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Courtesy of Free People
Move over cottagecore, bodice core is the next big aesthetic everyone’s searching for this season.
At its simplest, bodice core takes inspiration from the bodice’s long fashion history: a fitted upper garment that defined feminine silhouettes from the Renaissance through modern runways.
But in 2026, designers are reimagining it as a modern powerhouse piece that blurs the line between historical drama and contemporary chic. Think Wuthering Heights: wind-swept moors, intense emotion, and gowns cinched at the waist—that same romantic spirit is reflected in bodice core styling.
According to Harper’s Bazaar, wearing this kind of structured piece doesn’t just alter your shape—it changes your entire presence, giving a posture that feels confident and expressive.
To make the trend wearable today, pair a tailored corsetry-inspired bodice with soft silk trousers or a flowing maxi skirt. Keep colors rich—deep burgundy, forest green, or storm cloud gray—to channel that gothic literary energy. For day, layer it over an oversized white shirt and straight jeans for a balance of soft and structured.
If you’re ready to experiment, we’ve rounded up a few bodice core–inspired tops, dresses, corsets, and more to help you dive in.
How to Wear the Bodice Core Trend:
If you’re ready to try the bodice core trend, start with pieces that blend structure and softness. We rounded up corset-inspired tops, romantic dresses, and statement corsets that make wearing bodice core surprisingly easy.
QINSEN Women's Square Neck Lace Trim Tank
Ease into the trend with a lace-trim camisole that captures bodice core’s dreamy, gothic feel without overwhelming your look.
Scarlet Darkness Corset Top
If you're looking to go full on Emily Brontë, a corset is the way to go. We'd pair this over a white button-up and cigarette jeans for an updated look.
Scarlet Darkness Vintage Long Sleeve Corset Top
We're loving this corset long-sleeve top featuring dramatic billow sleeves that fit right into the bodice core trend. Snag it in a bright ethereal color, or a darker option for a
gothic take.
GLNEGE Floral Midi Corset Dress
You can't go wrong with a midi dress, and this Amazon gem comes in a variety of colors and a corset-inspired fit to accentuate the waist. The best part? It can even be worn as a spring wedding guest dress option.
AQUA x "Wuthering Heights" Bow Back Peasant Top
This romantic peasant top features a delicate bow-back detail that softly cinches the waist, and as part of a Wuthering Heights collaboration, it’s basically destined for this trend.
UO Fia Mesh Off-The-Shoulder Crop Top
The off-the-shoulder neckline of this top beautifully frames the face and leaves room to experiment with bold earrings or a standout beauty moment. Versatile and easy to layer, it shines in casual settings—just add dark-wash jeans, heeled ballerinas, and a statement earring.
Reformation Balia Linen Dress
A structured bodice and subtle ruching at the neckline give this butter-yellow Reformation dress a romantic feel, balanced by supportive straps and a waist that highlights your shape before flowing into a dreamy skirt.
Floerns Women's Off Shoulder Ruched Corset Crop Top
Wear this ruched corset with classic dark denim and ballet sneakers, then finish with old-school-inspired jewelry for a subtle statement.
Free People Elliot Smocked Solid Top
Designed with delicate smocking, this easy button-front top is framed by ruffle details that add a romantic finish.
Free People Intimately Make You Mine Corset Top
This Intimately corset top in printed mesh sculpts the silhouette with front and back boning, finished with picot trim and dramatic adjustable shoulder ties.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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