Monday, October 31, 2022

Corset Dresses Are Way More Versatile Than You Think

Let's all give a hand to Bridgerton and the power of influence the Regency-era drama has on the latest fashion trends. No, we're not saying that people have decided to suddenly throw aside their sweaters and jeans for lavishly embroidered ball gowns. Instead, the show has reignited styles like opera gloves, empire waists, and sequins. Even the show's undergarments have sparked a trend. Corsets of all shapes, lengths, and styles are back in a big way, and the corset dress reigns supreme. And while a Bridgerton character wouldn't ever let her underpinnings be seen, in 2022, that's the least of our worries. 

Just like there are varying types of corsets throughout history (no one was wearing Victorian-style, waist-cinching corsets in Regency-era column dresses, for example), there are plenty of ways to wear a modern corset dress. They're not all revealing or have visible boning (though we've found plenty of those options too).
To ease you into the trend, we've rounded up 16 corset dresses for first-timers and avid collectors alike. We want to assure you that there are various bustier-inspired frocks aside from the stereotypical mesh look, like casual dresses with a faint outline to even dreamy wedding guest-approved options. You'd be surprised how approachable the flirty frock could be and the difference the design makes in elevating a look.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Casual Corset Dresses


Want to tap into the corset trend but a little nervous for a fully-fledged statement look? Opt for a casual frock woven with a more subtle style instead.

By Anthropologie Corset Shirt Dress, $, available at Anthropologie


Abercrombie & Fitch Tweed Corset Mini Dress, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch


Theory Corset Tee Mini Dress, $, available at Amazon


Bailey Blue Pleated Corset Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Going Out Corset Dresses


Give your loyal go-to LBD a rest and test out one of these sultry options. The four variations below exude similar flirty vibes but with a fresh angle. 

Bardot Neah Corset Faux Leather Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom


H&M Sleeveless Dress, $, available at H&M


Urban Outfitters Cali Corduroy Corset Mini Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters


Karen Millen Compact Stretch Corset Bustier Mini Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN

Wedding Guest Corset Dresses


Bridgerton has held its reign in inspiring wedding dress trends. Although who says the bride could only wear the look? If you have upcoming nuptials, choose a wedding guest dress with a romantic fit.




Lace & Beads Plus Corset Tulle Midi Dress In Soft Floral, $, available at ASOS


Lulus Found Your Love Black Lace Sleeveless Midi Dres, $, available at Lulus


Zara Printed Corset Style Dress, $, available at Zara


Reformation Nadira Dress, $, available at Reformation

Luxe Corset Dresses


Whether it's a gala or black tie wedding, a luxe corset dress with an eye-catching print, hue, or tiered ruffles fits the requirement.

Bridal By Eloquii Corseted Tiered Dress, $, available at Eloquii


Katie May Take A Sip Dress, $, available at Revolve


Lavish Alice Satin Corset Mini Dress, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue


Free People Freya Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People

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The Lingerie Brand Making A Compelling Case For Granny Panties

While cotton underwear and thongs are in regular rotation, one intimate, in particular, is finally getting the long-overdue attention it deserves: granny panties.

No longer sequestered to the back corners of our drawers, the ultra-comfy, full-coverage undie in the granny variety continues to see a spike in demand. And it looks like when it comes to underwear, the bigger-is-better motto applies — which is excellent news for the mother-daughter duo behind the brand Bloomers.

Her Highness Lace Underwear in White, $38

“I thought to myself, ‘I can’t be the only woman in the world looking for comfortable, sexy granny panties,” Bloomers’ co-founder Dr. Shaula Alexander Yemini explains to Refinery29. “Being an entrepreneur, when I see a void in the marketplace, I have to do something about it. And that’s how Bloomers was born.” All of the brand’s high-waisted undies are constructed with four-way stretch lace and offered in sizes XS to XXL, in six jewel-inspired colors such as pearl, amethyst, rose quartz, ruby, blue quartz, and onyx. The comfortable full-coverage bottoms veer into the “sexy” category thanks to the clingy, transparent fabrication and a scalloped hem that lends a boudoir-ish elegance to the sleepy silhouette. Each pair is $38 and comes with a reusable mesh laundry bag for easy machine washing.

These are worth every penny, I want them in every color. Happy divorce present to me!

BLOOMERS REVIEWER

“During the pandemic, shoppers started prioritizing comfort over style, and granny panties fit the new WFH lifestyle,” says Bloomers‘ co-founder Noa Arias — so a year into a global quarantine, Arias launched the brand alongside her mother, a former tech entrepreneur. She believes the designs by Bloomers — high-waist, fullback lace undies that are guaranteed to be wedgie-free — are poised for popularity, even with restrictions easing, more employees returning to offices, and couch-bound comfort-wear returning to a weekends-only rotation. “Now that we’re heading back to normal, we don’t want to give up being comfortable, [but] we’re eager to be fashionable once again,” Arias explains. “Bloomers’ briefs are the best of both worlds: They have all the comfort and coverage of a granny panty, but they’re made from a soft, stylish lace with a scalloped edge.”

