How to Wear a Corset Outside of the Bedroom—According to Street Style

Throughout history, the corset has played many roles. Back in Shakespeare’s era, it was used as an undergarment for women, pushing up their chests to the high heavens and tightening up their waists; and later, the corset became a lingerie staple for those trying to spice it up in the boudoir. Most recently, though, this undergarment has come out of the bedroom and into the daylight, and if you’ve been looking for ideas on how to wear corsets with everyday garb, I’ve got you. Whether you pair the lingerie-inspired piece with jeans or a skirt, you can’t go wrong. The corset is here to shake things up the everyone’s wardrobe—and add a little sex appeal as well.

Even if you prefer not to bare all to the world, there are still so many sexy (and, surprisingly, sophisticated) ways to look amazing in a corset. Not only can you don the classic full corset as a top, but you can also use a half corset as a belt with dresses already in your closet. Throw on a corset over your favorite button down or wear it alone if you’re feeling like leaving less to the imagination. Wear a corset belt around your newest maxi dress or paired with a sweater for fall. However you style a corset, you’re sure to look amazing—and effortlessly chic.

To give you some major corset outfit inspiration, I rounded up 29 street style looks featuring the garment. Don’t be afraid to spice things up by adding a corset to an outfit you already love! These street-style approved corset outfits are here to show you that there’s no wrong way to style a corset this summer (or any season, really).