The evolution of the corset has a fascinating story, beginning in Renaissance Europe and appearing in popular culture in various guises, from the runway to today's streetwear. The return of the corset invites us to consider how the corset evolved in its use and implications - from a garment that symbolized oppression to a chic, sexy fashion statement - and how we style the corset today. A Little History The corset gained popularity in the 1500s and 1600s in the courts of France, where women idealized the look of a small waist. The idea for the corset was simple: slim the stomach and waist while accentuating the bust. Corsets were worn as both under and outer garments. In the 1700s, corsets were designed to improve posture, as an upright posture and high chest were desirable at the time. Corsets also became more intricate and some featured artistic designs, gold trim, and silk brocades. By the 1830s, the structure of corsets had changed to emphasize a more natural hourglass shape. They also became easier to put on and take off with the use of hook and eye clasps. At the turn of the 20th century, the shape of corsets changed again, this time to accommodate the spine's natural "S" shape. The corsets of the 1900s Edwardian Era were a much healthier form of shapewear, since the shape of corsets for centuries prior had caused women significant pain and actually harmed their internal organs. After World War I, the corset declined in popularity due to shortages in materials after the war and a burgeoning feminist movement. Styles became looser and simpler and shapewear evolved into separate girdles and brassieres instead of full corsets. 21st Century Revival In the 70s, Vivienne Westwood began using corsets as part of her historically inspired punk aesthetic. Her vision was a colorful, fresh take on the corset. Although Westwood got the ball rolling in revisiting corsets, her experimentation with corsets was soon followed by Jean-Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler in the 80s. Since then, other designer like Tom Ford and Yves Saint Laurent have used corsets or created corset-inspired looks, while figures like Madonna have brought the corset back into the public eye. Today, period dramas like Bridgerton have reintroduced the corset into our every day consciousness. Styling the Corset Today Today, the corset is a versatile garment that doesn't denote high fashion as it did in the olden days. It can be seen in various contexts and styles. One popular way to style a corset is with high waisted pants, as shown in the photo above. Another popular option is the corset dress or corset shirts. And if you don't own a full corset, you can easily create a corset look by pairing a corset-inspired belt or an ubderbust corset with a long shirt or dress. First and last photos courtesy of Corset Story Italiano; middle image courtesy of Getty Images.

The trend in watches is clear: thick straps, boxy watch faces, and bold designs all around are a fashion moment that we're loving. However, these popular designs feel and look cumbersome for those of us have smaller hands and wrists. But fear not -- there are diverse, lovely options for petite wrists, or for those who appreciate watches with a more slender look. 1. Fossil: Carlie Mini Three-Hand Gray Leather Watch Fossil always has a wonderful variety of watches, which now include smart watches, solar powered rechargeable watches, and traditional mechanical watches. The Carlie Mini features a gray leather strap, a gray face, and a stainless steel rose gold case. As reviewers aptly noted, this watch can be dressed up or down, and the gray and gold colors easily match other color palettes. The Carlie Mini retails for $100. 2. Rosefield: The Oval Pearl Gold Lilac Rosefield sells beautiful, trendy watches, with an eye toward colorful watch bands. The Oval Pearl Gold Lilac consists of a leather band in lilac with a white pearl watch face enclosed by brass gold. Fresh and unique, this pastel lilac watch is a perfect complement to any spring style. The oval face is also lovely for a petite wrist. The Oval Pearl Gold Lilac retails for $119. 3. Vanna: Eclipse Ocean Designed in LA, Vanna's watches are perfect for those who appreciate an avant-garde, sophisticated style. The Eclipse Watch features a thick band balanced by the chic elegance in the outline of a half moon. Made of stainless steel and 23k gold plating, this is a sturdy but elegant watch. The face color also comes in emerald, pearl, and jet black. The Eclipse Watch retails for $195. 4. Vanna: Claire Sandstone Another classy option from Vanna is the Claire Sandstone watch, a rose gold bangle with a genuine blue sandstone dial. The bangle is a classic look for petite wrists (unfortunately, this isn't a popular look at the moment, which is why Vanna appears twice on this list!). The simple band and glittery watch face make for an elegant, refined look. The Claire Sandstone retails for $195. 5. Kate Spade: Monroe Pearl Bracelet Watch Somewhat less common, especially with today's trends in women's watches, are bracelet watches. Kate Spade's Monroe Watch perfectly blends the elegance of a pearl bracelet and the practicality of refined watch. The watch consists of a gold-tone stainless steel case, a pearl and gold-tone stainless steel bracelet, and a pearl watch face. This is the perfect watch for a dressy occasion. It retails for $248. 6. Movado: Movado BOLD Bangle Last but certainly not least is Movado's BOLD Bangle in black. The watch is made of a black ion-plated stainless steel case and bangle, a black sunray dial, a pearl finish on the watch face, and a crystal set dot. This is a sleek, contemporary watch that will enhance any look. The Movado BOLD Bangle retails for $495.

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