Sparklewren Corset, Photographer: seanelliottphotography.co.uk

The corset is probably the most controversial garment in the history of lingerie. A constant fascination for fashion historians and fetishists alike, an instrument of torture for women for 400 years, the corset is both a contemporary obsession that laces people into physical ideals and a most important garment in the lingerie as outerwear trend.

Beautiful, feminine lacy pieces – a touch of boudoir glamour to a modern wardrobe, but the question is how to wear your corset?

First and foremost, choose the appropriate corset piece for your figure.

Good coverage corset for the full figure

Hips and Curves Belted Polka Dot Bustier – $ 49.9

This sinfully sweet polka dot stretch satin bustier has underwire cups for support and a Lycra net back with hook and eye closure. It comes with removable shoulder straps, detachable garters, and patent leather belt. Includes matching thong and stockings for a full figure gorgeousness.

Daisy Embroidered Basque – $ 89.90                                    Elomi Basque - $90

The Hips and Curves Serena basque and the Elomi basque with corded embroidery are sexy and elegant. Structured with light boning in the cups for a comfortable lift, it adds shaping and support. Body boning gives you a smooth and flattering silhouette. Serena’s shoulder straps and garters are detachable so the lace basque can be worn with or without straps/stockings. The garters are detachable from the Elomi basque as well.

Stretch over structure

1. Affinitas Intimates Pamela – $50       2. Parfait Fiona - $65      3. Arianne Marilyn – $90

These stretch bustiers with not boned sides are a gorgeous addition to your lingerie collection too. Each style selected has a specific touch. Affinitas Intimats satin bustiers embrace your silhouette in a delicate, comfortable shape.  The  all-over stretch floral lace Arianne bustier with the corsetry lacing at front is provocative and pretty.  The removable adjustable straps on all three allow you to find your comfortable fit, while being stunningly sexy.

Stylish celebrity style

Alesha Dixon in Atsuko Kudo for Fabulous Magazine

Lady Gaga, Rihanna & Beyonce have a huge merit in reviving the corset fashion. Dita von Teese (pictured in a Velda Lauder corset here) is the queen of them all.

A great pick for the corset as outerwear fashion is the extremely versatile, traditional black heavy weight satin corset with front fastening for easy access from Agent Provocateur (pictured above). Steal spiral boning moulds to your body creating the ultimate hourglass shape. The corset comes with detachable suspenders.

Scandalous, extravagant (see Atsuko Kudo) or classic, the celebs corsets choices will sure make you look and feel like a star, too.

The retro, vintage style corset

What Katie Did Red and Black Pigalle Laurie Corset

Sexy, sultry & seductive. This gorgeous corset from What Katie Did combines luxury fabric with vintage style. The soft silk is overlayed with pretty ruffles & ribbon trimming. Ideal as a gift or an indulgent treat.  Katie Halford, the amazing designer behind What Katie Did  wrote an excellent article on Guide to Corsets that you should check out as an additional reading to this post.

Angela Friedman corsets offer an impeccable quality and craftsmanship. Her design styles are timeless but the approach is modern, and women love it. This image is part of the Versailles Collection that will be available for purchase starting June 2 2012. We’ll let you know about this collection soon.

Vollers Red Cat Satin Overbust Corset

You may always lavish yourself in a Vollers Corset. They are elegant, timeless, and of excellent quality, as shown in the above photo. The boned red print body is finished with an underwired bra and comes with front fastening, back lacing, and detachable suspenders. A  perfect vintage look for night, and day.

Electra Designs Corsetry

If you want to own an exquisite, made to order corset, try Electra Designs Corsetry. In the photo you can see one example of a sweetheart overbust corset with straight bottom edge and full bust coverage, made of turquoise and white cherry blossom chinese brocade with white chinese silk binding and laces.

How to wear your corset

And now, that we’ve cleared some of the most ardent corset issues, here’s several tips of how to wear your corset and lead the latest fashion trends at the same time.

Pair your corset with a leather jacket, jeans and high heels and you’ll give any fashionista a run for her money. For a casual, office-appropriate look, team your corset with masculine tailoring, wide legged pants . A combination of blouse, skirt and wide belt can also be the ideal outfit with a corset because it can be worn on almost any occasion. Smart, sexy, saucy – the decision of the corset look is yours.

Remember it’s really good for looking sultry rather than slutty, and while it is easy to get wrong, it’s incredibly sexy if the corset look is done right.