I can’t stop thinking about this 1980s-inspired outfit that’s perfect for all occasions

By Freya Drohan
23rd Mar 2020

I can’t stop thinking about this 1980s-inspired outfit that’s perfect for all occasions

Flame emoji-worthy corsets are no longer confined to just the boudoir

A recent scan through the saved outfits tab on my Instagram seemed to bring me on a veritable time traveling trip to the 1980s. Yet, thanks to thoroughly modern styling, there’s something so current about the bustier and high-waisted paper-bag pants combo that is coming at me from all angles on social media.

The underwear-as-outerwear trend has been steadily gaining momentum for seasons past, but reached fever pitch for Spring/Summer 2020. Perhaps spurred on by the viral ‘Hot Girl Summer’ moment that dominated last summer, designers like Tom Ford, Christopher Kane and Gucci’s Alessandro Michele promoted the idea of placing lingerie front and center.

Vera Wang also dabbled, with gothic, sheer bustiers paired over more structured pieces; while Dion Lee played with the idea of sculpted balconette bras, harnesses and garter belts worn confidently over fluid pants and tops.

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But how to make these typically ‘NSFW’ garments work as part of your everyday wardrobe? By following the foolproof approach of offsetting the inherent sexiness of underwear with something slouchy and, perhaps even, masculine.

Instagram’s leading style innovators beat me to it, having already started pairing their strapless bustiers with high-waisted trousers in denim and leather in a 1980s-meets-Isabel Marant twist.

Pro tip: add a boyfriend blazer on top for added French girl insouciance.