The Corsetry Micro-Trend Taking Over 2026 (Thanks, Margot)
Image by: Octer
Call it the Wuthering Heights effect, but fashion just can't quit the corset. Discover Octer's pick of the best corset-style pieces to wear now.
If you thought corsets peaked during the Bridgerton era, think again. 2026’s version is moodier, messier and a little bit feral - in the best way. Blame Margot Robbie. Blame Charli XCX. Blame the sudden cultural urge to dress like you’ve just wandered out of Wuthering Heights with unfinished business. Either way, corsetry is back and it's giving the perfect air of romantic chaos our wardrobe's been missing.
Searches for corset tops, bustier dresses and structured bodices are climbing again, and social feeds are full of lace trims, sheer layers and dramatic silhouettes. So yes, if you’ve been wondering “are corsets back in fashion in 2026?” - the answer is absolutely.
So what's involved in Goth Girl Summer?
It’s sheer blouses. It’s structured bodices. It’s lace, boning, ribbon ties and “I may haunt this estate” energy. It’s romantic, but slightly unhinged. It’s soft-focus makeup with a sharp silhouette. It’s drama, but wearable.
Unlike previous corset comebacks that felt costume-heavy, this micro-trend is surprisingly easy to pull off. The structure is real, but the styling is relaxed. Think corset tops with slouchy denim. Bustiers with oversized blazers. Victorian-inspired silhouettes styled like you didn’t try too hard.
What Makes the 2026 Corset Trend Different?
For the last few years, we've leaned heavily into the milkmaid aesthetic - soft, dainty, darling little lace-up fronts and bows. 2026's corsetry trend isn't a million miles off, but it's cooler and a little more edgy. Instead of hyper-tight silhouettes, you’re seeing balanced proportions. A structured corset paired with loose jeans. A lace bodice worn over a plain white tee. A boned top layered under an oversized shirt. The contrast is what makes it feel modern.
How to Style Corsetry Without Looking Like You’re in a Period Drama
If you’re curious but cautious, start simple. A black corset top with wide-leg jeans and ballet flats is an easy entry point. Add a relaxed blazer and suddenly it feels polished, not theatrical. For a more Cathy take on Goth Girl Summer, look into dresses that nod to the corsetry detail, amped up with long sleeves, a mini length and chunky boots to finish. The key rule for styling corsets in 2026 is balance. Keep one half of the outfit relaxed. Let the structure do the talking.
If you’re ready to lean into the corsetry micro-trend, scroll on to discover pieces that capture the mood without going full costume.
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Sunday Corset Cotton Top
£385.00
Viv is basically the gold standard of modern corsetry. Structured but wearable, it brings that heritage, slightly rebellious Westwood punk energy to the 2026 corset trend without feeling OTT.
Motel
Uliva cap sleeve corset poplin top in black
£34.00
This classic black top delivers clean Victorian lines in crisp cotton, making it ideal for everyday styling.
ASOS
ASOS DESIGN chiffon ruffle tie front blouse in ecru-White
£14.40
Ditch the structure and embrace the bohemian with romantic frills and delicate tie details. This will look especially good contrasted with something minimal and clean - think a crisp bubblehem skirt, or leather shorts.
ASOS
ASOS DESIGN structured corset lace detail maxi dress in chocolate-Brown
£60.00
This leans fully into romantic drama, with a fitted bodice and flowing length that feels very “Goth Girl Summer after dark”. It’s statement-making, but still surprisingly easy to style with simple heels or boots.
House of CB
Emmeliette mini dress in emerald green
£94.50
With its sculpted bodice and rich jewel tone, this is perfect if you want to try the structured silhouette in a way that feels sleek, confident and night-out ready.
ASOS
ASOS DESIGN ruched corset top in white
£21.00
Loving this ultra minimalist take on the look - perfect if you want to capture the mood, but don't want all the trimmings.
ALEX PERRY
Bridal cotton and silk satin bustier dress
£1852.00
Calling all brides who don’t want to look like everyone else - this Alex Perry bridal cotton and silk satin bustier dress is corsetry at its most iconic. Sculpted, snatched and impossibly sleek, it’s giving main-character aisle moment, not fairytale cliché.
Intimately
Make You Mine Corset Top
£58.00
This top is the perfect blend of maximalist print and minimalist detail - focusing more on the shoulders than with any traditional corset detail. Don't worry, you still get that killer carved silhouette - perfect for showing off with some baggy denim.
FREE PEOPLE
Kinney Midi Dress
£98.00
It’s floaty, a little boho, but still shaped through the bodice - think soft romance rather than Wuthering Heights levels of intensity.
Bardot Lawrence
Cotton scoop neck corset detail maxi dress in canary yellow
£164.00
What this waist-defining maxi lacks in detail it makes up for in that perfect sorbet lemon shade. So summery!
Miss Selfridge
Printed lace bow detail floral corset top in pink
£28.99
Delicate florals mix with structured shaping, so it feels equal parts sweet and slightly dramatic - perfect with relaxed denim to stop it tipping into full cottagecore.
ASOS
Free People let's party button down floral top in beehive combo-Multi
£66.00
This feels like a grown-up, ultra-wearable take on the trend - the buttons are such a fun contrast to the lace.
Selkie
Boleyn Dress
£248.00
With its exaggerated silhouette and corset-style bodice, this is pure theatrical romance - like you’ve borrowed it straight out of Margot Robbie's press wardrobe. Adore.