Knickerboxers Lace Boyshort in Amethyst, $38

According to the retail intelligence platform Edited, lingerie is expected to hit $325.36 billion by 2025, and “granny panties” à la Bridget Jones (who would more likely use the British term “big knickers”) are in. In the same way that comfort came first for all other garments during lockdown, bottoms with both high-waist and full-coverage are outselling hipster styles. Bloomers adopts this comfort-centric approach in a way that’s still sexy — evidenced by a flood of online reviews from customers who prize the brand’s signature mix of comfort and curb appeal. “These are worth every penny, I want them in every color,” wrote a reviewer named Charlotte. “Actually, maybe I’ll get every color. Happy divorce present to me!”Ashima G. wrote that “[t]hese undies are sexy with the benefit of full coverage,” and Jen commented that they made them feel “instantly cute and comfy. So flattering (with and without clothes) and great quality.”

Her Highness Lace Brief in Onyx, $38

These may not be your grandma’s granny panties, but according to reviewers, they certainly feel like it. So if you have any qualms about leaving your quarantine wardrobe behind as you reclaim your pre-2020 lifestyle, know that there’s underwear out there that offers a cute, comfortable compromise.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Friday, October 28, 2022

16 Affordable Statement Belts To Upgrade Your Outfits

Although belts are the unsung lifesaver of jeans that are a tad bit big, they're not exactly a must-have, must-see accessory. Sure, they hold pants up, but the trend in the last few years has been for them to hide underneath oversize sweaters or tunics — not be the focal point of an outfit. However, aside from the classic black belt, there's now a plethora of show-stopping items with jazzy details like studs and stones along with subtle chic prints.


It's all about making a statement — albeit a minimal one. And the good news is you don't have to spend a lot to keep up with this fashion-meets-function trend — plus, considering how versatile belts actually are (you can wear one over dressesskirts, and, of course, with pants), you're sure to get your money's worth and then some. Ahead, we've rounded up 16 outfit-finishers, all under $75, that will convert even the most anti-belters around.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Up To $20



ASOS DESIGN Circle Waist And Hip Belt In White Croc, $, available at ASOS


H&M Chain Belt, $, available at H&M


Dynamite Oval Buckle Belt, $, available at Dynamite


Wild Fable Double Laser Cut Adjustable Western Grommet Belt, $, available at Target


Vince Camuto Crystal & Imitation Pearl Double Buckle Belt, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

$21-$40



Zara Stone Metal Belt, $, available at Zara


Eloquii Triple Chain Belt, $, available at Eloquii


Urban Outfitters Basic Studded Belt, $, available at Urban Outfitters


J.Crew Skinny Calf Hair Belt In Leopard, $, available at J.Crew

$41-$60



petit moments Modern Rodeo Belt, $, available at Revolve


Madewell Suede Covered Buckle Belt, $, available at Madewell


Levi's Braid Belt, $, available at Levi's

$61-$75



Jenny Krauss Dream In Color Belt, $, available at Free People


Anthropologie Tabitha Tall Belt, $, available at Anthropologie


Eloquii Wide Waist Asymmetrical Suede Belt, $, available at Eloquii


Lauren Ralph Lauren Croc-Embossed Reversible Leather Belt, $, available at Dillard's
The circle belt is a minimalist favorite. Grab a black version to wear anywhere, anytime.

Topshop Round Buckle Belt, $20, available at Topshop.
An equally versatile shade of brown works, too.

Forever 21 Wide Faux Leather Belt, $7.90, available at Forever 21.
If you're always worried about a belt not fitting right, try a one-size-fits-most D-ring style that allows for easy adjusting.

StyleNanda Double D-ring Belt, $19, available at StyleNanda.
Suede stripes are a must for any '70s-fashion fiend.

ASOS Color Block Suede and Circle Buckle Waist and Hip Belt, $31, available at ASOS.
You really don't need any other belt if you've got this one.
Match the buckle to the rest of the belt for a more understated look.

Michael Michael Kors Saffiano Belt, $42, available at Zappos.

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Welcome To Fangirl Fall: Football Merch Is Fashion Now

Per tradition, 2022 brought forth a chaotic salad of sartorial trends: coastal grandmother, Barbiecore, Horse Girl. We saw leather trenches, Hawaiian shirts, Western boots (welcome palate cleansers on the heels of the stubborn, lingering prairie dress phenomenon). And while the new year is, indeed, fast approaching, there's still ample time for yet another sartorial obsession to take hold.

