Corset Dresses in the Season's Most Coveted Prints

Making the transition from spring to summer, corset dresses are currently on my list of must-haves for the season. As with many of the trends that I have featured on this blog, the corset dress is highly conventional. Whether paired with flats, pumps, or chunky wedges, it can be worn on a variety of occasions. Printed or solid, strapped or strapless, the options are endless. For those seeking a more conservative look, the addition of a simple cardigan will tone down these otherwise attention-grabbing dresses.


Upon first reading the subject of shopbop’s e-mail, I was reminded of the skin-tight corsets that women such as Mary Antoinette would have worn. Luckily for us, today’s corset dress is a huge step-up from the ones that left women breathless and faint in the sixteenth century. Profiling corset dresses from Nanette Lepore, Derek Lam, and Brian Reyes’ Spring 2010 Runway collections, shopbop takes a look at the season’s most coveted prints.

Below I have featured a variety of corset styled dresses that I think would be a perfect addition to any girl’s wardrobe. Fun, flirty, and fabulous is exactly what I had in mind when making my selections.


Both by Rebecca Taylor, these two corset dresses are exactly what I am looking for. Sophisticated, feminine, and youthful….need I say more! The Quilted Tea Dress contains just the right splash of color to bring to life the dress’s sweet floral print. With pockets and a full skirt, it provides for an effortlessly chic look. Created in the pinkest of pinks, Taylor’s Blush Corset Dress captures a girly-girl at her best. With another fun floral print, it is the perfect dress for spring and summer. I absolutely love how structured the bodice is in contrast to the flouncy skirt. When paired with an embroidered white cardigan, you really cannot go wrong with either of these.


The quilted detail in the corsets is what attracted me to these dresses. Always a great source for dresses, Anthropologie presents the perfect option for a casual outing. With a quilted bodice and intricate paisley design, this Silken Pathways dress is nice and understated. While the dress does contain a festive pattern, its simple silhouette downplays the vibrant colors. This Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent corset dress in cerulean is equally pleasing. The dress’ solid top nicely complements its patterned skirt. The palette of pale and dark blues mixed in with hints of gold and white is what makes this dress so special.


I found this Floral Strapless Flounce dress by Parker to be simply irresistible. With a structured sweetheart bodice and lightweight silk skirt, it contains all the characteristics that I hoped to find in a corset-like dress: fun, flirty, and fabulous all in one! Containing a muted palette of pinks, yellows, greens, and white, this dress is ladylike chic at its best. Whether worn alone or with a black boyfriend blazer, I know that it would make a statement.


One reason to love this corset dress: You can never go wrong with black. This Raya dress by Guess is a great alternative to the traditional LBD. With a fun plaid corset and short length, it is both youthful and unexpected. Not too formal or too casual, this dress could definitely work to your advantage.


While this is not exactly a corset dress, it does share similar characteristics. With a sweetheart neckline, this body hugging knit sweater dress by Twelve by Twelve (exclusively sold at Forever 21) is bargain priced just under $30.00. The pearls embedded within the black mesh material at the dress’ neckline are reminiscent of the lingerie-inspired details prevalent in runway shows this season.


Minimalism is always fashionable in my book. While this Alice and Olivia bustier dress is plain – I really like it. The pastel pink bustier paired with the rosy pink skirt evoke a nostalgic feeling of romance and innocence. With a dress like this, you will never come across as trying too hard to impress. As some would say, “less is more.”


Priced over $2,500, this Baroque corset dress by Versace is stunning. With structured details and folds, I find the silhouette of the dress itself intriguing. While yellow dresses can often come across as tacky or too audacious, Versace manages to keep it from becoming overwhelming. My favorite part about this dress is how the dot-print panels are naturally worked in with the organic, floral print.

You Need This: The Striped Tee

For my first post, I have decided to share my newly found love for the striped tee. Opening up this e-mail from Intermix, a high-end boutique and online store, I was immediately filled with excitement. While I admit striped shirts have never been my favorite, I now see them as a wardrobe staple.

In fashion, attention to detail is essential. Whether it is a simple embellishment or a slight alteration in the silhouette, details are what truly make a piece of clothing distinct. When shopping for clothes, I am definitely drawn to pieces that are unique and reflective of my personal style. My favorite designers are the ones who transform monotonous trends into ones that are fresh and innovative.

After browsing online, I came across dozens of variations of the striped t-shirt. All of the shirts that I selected below are unique in some way.


What initially attracted me to this Sonia by Sonia Rykiel long-sleeved t-shirt (left) is the ruffled hem found along the bottom. I love how the addition of ruffles with dynamic lines completely transforms what would otherwise have been a simple shirt.

This striped ¾ sleeve tee by Michael Stars (right) is another great option. Michael Stars’ tees are truly amazing. Created from the softest fabrics and designed in a variety of silhouettes, these shirts are great investment pieces. My favorite thing about this tee is the pocket and cropped length. With skinny black stripes set against the white of the tee shirt, it appears both classic and effortless at the same time.

Not only is this shirt from Forever 21 (left) incredibly affordable, but it is also conventional. With ruffled sleeves, it would look great tucked into a skirt or paired with jeans.

Topshop's (right) short-sleeved tee is fun, girly, and chic all at the same time. I like how the huge, black silk bow on the shoulder conveys a level of sophistication that cannot be found with the traditional striped tee.

Since the store Anthropologie had a tremendous selection of distinct striped shirts, I decided to feature a few of my favorites.

I was instantly drawn to this striped tank by Little Yellow Button (left) for its artistic detail. With green fringed appliqués made from felt, this tank exudes a very polished look. I especially love how the fabric gathers at the waist, creating a drapery effect.

While this tee by one.september (center) is fairly plain, it is refreshing to see the elaborate scrunching detail on the front with small hints of gold embroidery.

Also by Little Yellow Button is this adorable tee reminiscent of the character Blair Waldorf from the television show Gossip Girl. Adorned with delicate ivory blooms, I find this shirt absolutely irresistible. Though obviously a very feminine shirt, the zigzag stripes also make it very structured. While the contrast between the frilliness of the flowers and the bold zigzag stripes is unexpected, it definitely works.

This shirt by Gryphon (left) is one of my favorites. With a cropped length and attached golden star necklace, it was incredibly easy for me to fall in love with this top. It also contains thin, imperfectly painted black stripes that set it apart from similar shirts. The gold necklace and shoulder buttons contrast the white tone of the shirt to achieve a high level of sophistication.

In terms of high-fashion, I adore the late Alexander McQueen’s version of the striped shirt (right). Slightly oversized with solid and printed patches, McQueen’s tee is like no other. The mixing of prints and sparse use of violet is what makes this tee so visually appealing. Though the patches are random, they complement the top’s silhouette and large stripes. With his avant-garde design, McQueen redefines what the striped tee should be.

Finally, Topshop shows how versatile stripes can be with their striped tank featuring a “rock couple graphic.” Though far too edgy for my wardrobe, I definitely could see this tank top under a leather jacket with a pair of skinny leg jeans.

With so many options, I am ready to embrace the stripe trend that I once readily ignored. As the designer Marc Jacobs proves in his Spring 2010 Runway show, one should not be afraid to pair mismatched prints together in one ensemble.