Define and Enhance

Want to create or emphasize a sexy womanly silhouette? Then a corset-style garment is definitely the way to go!

Historically, a corset is an article of clothing worn mostly by women who desired to emphasize a slim hourglass figure by physically reducing the waist.

photo courtesy wikipedia.org

The appearance of a corseted body was thought to be visually pleasing but there were also serious health risks as a result of prolonged or incorrect wear, such as difficulty breathing and organ deformation.

photo courtesy aura.zaadz.com

Although some women still practice wearing authentic corsets, most just prefer to wear clothing that mimics the visual effects they create.

Corset-style tops and dresses were recently seen on Charlize Theron at the 2008 MTV Movie Awards on June 1, Victoria Beckham while promoting her dVB line on May 15 and Jada Pinkett Smith at the premiere of Kit Kittredge in New York on June 19.

Sarah Jessica Parker also wore a feathered corset in the Sex and the City Movie, Rihanna wore a dress with a corset-like bodice to the third annual “Cartier Love Day” Lighting Ceremony on June 19 and Heidi Klum wore a leather corset top at the opening of Trump International Hotel in Dubai on June 24.

photos courtesy justjared.com, zimbio.com and latimesblogs.latimes.com

You too can shape up with the corset-style clothing options below.

Esther Corset Top
Price: US$39.50
http://www.gbyguess.com/ProductDetails.aspx?style=R8320500&image=R8320500-MAJE&root_category|1952=WOMEN&category|1952=WOMEN&browse=1&rpt=Department.aspx&pt=ProductListing.aspx

DKNY Jeans Corset Seamed Shirt
Price: US$45.90
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2983143/0~2376788~6002242~6007533~6007560?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6007560&P=3

Floral Print Corset Top
Price: US$30.00
http://www.giannascloset.com/pd_floral_print_corset.cfm

Cargo Jacket
Price: US$29.99
http://www.metrostyle.com/clothing/Cargo-Jacket.aspx?PfId=123890&DeptId=8760&producttypeid=1&pref=ps&PurchaseType=G

Stitch & Belt Sleeveless Top
Price: US$19.99
http://www.papayaclothing.com/shop/goods_detail.php?goodsIdx=2713

Grey Corset T-Shirt
Price: UK £12.00 (US$23.63)
http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=20552&storeId=12552&productId=735642&langId=-1&categoryId=&parent_category_rn=

Gathered Corset Top
Price: US$22.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=casual+tops&product%5Fid=2050737516&showBACK=OK

Mold Cup Bustier
Price: US$13.99
http://www.mandee.com/nshop/product.php?view=detail&groupName=&productid[]=MD-M01321012799459&startColor[]=&dept=keyword&sale=


Tripp Green Plaid Ruffle Strap Corset
Price: US$42.00
http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/store/product.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302028527&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442172401&bmUID=1214198572937

Corset Dress
Price: US$34.99
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=8U-210633&cgname=OSKEYCLOZZZ&rfnbr=3198

Belted Corset
Price: US$15.50
http://www.agacistore.com/product/junior+fashion+tops/dressy+tops/belted+corset.do?search=basic&keyword=corset&sortby=newArrivals&page=1#

Eyelet Corset
Price: US$20.99
http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2996547&cp=&view=all&sr=1&origkw=corset&kw=corset&parentPage=search&searchId=