FASHION AND DESIGN | CORSET REPORT 2022 – JULY ISSUE

The Dark Academia trend of 2020 and the nostalgic Cottagecore trend of 2021 have been replaced by a more glam trend: Regencycore. This latest whimsical form of fashion escapism includes vintage style pieces with a touch of the bourgeois inspired by the 1800’s Regency era. Influenced by Bridgerton on Netflix, puff sleeves, lace detailing, ruffles, and corsets are making a comeback. This report will focus on corsets, which have been seen on fashionistas and shown on the runways of major designers.

The corset is a manifestation of the underwear-as-outerwear trend, where lingerie elements are integrated into everyday dressing. New cinched silhouettes include: corset and bustier tops with boning, waist cinchers, and lace up miniskirts with garter details. These lingerie inspired garments have been updated using materials, such as, leather and denim. Traditional fabrics like cotton, velvet, lace, taffetta, tulle, satin, and toile de joie are modernized in subversive styles.

The Regencycore fashion trend is regal and focused on opulence. Designers use rhinestones and pearl embellishments on corsets, bustier tops, and cage waist cinchers. Laser cutting adds surface interest on leather waist belts. Boning, lacing and metal closures emphasize a feminine shape and add interesting details.

Regencycore fashion can work in a present-day aesthetic, and the corset trend is appearing in myriad ways. Laser cut leather waist cinchers or corsets are layered over flowy dresses, white button downs, or tees. Corset and bustier tops look sexy and modern paired with low-slung trousers or baggy jeans. These meant-to-be-seen lingerie inspired styles can be dressed up or down. The focus is on mixing feminine style details into a modern wardrobe.