A couple of months back, I announced the surprising return of kitten heels; fashion has embraced fugly, "man-repelling" shoes for a few years but the resurgence of the kitten heel was quite literally a new low. Now, I come bearing news of another unexpected fashion revival...
You might associate corsets with Victorian dressing, burlesque performances or, perhaps, the Kardashian/Jenner obsession with body-con silhouettes and waist trainers. However, brace yourself (no pun intended) as corset belts are one of the biggest styling trends this season.
If you keep a keen eye on the #ootds of social media's leading style setters, you probably noticed key street style stars wearing wide waist belts and laced bodices over their outfits in early 2016. Then numerous SS17 catwalk collections focused on the waist, as the mid-section was celebrated with eye-catching corsets, what might once have been deemed underwear worn over dresses and T-shirts as the finishing touch.
Still not quite convinced? Well, check out the SS17 catwalks of Balenciaga, Isabel Marant, Balmain and Loewe for further reference and see how the trend has quickly trickled down to the high street, with some corset belt suggestions from Zara to ASOS ahead. It's time to get cinched.
Isabel Marant SS17
This could just be a casual double denim look but it's elevated with a white wide corset belt. Update your casual wear by adding a twist to a low-key T-shirt or everyday denim with an elegant bold belt or corset.
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images
Balenciaga SS17
For designer du jour Demna Gvasalia 's second collection for Balenciaga, the silhouette featured bold, exaggerated shoulders and cinched waists. Wear a white belt over your button-down for a modern spin on shirting.
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images
Loewe SS17
This corset belt has already been one of SS17's biggest sell-outs, worn by numerous editors and fashion influencers at Loewe's AW17 show in Paris earlier this month, as well as selling out swiftly on Matches Fashion.
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images
Isabel Marant SS17
This colourful corset belt from Isabel Marant's SS17 collection adds a flash of colour and pattern to the elegant white jacket and skirt.
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images
Russian stylist Natasha Goldenberg wears an olive coat under the Loewe belt outside the AW17 show.
Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
An early adopter of the styling trend, here Natasha Goldenberg wears a thin white lace-up Prada corset over a green floral dress. Transform a tired floral frock this spring by wearing a corset belt over the top.
Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
But if you're not ready to add a lace-up corset to your wardrobe, try a more subtle spin on the trend with a belt worn over your jacket à la Camille Charrière.
Photo: Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images
Likewise, follow fashion director Alex Carl's lead and cinch your spring jacket with a wide belt.
Photo: Mireya Acierto/Getty Images
Designer Yoyo Cao wears a white lace-up corset over a monochrome look at Milan Fashion Week.
Photo: Melody Jeng/Getty Images
Fashion blogger Sofie Valkiers wears a ruffled Preen dress with a white lace-up corset, Robert Clergerie shoes, Leo Wolf sunglasses and Céline bag at London Fashion Week SS17.
Photo: Kristin Sinclair/Getty Images
So how do we wear it ourselves?! Add another dimension to a simple shirt by wearing a corset belt, like this one from ASOS, over the top.
ASOS Denim Corset Belt, £20, available at ASOS
Fresh from the catwalk, Isabel Marant's light-grey Erika belt is made from speckled denim in a wide shape with a fold-over top that will flatteringly enhance your silhouette. Wear it to draw in a loose-fitting trench or structured jacket this spring.
Isabel Marant Erika wraparound cotton waist belt, £225, available at Matches Fashion
Or if you can't imagine buying (or getting much use out of) a separate corset, this T-shirt from Topshop conveniently comes with a corset sewn on.
Topshop Corset T-shirt tunic, £35, available at Topshop
Turn a blazer into a dress by tightening a corset over the top. Et voilà, the perfect evening look.
Zara Corset, £15.99, available at Zara
This Zara corset top is an effortless take on this spring's biggest styling trend.
Zara Corset top, £19.99, available at Zara
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