Fashion
A fashion attention-grabber: Nine Bridgerton-inspired ways to wear the bustier
![A fashion attention-grabber: Nine Bridgerton-inspired ways to wear the bustier A fashion attention-grabber: Nine Bridgerton-inspired ways to wear the bustier](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/8231/4115512_1_seoimageog_GettyImages-1668587504_1_.jpg)
Since the 19th-century Netflix drama, Bridgerton, debuted in 2020, a redux of empire waists and plunging necklines espoused an uplifting fashion aesthetic—Regencycore.
As the third instalment of the mega-series unveils its extravagant wardrobe inspiration, it feels timely to revisit a fashion favourite—the bustier top.
Historically, the bustier lives up to its name in attracting the eye to the bust and decolletage.
Assisted by its waist-whittling cousin, the corset; the two sometimes do double duty in creating a rather zaftig silhouette with sculpted cups, lacing and boning.
Although eye-catching, this sounds like a lot of work, especially after returning from holidays where I spent my days relaxing in loose clothes.
Thankfully, today’s iterations allow for real-world situations like finishing a paella at lunch before tucking into red tuna belly sashimi and beef carpaccio a few hours later.
For a bustier with more leverage in its execution, I’ve got you covered.
Essential Antwerp’s knitted beauties win big. & Other Stories corset tops (they sell out quickly) boast an accordion effect around the middle while CAMI NYC’s vegan leather style is unexpectedly stretchy.
Styling-wise, keep to a tonal palette for a long, lean look. Mind the gap with high-waisted trousers and add an oversized blazer for a masculine edge.
Puddle jeans, Adidas Gazelle sneakers and a vintage tracksuit jacket will also keep the look low-key.
Prefer something more refined? Lean into 2024’s balletcore brethren with a tulle maxi skirt, cardigan and barre flats.
This summer, I’m lending my bustier some French chic with an A-line skirt, rattan bag and espadrille wedges.
Who knows? I may even acquire a small dog.
1. A model walks the runway during the Christian Siriano SS24 Runway Show at The Pierre Hotel on September 08, 2023 in New York City.
![Maje tweed bustier top, Brown Thomas, €175 Maje tweed bustier top, Brown Thomas, €175](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/8230/4115488_1_articleinline_Maje_2btweed_2bbustier_2btop_2c_2bBrown_2bThomas_2c_2b_e2_82_ac175.jpg)
2. Maje tweed bustier top, Brown Thomas, €175
![Sculptural corset top, & Other Stories, €129 Sculptural corset top, & Other Stories, €129](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/8230/4115491_1_articleinline_Sculptural_2bcorset_2btop_2c_2b_26_2bOther_2bStories_2c_2b_e2_82_ac129.jpg)
3. Sculptural corset top, & Other Stories, €129
![Simkhai 'Dalila' cropped lace bustier top, The Outnet, €194 Simkhai 'Dalila' cropped lace bustier top, The Outnet, €194](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/8230/4115494_1_articleinline_Simkhai_2b_27Dalila_27_2bcropped_2blace_2bbustier_2btop_2c_2bThe_2bOutnet_2c_2b_e2_82_ac194.jpg)
4. Simkhai ‘Dalila’ lace bustier top, The Outnet, €194
![CAMI NYC ‘Elloise’ cropped bustier top, The Outnet, €158 CAMI NYC ‘Elloise’ cropped bustier top, The Outnet, €158](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/8230/4115497_1_articleinline_CAMI_2bNYC_2b_e2_80_98Elloise_e2_80_99_2bcropped_2bbustier_2btop_2c_2bThe_2bOutnet_2c_2b_e2_82_ac158.jpg)
5. CAMI NYC ‘Elloise’ cropped bustier top, The Outnet, €158
![Puffed sleeve corset top, & Other Stories, €99 Puffed sleeve corset top, & Other Stories, €99](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/8231/4115500_1_articleinline_Puffed_2bsleeve_2bcorset_2btop_2c_2b_26_2bOther_2bStories_2c_2b_e2_82_ac99.jpg)
6. Puffed sleeve corset top, & Other Stories, €99
![Feather bustier top, Marella, €195 Feather bustier top, Marella, €195](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/8231/4115503_1_articleinline_Feather_2bbustier_2btop_2c_2bMarella_2c_2b_e2_82_ac195.jpg)
7. Feather bustier top, Marella, €195
!['Emme’ floral bustier top, Marella, €89 'Emme’ floral bustier top, Marella, €89](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/8231/4115506_1_articleinline_e2_80_98Emme_e2_80_99_2bfloral_2bbustier_2btop_2c_2bMarella_2c_2b_e2_82_ac89.jpg)
8. ‘Emme’ floral bustier top, Marella, €89
![Knitted bustier top, Essentiel Antwerp, €115 Knitted bustier top, Essentiel Antwerp, €115](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/8231/4115509_1_articleinline_Knitted_2bbustier_2btop_2c_2bEssentiel_2bAntwerp_2c_2b_e2_82_ac115.jpg)
9. Knitted bustier top, Essentiel Antwerp, €115