On that note, allow us to introduce you to "fancore," an answer to the delicacy of the whole balletcore phenomenon. It's the less dainty, cold weather-appropriate, athletics-inspired moment we've all been waiting for. It's democratic: designed for the tried and true football loyalists and the less, umm, committed spectators. Consider the timing at hand: Football season is looming. Inevitably, there will be games to watch and teams to stan. And if you plan on screening any football this season — or being in the general vicinity of other people who are committed to football spectatorship — you might as well seize the sartorial opportunity therein. We're talking vintage team tees, classic dad hats, beanies, and oversized coach jackets.

So, in service of your impending Fangirl Fall, we've culled together the trendiest NFL merch on the market. Whether you're heading to a tailgate, or the club, rest assured that you're spearheading a fashion movement in the process. As the old adage goes: clear eyes, cute tops, can't lose.

Philadelphia Eagles NFL Earring Set

If you're going for subtlety, give your team a quiet shoutout by way of your earlobe adornment. Mix up your classic ear-scape and introduce some NFL-branded studs or dangling hoops into the mix, because fandom can be elegant, too.

BaubleBar Philadelphia Eagles NFL Earring Set, $, available at NFL Shop

Women’s WEAR Cropped Sponge Hoodie

Few fashion dilemmas are quite so relatable as the struggle to find weather-appropriate going-out tops. So if you don't feel like rocking bulky knitwear on the dance floor, opt for a cropped NFL hoodie instead. It's warm, it's sporty, and it's a given that strangers will talk football at you while you wear it.

NFL Shop WEAR Black Cropped Sponge Fleece Pullover, $, available at NFL Shop

2022 Sideline 59FIFTY Fitted Hat

You're no stranger to the whole dad hat phenomenon — but this season, we're mixing things up a bit with a classic fitted hat. Lean into the old school shtick and leave your authentication sticker on the brim (can't have folks thinking you're sporting a knock-off).

NFL 2022 Sideline 59FIFTY Fitted, $, available at NFL Shop

Tommy Hilfiger Varsity Stripe Rugby Polo

Menswear has been trending for some time now: Oversized oxfords, blazers, slacks. Repurpose the look for the cozier months with a vintage, collegiate-inspired team logo rugby shirt. We assure you: It's the new band tee.

NFL Shop Tommy Hilfiger Varsity Stripe Rugby Polo, $, available at NFL Shop

2022 Cold Weather Pom Knit

We're expecting a major pom-pom renaissance this winter — but regardless of your sentiments on the pom revival, a beanie is a cold-weather must. So, for the sake of versatility, rather than repping a major fashion house, swap your go-to designer logo for that of your local sports team.

New Era 2022 Cold Weather Pom Knit Hat, $, available at NFL Shop

M&N Galaxy Full-Zip Windbreaker

Tie-dye has made quite the comeback since your summer camp days of yore. So right now, as an homage to your team of choice, forgo your plain, standard-issue tee and rock your tie-dye in the form of an NFL-emblazoned zip-up windbreaker.

NFL Shop Mitchell & Ness Red Galaxy Full-Zip Windbreaker Hoodie, $, available at NFL Shop

Mitchell & Ness Red/Black Big Face Pullover Sweatshirt

We've been watching major designers make use of the patchwork trend for years — so why not apply the quilting ethos to your football apparel? This Mitchell & Ness sweatshirt fuses together disparate team logos for your perfect fan-forward stitch-work outer layer.

NFL Mitchell & Ness Red/Black Big Face Pullover Sweatshirt, $, available at NFL Shop

Mitchell & Ness Head Coach Pullover Hoodie


Fashion has always been about embracing a strategic high-low ratio...so why not start with a classic varsity coach hoodie? This quintessential Mitchell & Ness pullover is just begging for a blazer and an over-the-knee boot.

Mitchell & Ness Mitchell & Ness Yellow/Red Head Coach Pullover Hoodie, $, available at NFL Shop

Homage Titans Nashville Hot Chicken T-Shirt

Long live the reign of the graphic tee. But seriously, in the time since your Delia's Catalog Era, the graphic tee has made leaps and bounds. And right now, few iterations are as beloved as the classic unisex fit shirt, complete with a localized "hometown" logo.

NFL Homage Titans Nashville Hot Chicken T-Shirt, $, available at NFL Shop

NFL x Staple Quarter-Zip Pullover Jacket

This particular (waterproof) layer is giving us '80s windbreaker-meets-après-ski energy — and for that reason, it's just the right layer to keep you warm throughout the holidays. Depending on the *vibe* you're going for, the shell can skew equal parts basic and maximalist.

NFL NFL x Staple Quarter-Zip Pullover Jacket, $, available at NFL Shop

CeeDee Lamb Dallas Cowboys Nike Jersey

An oversized jersey is one of those things that simply will never go out of style. It represents fandom, utility — and it'll pair well with everything from a mini skirt to leggings to your heat-tech turtleneck.

NFL CeeDee Lamb Dallas Cowboys Nike Jersey, $, available at NFL Shop

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