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A corset is a simple yet elegant garment that wraps around the bodice, attaching with hooks or lace. The middle of the front section comes down in a V-shape, with the sides sitting higher. Corsets can also have loads of style. Fancy corsets usually feature lace-up fronts and sometimes lace-up backs, with decorative ribbons, frills, lace or feathers.
Collared Blouse
The lace-up collared blouse merges the femininity of lace with the practicality of the collared button-down shirt. Instead of buttons, though, you use lace to hold the shirt together. The lace winds up the front like in a corset, and you tie it in a bow at the top. A long, fitted lace-up blouse looks extra feminine, almost like a dress. As long as these tops aren't too revealing, they can even look semiprofessional enough for workplaces with a relaxed dress code.
Peasant Blouse
Lace-up peasant blouses often feature a bodice cut like a corset. The bodice hugs your bod tightly, but the shirt may flow downward more loosely at the waist. The sleeves are long and flowing, too. Like corsets, these blouses usually feature wide scoop necks. They're ultrafeminine with medieval flair or a hot pirate vibe. Wear them on a hot date, a girl's night out or anytime you want to look a little exotic.
Lace-up Backs and Sides
A blouse can also lace up the back, just as corsets do, whether the front laces up or not. Some blouses lace up the entire back; others lace up just partway. This is a hot look for airy blouses that gather loosely, as well as body-hugging numbers. Blouses can also lace up the sides, or up the sleeves.
Lace-up Sides
If you don't know what to do with that old, baggy T-shirt, try this little experiment: Create a lace-up front, back, sides or sleeves by snipping holes in the fabric to pull a ribbon through. You'll first need to separate the fabric that you'll lace together. Simply cut it up the middle with a pair of sharp scissors. For instance, if you're creating a lace-up front, you'll first cut the shirt straight up the middle, then snip small holes directly across from each other down the length of the shirt. Voila! A lace-up front.
