If youāve watched Underworld Awakening over the weekend, you couldnāt have missed the super-fit Kate Beckinsale dressed in an all-leather outfit and, most importantly, her leather corset.

It seems that Kate Beckinsale was more concerned about fitting into the leather corset than the daredevil stunts and the heavy-duty action scenes. Not surprising, considering that the first Underworld movie was shot almost a decade ago.
Nevertheless, if you think Kate Beckinsale looks sexy in this (I certainly do), thereās an easy way to get the corseted look without time-travelling to the Victorian era or holding your breath.
Say hello to the bustier!

Ok, not this bustier (from La Senza), but the ones Iāve written about below. Read onā¦
Why a bustier?
Sure, bustiers are usually associated with lingerie (they give the woman a higher bust line and a shapely waist), but as innerwear transformed into outerwear over the past few seasons, bustiers had a coming out of sorts (pun intended).
Bustier v/s corset
So whatās the difference between a bustier and a corset? For one, a bustier lacks the lacing and āboningā of a typical corset (they give shape to the wearer). Secondly, a bustier usually ends at the ribs or waist, while a corset can be of varying lengths.
If you want to wear a bustier to get a more defined torso, take your pick from the options below.
Bustier as a dress
Bustier dresses can be fitted or A-line, long or short.
Below: Denim bustier dress, Sabrina bustier bandage dress both from Forever New; Winter Love strapless dress from French Connection, gown from Jatin Varma (LFW W/F 2011)


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Bustier as a top
I spotted a number of bustier tops at Bebe recently, and they looked absolutely fab! They ranged from sporty to sexy, and the satin ones were especially attractive. š
Below: Space dye bustier top, Embellished pleated bustier, heart-shaped satin bustier, all from Bebe.
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Bustier as a camisole or Indian-style blouse
Wear a bustier as a camisole under a sheer blouse, shirt or jacket. Or wear a bustier as a blouse with your sari or lehenga this wedding season.
Below: Lace bustier camisole from Forever New, look from Satya Paul LFW S/R 2011


Bustier warning!
Wearing a bustier as outerwear is not easy, especially in India- it takes guts and a good figure. š So here are a couple of tips when youāre buying or wearing one.
A garment can only enhance what you already haveābeing in shape really helps. And not all bustier garments give good support. So be careful what you choose.
Innerwear matters: A bustier top or dress may require additional support from within especially if youāre a curvy girl. So shop for the right lingerie to look shapely and smart in your bustier.
Cover up: Bare shoulders and plunging neckline are not exactly appropriate or acceptable street wear in India. So wear a matching shrug or jacket over your bustier when youāre out, which you could take off when youāre indoors at a party or dinner.
Accessorise right: Thereās nothing cooler than a long necklace to go with a bustier top or dress. Very flattering if you got the right curves!
Below: Feather charm necklace from Toniq

Are you ready to wear a bustier?