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
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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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.
“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.”
According to the retail intelligence platform Edited, lingerie is expected to hit $325.36 billion by 2025, and “granny panties” Ã 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.”
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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