Kat's Corset: Multi-Wear Done Well

You’ve heard it said,

“Wear this one item 5 different ways…”

…only to scroll through pictures and see the same uninspired item cobbled together in a slew of outfits that look almost identical to the next.

At their best, multi-wear garments are designed to give you a functional piece of fashion with adjustable elements so you appear to be wearing a different piece every time. And while I hear this aspirational concept, my lived experience of multi-wear items is that they over-promise and under-deliver... until I discovered the wonders of an adjustable corset top!

This whimsical butterfly-patterned corset top comes with straps that are detachable, laces that can be front or back facing, and the stretch and flexibility to be worn across the chest or around the waist. With this many adjustable elements, I couldn’t help but explore what this multi-wear corset might be able to do with some of my style staples.

With The White Button-Up

A white and crisp button up is the perfect way to balance a colorful patterned corset. The fitted corset gives the white button up a bit of glamour and visual intrigue, while the structured collar of the white button up keeps the outfit grounded and wearable for both work and play. If you are like me and have an army of sleepy and functional button-ups that are functional and uninspired, this corset top breathes new life and wonder into the tried and true. To complete this outfit, I’ve reached for my favorite ripped boyfriend jeans, cuffed them at the bottom and wrapped it all up with a pair of black booties.

With The Little Black Dress

The little black dress is a style staple that will stand the test of time. I consider it to be body type agnostic – it doesn’t matter your size or shape; the LBD loves all who come its way. When you don’t know what to wear for an event or special occasion, the LBD is the universal go to. And yet, the timeless LBD can sometimes land visually as one note.

Here the adjustable corset can awaken the LBD’s potential! With the flexibility of this corset’s stretch, the corset can be worn at the bust or along the waist. With laces that can be both back or forward facing, we may very well have a new dress. For this outfit, I have lowered the corset to sit along my waist and turned the laces to be front facing. This simple adjustment creates a gorgeous illusion of an hourglass silhouette and the front facing laces give just enough visual dimension to make the dress appear to be a new item altogether. Finish this dress with your favorite pair of pumps and you will be ready to wander the town with a new spin on your LBD.

With Tank and Motto Jacket

The trouble with layering in the winter is that I want to be warm, but I don’t want to look like the Michelin Man. But with the help of this corset, it seems I can have my cake and eat it too. I’ve paired my favorite olive green tank with the butterfly corset, and I’ve removed the straps so that the corset sits as a bit of tube top against the tank and raised the corset to sit along my chest.

The corset serves as an added layer of warmth, and the mix of the olive tank helps to neutralize the intensity of the butterfly pattern while still keeping the ensemble lively. To finish this look, I’ve paired the tank and corset duo with a warm and timeless leather jacket and a pair of flared jeans. Voila, in the dead of winter, I am layered, warm and appear nothing like Michelin or his friends.

Kat’s Corset

If you have heard the promises of multi-wear clothing but have found yourself disappointed with the outcome, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the adjustable corset. With the ability to wear it along your chest or waist and adjust front or back facing laces, you have an opportunity to play and re-imagine some style staples that are just sitting dormant in your closet!