The innerwear-as-outerwear trend has caught on in stages. First, we stopped treating visible bra straps showing through tricky outfits like a total faux pas. Then, we saw crop tops morph into bra tops, at the gym and beyond, and we've even embraced bodysuits yet again. The line between underwear and outerwear is more blurred than ever, especially on the red carpet. Let's reintroduce the corset top in its new-and-more-breathable form. These looks have the seaming, panelling, or harnessing — clothing's inner workings, usually kept out of sight — on full display. The result is a deconstructed-yet-stylized top that offers a peek at how a gown is built. Complete with sheer lace or mesh inserts, it lends an unexpected intimacy to evening wear. Just see how Jenna Dewan Tatum, Tina Fey, and more have aced it already in the following looks. Consider this the anti-sequin alternative to a show-stopping holiday dress.
Jenna Dewan Tatum's Marchesa gown takes romantic, sheer lace and toughens it up with leather harnessing throughout, tracing the silhouette from shoulder straps to hemline.
Kerry Washington’s corset top is subtle, at least from afar. A closer look at the bodice on her gown (another Marchesa number) reveals cutouts and feather-lined bra cups — innerwear that’s clearly meant to be seen.
The main focus of Tina Fey's Oscar de la Renta pencil dress is all above the waist, similar to Washington's gown: The bra top is layered with tulle-like fabric to create an abstract floral effect, which is framed by mesh paneling down the torso below.
The straps on Serena Williams’ black gown are akin to the details o Dewan Tatum’s dress: A trio of thin, black straps starting at a sweetheart neckline and coming together right at the shoulder. The bra-esque top on Williams’ dress segues into a sheer, black lace slip, with an open-front gown skirt wrapping around the waist. The resulting look is equal parts vampy and glamorous.
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