Bust-boosting corsets are back in style — but more ‘villain’ than victorian

Where elegance meets sultry, fashionistas find the corset.

The timeless wardrobe staple, which compliments the bust and waistline, is an edgier take on the more romantic renditions of regency– or balletcore.

While the introduction of the lace-up binder isn’t necessarily new — they’ve been en vogue again since the 2020 on-screen debut of “Bridgerton” — it has been steadily gaining traction as the fall’s hottest trend for a GNO (a girls’ night out, for the uninitiated).

Dubbed “villaincore,” the latest iteration of the ever-popular corset is a darker twist on the dreamy, renaissance-inspired bodice, with sharp silhouettes that emulate an air of sexy wickedness fit for a villainess — their only crime being drop-dead gorgeous.

In Paris last month, Selena Gomez stepped out for dinner in a black bustier and cropped blazer paired with a sultry smokey eye. At the Video Music Awards’ after party, Gomez appeared in a vibrant purple number with a regal drop waist and scooped neck, while her bestie Taylor Swift arrived in a denim corseted frock.

At Paris Fashion Week, “Euphoria” star Sydney Sweeney was photographed in a jet black, fitted Miu Miu mini dress designed with a boned bodice similar to a corset.

But the trend isn’t reserved for A-listers — New York Fashion Week runways proved the corset has cemented its place with style mavens year-round.

While Mirror Palais’ Vivienne Westwood-esque structured bodices and Kim Shui’s vibrant, floral bustiers relied on feminine shapes and soft edges, Christian Siriano has leaned into more angular designs with dramatic, pointed drop waists with criss-cross lacing. The hair styling even paid homage to the garments, featuring braids laced up with ribbon.

The trend comes on the heels of the summery peekaboo bra fad — seemingly an intentional wardrobe malfunction in which the wearer purposefully flaunts a bit of the cup — which overtook red carpets in warmer months.

The “villaincore” bodice, however, lacks the once-popular primness of rounded necklines and delicate lace, instead touting sharp angles and dark color tones perfect for the coming cold months.