gala
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Im a fan of wearing corsets in non-goth ways. My sister owns a couple of expensive ones (she does theatrical sword-fighting and uses them for costuming) so I borrow them whenever I can sneak them out of her wardrobe. I also own a couple of less structured (and less pricey!) ones but they dont give you that ‘all-day-long-hug’ feeling that I adore.
The best thing about them is they make you FEEL sexy and confident.
Stacy — They certainly do! They’re great for your posture too, especially those of us who sit in front of computers all day or have back problems!
I love Roxanne. Her novellas are wonderful.
I have wanted a corset for, what feels like, forever. I tried one on once and I just loved it – it was turquoise chinese silk with an embroidered gold chrysanthemum pattern and a 23in waist. Very ‘Curse of the Golden Flower’! I’m making do with waist cinching belts at the moment, but my auntie has just taken classes on how to make corsets, and I’m thinking I need to commission one! I love your ideas for how to wear them. Thanks, Gala!
Wow…good ideas.
I once saw a girl wearing what looked like a short kimono as a top with a half-corset (stops short of your boobs) instead of an obi. AMAZing. This was about two and a half years ago, too, and I still remember it.
i’ve always wanted a corset! just because they’re delightfully beautiful. i don’t even necessarily have to wear it hehehe… but it’s great that you’ve thought of these ideas to make it a little more practical (and fun!)
I have a corset too. Mine is pink with a chinese looking pattern. I love it. I liked your look best, before you pulled the corset tight. In its more open form it gave a lovely structure. In its tight form it “distorts” your form too much.
Gah! I love corsets! As soon as I can afford them… I’m getting enough to wear them every day! *Cough*I’m a Dita fan*Cough*
Don’t forget if you absolutely absolutely cannot fathom wearing your corset again and you don’t want to hang it on your wall, you can donate it to LJ’s Wardrobe Foundation and make me very happy.
::sigh:: i’ve always longed for a “real” corset. the only one i have is a shoddy one from h&m, which has completely lost it’s shape D:
hopefully someday i’ll be able to buy a proper one<3
I love the look of corsets. I’ve never had one but I used to have quie a severe waistcoat habit. The corset-over-shirt look – always a winner!
As much as I do love them, you really need an attitude to pull them off. It’s all in your confidence.
(But seriously, right when you pull one on, you definitively acquire a certain je ne sais quoi! :3
It reminds me of back in my “Grunge/Rock/Vampire/Pre-Teen Goth” days. I still have a pair of (GORGEOUS AND DELICIOUS) red Dr.Martin boots that go mid-calf. Not too sure how I’ll wear them, without looking too “Anarchy is my calling”.
I last wore mine two days ago under a dress… it’s great to have more options though. I’ve never been remotely goth, but I have always adored corsets. And fancy costuming in general. :-)
Oh wow – the idea of wearing a short kimono with an underbust corset has totally captured my imagination….I must wear them!!
I think there is definitely possibilities for dressing a corset down – I also quite like the idea od wearing an underbust corset over a shirt, with slouchy, man-style pants. It would be a nice contrast, I think.
Katrina — They really are. I used to print them out & stick them in my diaries. Photos too!
amypaiko — That sounds GORGEOUS. You should definitely commission your aunt, how convenient is that?!
Nancy — That’s fantastic! Thank you for mentioning it, wow, that would be incredible…
“me” — That’s not me in the video, you’re obviously new around here ;>
Lauren — She is gorgeous with fantastic style, I don’t blame you!
Retro.Bunny — Hahah, “anarchy is my calling”! I love it! You could wear them with a pencil skirt & “demure” shirt with a pussybow, maybe?
I’ve been inspired, so I’m wearing mine today!
Mine is a burgandy overbust corset and I’ve teamed it with a black long sleeve shirt, jeans and converse sneakers.
I’m thinking about looking up Bad Attitude Boutique while I’m in Las Vegas. Anybody had any experience with them?
hee. now you make me want to get mine out & wear it to school.
Oh my! do I ever love corsets!! I recently bought a corset-esque piece and was planing on wearing it over a simple shirt as a substitution for the “vest over t-shirt” thing. I hope you know what I’m talking about hahaha.
Sarah P — Sounds nice, did you get a lot of compliments?
Ginny — Not me!
kore — Aw, you cutie. Do it!
Moni — I do know what you’re talking about! I hope it brings you lots of pleasure, hee!
Ooooh. I have a white shirtdress that I wear my (brown H&M)corset over. I went to a “normal” bar while wearing it and I got a lot of questions & strange looks from people. I really like the look though!
ha!
isn’t it funny how we transition from “goth” into “grown-up” but never rid of those corsets
:x
i still buy them in fact! and mix them in my wardrobe! especially my waist sinchers!
xoxo
p.s.
are Vests the new corset?
i think they look super sexy, but they also look super painful! are they? i mean its different to having a pair of hot heels that make you have numb feet isnt it, proper ones look as tho they crush your insides :S x x
Mmmmhmm.
Yeah. I also went through a “goth” phase. And I recently rediscovered my love for corsets. I sew and I have been working on this belt-like corset that hits just below my chest and goes right around my waits and laces up the front. I am making it with a solid black fabric with a lace overlay to give it a lacey/brocade look. I plan to wear it over this puffy-sleeve shirt that I am also making or one of my dresses to accentuate my small waist. Yep, definately NOT goth. Anyways, just thought I’d share. I can get some pics when it’s finished if anyone really cares…
I LOVE corsets! They’re definitely not painful – unless you intentionally pull them too tight. Then they’ll hurt just like if you tried to walk in shoes a size too small.
Mmmmm, I adore corsets. I’ve had a fascination with them since I was little, and used to get in so much trouble for wearing them under dresses at high school. I love putting them under lower cut dresses so the details peek out, or over them, with a black top underneath and a flouncy fairy skirt… I love not only the look and the feel of them but the possibilities of them! Hooray for corsets!
I just bought a silver-grey pale-blue corset that I just adore. I’ve always been in love with them and one day just went the whole hog and got a pricey one that normally would be way out of what I’d spend, but I can’t go FOREVER depending on thick belts to give me my corset kicks.
Where does one buy a corset without breaking the bank?? It’s something I’ve thought about a lot as strapless bras never give me the support I require when I need to wear them!!